Ramona Marquez is a British actress best known for her iconic childhood role as Karen Brockman in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered. This in-depth feature explores Marquez’s life, achievements, family, career milestones, personal revelations, controversies, and her continued influence and recent news as she navigates adulthood in the public eye.
Introduction
Ramona Marquez grew up as a household name in the UK, enchanting audiences with her natural comedic timing as Karen Brockman on Outnumbered. Today, she is an outspoken advocate for issues she cares about and remains a captivating figure as she embraces her maturity, identity, and career ambitions.
Early Life and Family
Born on 24 February 2001 in London, England, Ramona Marquez comes from a family of actors. Her father, Martin Marquez, is acclaimed for his work in TV drama Hotel Babylon, while her brother, Raoul Marquez, has shared screen time with her in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Ramona’s background set the stage for her own creative pursuits from a young age.
- Father: Martin Marquez (Actor)
- Brother: Raoul Marquez (Actor)
- Family known for talent and a supportive environment
Career Beginnings and Outnumbered
Marquez’s acting journey began unconventionally. With no formal training, she was spotted at a birthday party and recommended for Outnumbered due to her unique personality and confidence. The show’s semi-improvised style meant Ramona often created her own witty lines, helping Outnumbered become one of the UK’s most beloved sitcoms.
- Debuted as Karen Brockman at age 5
- Acclaimed for spontaneous, natural performances
- Participated in 42 episodes, spanning seven years
Filmography and Achievements
Ramona’s film and television credits extend beyond Outnumbered. She played Princess Margaret in The King’s Speech, voiced Gwen in Arthur Christmas, and appeared alongside Helena Bonham Carter in Enid. Her accolades reflect her impact as a child star.
Selected Film & TV Credits
| Year | Production | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Enid | Imogen Pollock | TV Film |
| 2010 | The King’s Speech | Princess Margaret | Blockbuster Film |
| 2011 | Arthur Christmas | Gwen Hines (voice) | Animated Feature |
| 2011 | The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel | Madge’s Grandchild | Feature Film |
| 2015 | A Louder Silence | Anna | Independent Film |
| 2020 | 7 Hours on Earth | Charlotte | Drama |
| 2021 | Wish You Were Gone | Carla | Short Film |
Awards
- 2009: British Comedy Award – Best Female Comedy Newcomer (Outnumbered)
- 2012: Young Artist Award Nominee – Best Voice-Over Role (Arthur Christmas)
Personal Life and Identity
Ramona Marquez is candid about her personal journey. She publicly came out as bisexual in 2020, contributing to the book Women Don’t Owe You Pretty. Her Instagram bio now reads “Lesbian, vegan and a sober girly”, a reflection of how she’s grown into her adult self. Marquez values honesty and advocates for inclusivity and authenticity through her social media presence.
- Studies: Spanish and Mandarin at the University of Manchester
- Advocates veganism and sobriety
- Publicly shares personal evolution and opinions
Controversies and Media Attention
Life as a child star brought Ramona Marquez both fond memories and public scrutiny. Her every move—from festival antics to clothing sales online, was documented and sometimes sensationalised.
- 2021: Tabloid headline accused her of selling underwear online, which she clarified as a gross misrepresentation. She had sold a sports bra through Depop, but the story snowballed out of proportion.
- Faced accusations of drug use at Reading Festival, but responded candidly on social media, debunking the rumour.
- Media interest in her changing appearance (tattoos, style) often makes headlines, but Marquez has embraced the attention with humour and resilience.
Recent News and Return to Acting
Ramona Marquez’s connection with Outnumbered remains strong. In 2024, the cast reunited for a Children in Need skit, and in December 2025, the show returned for another one-off Christmas special, with Marquez reprising her role as Karen, now an adult navigating new family dynamics.
- Outnumbered Christmas Special in 2025 has attracted nostalgia and attention.
- Marquez’s Instagram boasts over 129,000 followers, where she raises awareness for veganism and LGBTQ+ issues.
- After university, she is returning to acting and exploring other creative outlets, including tattoo artistry and advocacy.
Legacy and Influence
Ramona Marquez’s legacy is characterised by her pioneering role in a groundbreaking sitcom, her willingness to speak candidly about identity and mental health, and her continual reinvention. She demonstrates that child stars can transition gracefully, embracing change and new passions.
- Regarded as a trailblazer for improvised children’s comedy
- Public figure for Gen Z issues: veganism, LGBTQ+ rights, body positivity
- Constantly reshaping her career and public persona
FAQs About Ramona Marquez
What is Ramona Marquez best known for?
Ramona Marquez is best known for her role as Karen Brockman in the BBC’s Outnumbered, earning critical acclaim as a child actress.
What are some notable achievements in her career?
She won the British Comedy Award for Best Female Comedy Newcomer, and voiced major characters in film and TV, including Arthur Christmas and The King’s Speech.
Has Ramona Marquez faced any controversies?
Yes, she faced tabloid scrutiny over alleged underwear sales and false drug rumours, both of which she publicly addressed and clarified.
What is her family background?
Ramona is the daughter of actor Martin Marquez and sibling to Raoul Marquez, both of whom have worked in television and film.
What are Ramona Marquez’s current projects?
She recently reunited with the Outnumbered cast for specials and is looking to return to acting after university, while also pursuing creative passions like tattooing.
What causes does Ramona support?
She is vocal about veganism, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and mental health awareness, using her social media following to promote these causes.
What was her experience growing up in the spotlight?
Marquez describes feeling respected on set, though fame brought challenges like media misrepresentation and managing public perception.
