Early Life and Education

Born on April 21, 1988, in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, Sophie Rundle is the daughter of Fiona and Michael Rundle. She grew up alongside her two brothers, James and Henry. Rundle attended Bournemouth School for Girls before pursuing her passion for acting. Her dedication to the craft led her to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting. During her time at RADA, she appeared in various student productions, laying the groundwork for her professional career.

Acting Career and Notable Roles

Rundle made her film debut in 2007 in the horror-comedy Small Town Folk, starring opposite Warwick Davis. After completing her training at RADA, she began securing more prominent roles, with one of her early notable appearances in the 2012 ITV drama miniseries Titanic, created to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic maritime disaster.

She subsequently appeared in the 2012 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, alongside Jeremy Irvine, Helena Bonham Carter, and Ralph Fiennes. That same year, she gained further recognition for her role in the mystery drama The Bletchley Circle. Though the series was eventually cancelled, it added to her growing resume of critically regarded performances.

Rundle’s breakthrough came when she was cast as Ada Shelby in the highly successful BBC series Peaky Blinders, which follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family in post-World War I Birmingham. Her portrayal of the intelligent, strong-willed sister of Thomas Shelby has been widely praised and remains one of her most defining roles.

Additional Television Work

Beyond Peaky Blinders, Sophie Rundle has earned acclaim for her performances in several other British television dramas. She starred as DC Fiona Griffiths in Talking to the Dead, and took on significant roles in Call the Midwife, Happy Valley, Not Safe for Work, Brief Encounters, and Jamestown. In 2018, she appeared in the critically acclaimed political thriller Bodyguard, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most talented actresses in British television.

When Peaky Blinders returned for its fifth season in August 2019, Rundle reprised her role as Ada Shelby, continuing to captivate audiences with her commanding presence and nuanced performance.

Personal Life and Relationships

Sophie Rundle resides in London and is in a relationship with actor and writer Matt Stokoe. The couple has collaborated both professionally and personally, and in 2019, they began renovating a Victorian home together. They have shared glimpses of the renovation process on social media, offering fans a more personal look into their life beyond the screen.