The Rising Star: Leila George's Must-Watch Movies & TV Shows That Will Leave You Spellbound

Summary

Leila George, known for her personal life, is also an up-and-coming actress who studied acting and performing arts at various institutions.

George garnered acclaim for her portrayal as a youthful rendition of Ellen Barkin's character in the riveting crime thriller Animal Kingdom. In this role, she delved into the character's origins, magnifying her acting prowess and capturing attention.

Furthermore, apart from her noteworthy performance in Animal Kingdom, George has also graced the silver screen in various other films and boasts upcoming ventures, including a notable collaboration with acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe. These undertakings solidify her position as a burgeoning talent on the rise.

Leila George may be best known for her marriage to actor Sean Penn, but she is quickly making a name for herself as an up-and-coming actress. Originally from Australia, George honed her acting skills at various educational institutions including the Sydney Film School and the Lee Strasberg Institute. Her passion for acting is understandable, as she comes from a renowned artistic family. Her mother is actress Greta Scacchi, and her father is the famous director and actor Vincent D'Onofrio, known for his roles in films such as "Men in Black," "Jurassic World," and "Hawkeye."

Although both of her parents are well-known in the industry, George was primarily raised by her mother before embarking on her own journey in New York City, where she studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute. In 2016, George began dating Sean Penn, and they tied the knot in 2020. However, their marriage ended in 2022. Despite the attention surrounding her personal life, George has managed to establish herself as a talented and recognizable actor. She made her debut in 2016 and has since appeared in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry.

Leila George Is Best Known For Playing A Young Smurf Cody In Animal Kingdom

Leila George joined the cast of the crime drama Animal Kingdom in 2019, portraying a younger version of Janine "Smurf" Cody, a character previously played by Ellen Barkin. The show, which aired from 2016 until 2022, revolves around the Cody family, a criminal organization based in California. Smurf serves as the leader of the family until her demise in the fourth season. Initially appearing in flashbacks during the show's fourth season in a recurring role, George later became a main cast member for the final two seasons.

Following the emotional death of Smurf on Animal Kingdom, George faced the challenge of captivating loyal viewers. Throughout the fifth and sixth seasons, George continued to portray Smurf in flashbacks, delving further into her character's backstory and illuminating the path she took to become the criminal mastermind depicted in earlier seasons. This narrative proved to be a crucial aspect of the drama, and George demonstrated her acting prowess by joining an established show midway through its run.

Leila George Appeared In Mortal Engines & 2 Other Movies

Outside of her main role in Animal Kingdom, George has appeared in numerous films. She made her acting debut in 2016 in the TV film Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?, portraying Leah, the love interest of Emily Meade's character Pearl. Additionally, George graced the screen in the 2019 film The Kid as Sara Cutler, sharing the spotlight with acclaimed actors Chris Pratt and Dane DeHaan. Notably, in 2018, George delivered a captivating performance as Katherine Valentine in the post-apocalyptic film Mortal Engines, effortlessly portraying Katherine's journey of self-discovery and disillusionment as she confronts her upbringing and questions her perception of right and wrong.

Leila George's Upcoming Projects Include A Movie With Willem Dafoe

While Animal Kingdom came to a close in 2022, George has a number of exciting projects in the pipeline. In 2015, she collaborated with James Franco, Josh Hutcherson, and Giancarlo Esposito on an independent film titled The Long Home, where she portrayed the character of Edna Hodges. However, unfortunately, the film's release date has yet to be confirmed and has been put on hold indefinitely. Another exciting role for George is her portrayal of September McAvoy in the upcoming film Gonzo Girl, directed by Patricia Arquette and featuring the talented Willem Dafoe.

The actress, Leila George, has been cast in the Apple TV+ miniseries Disclaimer. In the show, she portrays a young Catherine Ravenscroft, while the older version is played by Cate Blanchett. With an array of upcoming projects, Leila George not only secures job opportunities but also shares the screen with renowned actors, proving her own potential as a rising star.