Olivia Cooke

Olivia Kate Cooke, born 27 December 1993, is a celebrated English actress most recognised for her role as Alicent Hightower in the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon (2022–present). In addition, she's been a key player in television shows like the thriller Bates Motel (2013–2017), the period drama Vanity Fair (2018), and the thriller Slow Horses (2022). She has had a rich filmography, starring in the horror film Ouija (2014), Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015), Thoroughbreds (2017), Ready Player One (2018), Pixie (2020), and the drama Sound of Metal (2020).

Cooke was born in Oldham, Greater Manchester and started acting at the age of eight at the Oldham Theatre Workshop. She attended Royton and Crompton Academy and studied drama at Oldham Sixth Form College. Despite discouragements from enrolling in drama school by her agent due to her already ongoing acting work, she was enthusiastic on applying to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Unfortunately, she didn't make it past the final auditions. After gaining commercial roles and earning her first local agent at the age of 14, she garnered more popularity by appearing in One Direction's Autumn Term tour video in 2012. Presently, Cooke lives in London and continues to be a dynamic force in the acting industry.