Name: Sarah Caroline Olivia Colman
Born: January 30th, 1974
Birthplace: Norwich, Norfolk, England
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 2000–present

Sarah Caroline Olivia Colman, born 30 January 1974, is an English actress known for her acclaimed work in both comedy and drama across film, television, and theatre. She is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and respected British performers of her generation.

Olivia Colman is best known internationally for her roles in the films The Favourite, The Father, and The Lost Daughter, as well as for her television performances in Broadchurch, The Night Manager, Fleabag, and The Crown.

Colman was born in Norwich, England. She is the daughter of Mary Colman, a nurse, and Keith Colman, a chartered surveyor. She was educated at Gresham’s School in Norfolk before studying primary education at Homerton College, University of Cambridge. While at Cambridge, she became involved with the famous Footlights theatre group, which led her to pursue acting professionally. She later trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 1999.

Olivia began her career in British television comedy, appearing in series such as Bruiser, Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, and Green Wing. Her role as Sophie Chapman in Peep Show (2003–2015) established her as a prominent comedic actress in the UK.

Her dramatic breakthrough came with the film Tyrannosaur (2011), for which she received widespread critical acclaim and won the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress. She gained global recognition for portraying Queen Anne in The Favourite (2018), a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

In television, Colman received further international acclaim for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown (2019–2020), winning both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. Her later film performances in The Father (2020) and The Lost Daughter (2021) resulted in additional Academy Award nominations.

Olivia Colman has been married to writer and actor Ed Sinclair since 2001, and the couple has three children. Known for her grounded public persona, she often balances high-profile international projects with British independent cinema and theatre work.