Erin Doherty has emerged as one of the UK’s outstanding acting talents in the past decade, acclaimed for her emotionally rich performances, versatility on stage and screen, and principled voice in popular culture. Best known internationally for her role as Princess Anne in Netflix’s The Crown, Doherty’s journey spans remarkable theatre episodes, acclaimed film roles, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and a hard-earned rise from modest West Sussex beginnings to global recognition.
Early Life & Family Background
Born on July 16, 1992, in Crawley, West Sussex, Erin Rachael Doherty hails from a family with Irish heritage (her paternal grandfather was from Carndonagh, County Donegal). Shaped by her parents’ divorce at age four, she discovered acting as an outlet for self-expression, attending Sunday drama classes alongside her older sister, Grace. Doherty’s siblings include Grace Joséphine and Matthew, both of whom have been integral to her sense of family support and identity.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erin Rachael Doherty |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1992 |
| Age (2025) | 33 |
| Nationality | British |
| Birthplace | Crawley, West Sussex, England |
| Net Worth | Approx. $2 Million USD |
| Known For | Princess Anne in “The Crown”, Briony in “Adolescence”, Becky in “Chloe”, Mary Carr in “A Thousand Blows” |
| Education | Hazelwick School, Guildford School of Acting, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School |
| Family Members | Siblings: Grace Joséphine Doherty, Matthew Doherty; Parents: (Names not publicly known) |
| Relationship | LGBTQ+ visibility, working-class representation, and women in strong roles |
| Theatre Roles | “My Name is Rachel Corrie”, “Pink Mist”, “The Divide”, “Wolfie”, “Unicorn”, “A Christmas Carol” |
| TV & Film Roles | “The Crown”, “Les Misérables”, “Chloe”, “Adolescence”, “A Thousand Blows”, “Call the Midwife” |
| Awards & Honors | Screen Actors Guild Awards (2020, 2021), Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer (2015), Newport Beach Breakthrough (2020), Gold Derby TV Award (2025) |
| Advocacy | LGBTQ+ visibility, working-class representation, women in strong roles |
Growing up, football played a major role in Erin’s formative years. She captained the Crawley Wasps and was scouted by Chelsea Women, but ultimately chose her creative passion over athletic achievement.
Education & Formative Influences
Doherty attended Hazelwick School in her hometown, where she developed a passion for drama and performance from an early age. After a year at the Guildford School of Acting, she refined her skills at the renowned Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (2012–15), winning the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award in 2015 for her moving rendition from Follies. She credits working-class determination, odd jobs to fund auditions, and formative theatre experiences, such as seeing “Earthquakes in London” at the National Theatre, as driving her to persevere in an industry filled with challenges for newcomers.
Career: Theatre, Screen & Breakthrough Roles
Theatre Achievements
Doherty has been a magnetic presence across British theatre since graduation, appearing in works such as ‘My Name is Rachel Corrie,’ ‘Pink Mist,’ ‘Junkyard,’ and ‘The Divide, ’ a performance described as having “star-wattage as bright as anything” (Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph). Her emotive range and critical success established her place as a future star, with reviewers often singling out her ability to combine vulnerability and strength on stage.
Leading roles in plays like Unicorn (2025) alongside Nicola Walker at the Garrick Theatre, as well as The Old Vic’s “A Christmas Carol” and Theatre503’s “Wolfie,” solidified Doherty’s reputation as a must-see performer.
On-screen Success & Signature Roles
- Princess Anne in The Crown: Doherty’s portrayal in seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown (2019–2020) was both a critical and popular triumph. She prepared rigorously, studying Anne’s speech and life events to present an authentic, nuanced character.
- Becky in Chloe: As the protagonist in BBC/Amazon’s psychological thriller Chloe (2022), Doherty captivated audiences with her psychological depth and empathetic storytelling.
- Briony in Adolescence and Mary Carr in A Thousand Blows: Recent projects include her Emmy-nominated turn as Briony Ariston in Adolescence, noted for a 52-minute uncut episode, and the formidable Mary Carr in Disney+’s A Thousand Blows, where she played the notorious leader of the women-only Forty Elephants gang.
Earlier appearances in Call the Midwife and Les Misérables helped build public and industry awareness, while Doherty has already amassed credits spanning radio, podcast drama, and short films such as “The Last Jeff” (2020) and “If You’re Happy” (2023).
