Tanya Reynolds is a British actress born November 4, 1991, in Hemel Hempstead, England, who gained international recognition through her portrayal of Lily Iglehart in Netflix’s “Sex Education” from 2019 to 2023. After graduating from Oxford School of Drama in 2015, she established her television career with roles in “Delicious,” “Outlander,” and “Death in Paradise,” while also appearing in films including the 2020 adaptation of “Emma.” Her continued success spans multiple entertainment mediums.
Tanya Reynolds, the British actress who gained international recognition through her portrayal of Lily Iglehart in Netflix‘s critically acclaimed series “Sex Education,” has established herself as a versatile performer across television, film, and theatre since her professional debut in 2016. Born November 4, 1991, in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, Reynolds comes from a working-class family with her father employed as a builder and contractor while her mother worked as a sign writer.
From working-class roots in Hertfordshire to international Netflix stardom, Tanya Reynolds has proven her versatility across multiple entertainment mediums since 2016.
Reynolds discovered her passion for acting at age four during a school nativity play, which marked her first theatrical experience. Her heritage combines half English and half Italian ancestry, contributing to her distinctive appearance characterized by large brown eyes, a tall slender frame measuring 5’10”, and a remarkably deep, smooth voice that has become one of her recognizable traits.
After attending Royal Holloway, University of London, Reynolds secured a fully-funded scholarship to Oxford School of Drama, where she completed a one-year acting course and graduated in 2015. This scholarship covered her tuition expenses and provided the foundation for her subsequent professional career across stage and screen productions. Her early career included appearances in short films such as “Civilised People” and “The Jealous Boyfriend.”
Her breakthrough television role came in 2016 as Teresa Benelli in Sky 1’s “Delicious,” where she starred alongside Dawn French from 2016 to 2019. Reynolds expanded her television presence with appearances in “Outlander” and “Death in Paradise” in 2017, before achieving widespread international recognition as Lily Iglehart in “Sex Education” from 2019 to 2023.
Her film career includes a remarkable portrayal of Mrs. Elton in the 2020 adaptation of “Emma,” alongside appearances in “Timestalker” and “The Decameron” in 2024. By 2024, Reynolds had accumulated over 20 acting roles across television and film, including recent projects such as “I Hate You,” “Dodger,” and “The Baby” in 2022. Throughout her career, she gained recognition for her ability to excel in diverse roles spanning multiple genres from comedy to drama.
Reynolds has maintained an active theatre career, earning an Olivier Award nomination in 2024 for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “A Mirror” at Trafalgar Theatre. Her stage credits include “The Seagull” at Barbican Theatre, “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” at @sohoplace, “She Stoops to Conquer” at Orange Tree Theatre, and “Last Words You’ll Hear” at Almeida Theatre.
Industry recognition has grown steadily, with Reynolds frequently featured in entertainment media coverage and maintaining a dedicated fanbase. Her versatility spans comedic timing and dramatic performances, establishing her reputation across period pieces and contemporary productions while continuing to develop her craft through diverse theatrical and screen roles.
