Lily Collins is a renowned actor and model of British-American origin. She launched her acting and modeling career at the tender age of two, influenced by her famous father, musician Phil Collins. Despite a successful acting career, not many are aware of her initial interest in journalism. After graduating from the ‘University of Southern California,’ she gained recognition as a writer for leading teenage publications such as ‘Teen Vogue’ and ‘Seventeen.’ She also hosted a series of political campaigns sponsored by Nickelodeon.
Her first acting role was in the film ‘The Blind Side,’ followed by a lead role in an action-thriller. But her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Snow White in ‘Mirror Mirror,’ which opened doors to a flourishing career in Hollywood. As a model, she worked for various high-profile brands and received many accolades. She was awarded the ‘International Model of the Year’ by Spain’s ‘Glamour’ magazine after being handpicked by ‘Chanel’ to wear one of their gowns. In 2008, she was declared as ‘One to Watch’ at the ‘Young Hollywood Awards.’
Early Years and Education
Lily Jane Collins was innate on March 18, in Guildford, Surrey, England. Her father, Phil Collins, is a celebrated English musician, and her mother, Jill Tavelman, served as the former president of the ‘Beverly Hills Women’s Club.’ Phil Collins, before marrying Jill Tavelman, an American citizen, was married to Andrea Bertorelli from 1975 to 1980.
Lily Collins has a mixed heritage of Russian Jewish, English, and German. Her first TV appearance was in the ‘BBC series ‘Growing Pains’ when she was just two.
In 1996, she relocated to Los Angeles at seven years old due to her parents’ separation. Collins attended the ‘Harvard-Westlake School’ and post-graduation, she pursued a major in broadcast journalism from the ‘University of Southern California.’ During her teenage years, she contributed articles to several well-known magazines, including ‘NY Confidential,’ ‘Los Angeles Times,’ ‘Teen Vogue,’ and ‘Seventeen.’ She has three half-brothers.
Simon and Nicholas Collins are from her father’s first marriage, whereas Matthew Collins is from his third marriage. During her adolescence, Collins battled an eating disorder, which she disclosed in her book ‘Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me.’
Notable Works
Lily Jane Collins has starred in some truly noteworthy films. One of the most recognized roles in her career was the 2011 psychological action-thriller, ‘Abduction.’ She also delivered a powerful performance in ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ in 2013, a film adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s award-winning book series. In 2016, she displayed her talent in the romantic comedy-drama ‘Rules Don’t Apply,’ earning her a nomination for a ‘Golden Globe Award’.
Accolades
Lily Collins has been recognized numerous times for her contributions to the industry. In 2008, she was honored with the ‘Young Hollywood Award’ as ‘One to Watch,’ and Spain’s ‘Glamour’ magazine named her ‘International Model of the Year’. She was dubbed one of the ‘Hottest Daughters of Rock Stars’ in 2009, and in 2012, Collins was awarded the ‘Pandora Breakthrough Artist Award’ at ‘Glamour’s Women of The Year Awards.’
Private Life & Influence
Always valuing her privacy, Lily Collins has generally kept her romantic life out of the public eye. However, it was known that she was romantically involved with Jamie Campbell Bower in 2012. The relationship ended in 2013, which Collins attributed to the pressures that come with a public relationship, an issue she witnessed firsthand with her parents. In 2015, she revealed that she and Bower had reconciled and expressed her wish to marry him.
Philanthropic Efforts
Lily Collins is an active voice against bullying and serves as a celebrity ambassador for ‘Bystander Revolution,’ an organization that fights bullying. She has also used her platform to support charities, including designing accessories named after her grandmother.
Little Known Facts
Lily Collins, despite her success in acting, initially had interests in journalism and took drama classes as a child. She was also presented as a debutante at the ‘Bal des debutantes’ in Paris in 2007.
Her mother’s father, a Jewish owner of a menswear shop, significantly influenced her upbringing. The actor was initially slated to star in the ‘Evil Dead’ remake, but due to scheduling conflicts, she had to withdraw.
Her first tryout was for the character Bella in the 2008 film ‘Twilight’; however, Kristen Stewart landed the part. Similarly, she auditioned for ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’, but again, lost the role to Stewart. In 2012, ‘People’ magazine recognized her beauty, ranking her fourth in their ‘World’s Most Beautiful Women’ list. The song ‘You’ll Be In My Heart’ penned by her father, Phil Collins, was a heartfelt dedication to her.
