Erin Doherty Biography: The Crown Star’s Age, Net Worth & Career Revealed

Erin Doherty has quickly established herself as one of the most compelling and versatile actors of her generation. Acclaimed for her emotionally layered performances, meticulous character work, and grounded presence, she gained international recognition as a young Princess Anne in Netflix’s The Crown. From powerful theatre roles to complex TV and film characters, Doherty brings depth, vulnerability, and strength to every part, while openly advocating for better LGBTQ+ and working-class representation in the industry.

Early Life and Background

Erin Rachael Doherty was born on July 16, 1992, in Crawley, West Sussex, England, making her 33 years old in 2026. She has Irish heritage through her paternal grandfather, who was from Carndonagh in County Donegal. Her parents divorced when she was four, after which she began attending Sunday drama classes with her older sister, Grace Joséphine. She also has a brother, Matthew. The family support and creative outlet of acting helped her navigate the changes in her early life.

Growing up in a working-class household on Princess Road in Crawley, Doherty attended Hazelwick School. She was a talented footballer, captaining the Crawley Wasps girls’ team and even being scouted by Chelsea Women. At around age 13–16, she faced a choice between pursuing football professionally or acting, and ultimately chose the stage, a decision that shaped her path.

Education and Training

After completing secondary school, Doherty spent a foundation year at the Guildford School of Acting (2011–2012) before training at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (2012–2015). During her final year, she won the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award in 2015 for her rendition of “Broadway Baby” from Follies. She has credited the rigorous training, odd jobs to fund auditions, and inspiring theatre visits (such as seeing Earthquakes in London at the National Theatre) with building her resilience in a competitive industry.

Theatre Career

Doherty made a strong impression on stage shortly after graduating. Notable early roles include:

• My Name Is Rachel Corrie (Young Vic, 2017) – a one-woman show where critics hailed her as “one of the year’s great discoveries.”
• Junkyard (Jack Thorne), Pink Mist, and A Christmas Carol (Old Vic, as Belle).
• The Divide (Old Vic, 2018) – where she met her then-partner, actress Sophie Melville.
• Wolfie (Theatre503), The Crucible (National Theatre, as Abigail Williams), and Death of England: Closing Time (West End).
• Unicorn (Garrick Theatre, 2025) alongside Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan.

Her theatre work consistently earns praise for its intensity, emotional truth, and star quality.

Breakthrough on Screen and Major Roles

Doherty’s television debut came with a guest role in Call the Midwife (2016), followed by Les Misérables (BBC, 2018). Her breakout arrived with the role of a young Princess Anne in Seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown (2019–2020), earning her Screen Actors Guild Award wins for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Subsequent leading roles showcased her range:

• Becky in the psychological thriller Chloe (BBC/Amazon Prime, 2022) – a complex, obsessive protagonist.
• Briony Ariston in Netflix’s Adolescence (2025) – a child psychologist in a gripping, nearly 52-minute one-shot interrogation scene opposite Owen Cooper. This performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2025) and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (2026), along with widespread critical acclaim.
• Mary Carr in Disney+’s A Thousand Blows (2025–2026) – the fierce leader of the real-life all-female Victorian gang the Forty Elephants, opposite Stephen Graham.

She has also appeared in films such as Firebrand (2023, as Anne Askew) and Reawakening, with additional projects like the BBC series California Avenue in development.

Advocacy and Personal Life

Openly lesbian, Doherty is a vocal advocate for authentic LGBTQ+ representation, richer multidimensional roles for women, and greater opportunities for working-class actors. She has spoken candidly about her journey toward self-acceptance in her twenties and the importance of visibility.

She was in a relationship with actress Sophie Melville for approximately seven years (they met during The Divide in 2017) before the couple split around early 2025. As of early 2026, Doherty is in a relationship with NHS radiographer Sinead Donnelly, with whom she has moved in. She lives in North London and remains close to her family.

Net Worth and Public Image

Erin Doherty’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million as of late 2025, reflecting her growing profile across theatre, television, and film. She is known for her grounded, authentic public image on Instagram (erinrdoherty), often discussing the financial and social challenges faced by emerging actors, and her refusal to be typecast.

Her work continues to highlight complex, flawed women, blending vulnerability with steely resolve. From a comprehensive school in Crawley to Emmy-winning performances, Doherty exemplifies perseverance, talent, and integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Erin Doherty