Awards, Recognition & Impact
Erin Doherty’s skill, professionalism, and honest portrayals have earned her numerous accolades:
- Screen Actors Guild Awards for an ensemble in The Crown (2020, 2021)
- Newport Beach Film Festival Breakthrough Artist Award for The Crown (2020)
- Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (2015)
- Gold Derby TV Award for Supporting Actress, Adolescence (2025)
- Several theatrical awards and critical nods from the Evening Standard, and as a ‘Screen International Star of Tomorrow’
Her work in “Adolescence” drew praise for its technical challenge and emotional gravity, while her embodiment of Mary Carr in “A Thousand Blows” was especially lauded for its grit and nuance—a performance Doherty herself described as “falling in love with the character’s history and heart”.
Advocacy, Relationships & Personal Life
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Personal Growth
Openly queer, Erin Doherty has emerged as a vital voice for LGBTQ+ representation in the media. She speaks candidly about her experiences accepting her sexuality, especially her journey to self-realisation in her twenties. Doherty’s advocacy extends to demanding richer female roles beyond romantic relationships, highlighting the need for multidimensional storytelling in film and theatre. She provides a model of authenticity and confidence, inspiring young fans and fellow artists.
Relationships
Doherty’s long-term relationship with actress Sophie Melville, whom she met during the play ‘The Divide’ in 2017, lasted seven years, with both parties evolving personally and professionally. Erin credits Sophie for helping her grow, both emotionally and artistically, and openly discusses how living authentically as a gay woman was “mind-blowing” and empowering. She resides in North London, where she enjoys a vibrant urban lifestyle and maintains close ties to her family and friends.
Public Image, Social Responsibility & Net Worth
Erin Doherty is respected for her genuine style, integrity, and outspoken support for working-class and LGBTQ+ rights in the entertainment industry. She is recognised for challenging industry norms, drawing attention to the struggles of actors facing economic and social hurdles.
Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated at $500,000 USD, reflecting her success on stage, television, and film, a value likely to rise as she takes on leading roles in global productions. She remains grounded in her working-class beginnings, frequently discussing the financial realities that actors face early in their careers.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
Doherty’s commitment to authentic storytelling and her refusal to be typecast have made her a significant influence in contemporary British drama. Not only has she inspired audiences with her acting, but she also sets an example for aspiring performers from all backgrounds on perseverance and authenticity.
Her embodiment of flawed, complex women, both real and fictional, keeps her in the conversation as one of the most promising and original actors of her generation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Erin Doherty
What is Erin Doherty’s most famous television role?
Erin Doherty is best known for playing Princess Anne in Netflix’s “The Crown,” a role that won her multiple ensemble awards and global acclaim.
How did Erin Doherty start her acting career?
She began with drama classes in her youth, trained at Guildford School of Acting and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and built her early career through acclaimed stage performances.
What significant awards has Erin Doherty won?
Doherty has won the Screen Actors Guild Award for “The Crown,” the Newport Beach Film Festival Breakthrough Artist Award, and the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award.
Who was Erin Doherty’s long-term partner?
She was in a seven-year relationship with actress Sophie Melville, whom she met during the play “The Divide”.
Is Erin Doherty openly LGBTQ+?
Yes, she is openly lesbian and is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to inspire others with her openness.
How is Erin Doherty’s net worth calculated?
Her net worth is estimated at $500,000 USD, derived from her work in theatre, TV, and film, including major productions like “The Crown,” “Chloe,” and “A Thousand Blows”.
What makes Doherty’s acting style stand out?
She is praised for her emotionally rich performances, strong stage presence, and meticulous character research, as evident in her in-depth preparation for Princess Anne in “The Crown”.
What recent projects has Erin Doherty undertaken?
Her recent work includes starring in “Adolescence” on Netflix (2025), “A Thousand Blows” on Disney+, and the historical drama film “Firebrand” (2023).
What is her influence on media and culture?
Doherty’s impact lies in redefining female and LGBTQ+ representation, challenging acting stereotypes, and inspiring aspiring actors from less privileged backgrounds.
Final Thoughts
Erin Doherty’s life and career reflect a blend of talent, perseverance, and social consciousness. Rising from a small town with Irish roots, she has become a fixture in British drama, celebrated for roles that confront tradition and bring new meaning to modern storytelling.
Her ability to balance compelling performances, authentic personal advocacy, and career ambition ensures her legacy as a major influence for years to come. As her career continues to flourish, audiences and critics alike await what Erin Doherty will bring to the cultural stage next.
