Born:
December 29, 1981
in
Grindon, Thorpe Thewles, near Stockton on Tees
Best Known For:
The 1920s-set film Easy Virtue in which she starred opposite Colin Firth and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Early-life:
Born on December 29, 1981, Charlotte was brought up in the small village of Thorpe Thewles near Stockton on Tees. She attended Teesside High School before gaining a place at Durham University. While studying, she appeared in a number of plays and musicals, before graduating with a degree in English and Linguistics.
Career:
Riley made her TV debut in an episode of Grown Ups, followed by small roles in Holby City and George Gently. Her big break came when she was cast as Sarah in the film Easy Virtue. She has since gone on to star in a big budget ITV production of Wuthering Heights in 2009, where she played the female lead. Roles in Foyle's War and DCI Banks quickly followed.
Quote:
'I love doing characters that challenge me. I'd love to do something that requires me to change physically or learn a skill.'
Trivia:
Between leaving university and attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Riley co-wrote the play Shaking Cecilia and won a Sunday Times Playwriting Award for her efforts.