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    Phoebe Waller-Bridge

    Phoebe Waller-Bridge

    United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
    Celebrity

    Actress•Screenwriter•Producer

    Also known as: PWB, Phoebe M. Waller-Bridge

    Birthday

    July 14, 1985

    Birth Sign

    Cancer

    Birthplace

    London, England

    Age

    41 years old

    Height

    5 ft 5 in (165 cm)

    About

    Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge is an English actress, screenwriter, and producer who has redefined modern television comedy. She is best known as the creator, writer, and star of the BBC tragicomedy Fleabag, a role that earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA TV Award. Her work often blends sharp wit with deep emotional vulnerability, establishing her as one of the most influential creative voices of the 21st century.

    As of 2026, she continues to expand her portfolio with high-profile projects including writing for the James Bond franchise and producing the Amazon Prime Video series Tomb Raider. Her ability to balance commercial success with critical acclaim has made her a sought-after figure in Hollywood, where she frequently breaks new ground for female-led storytelling.

    Early Life & Background

    Phoebe was born into a theatrical family in South West London; her father Martin was a comedian and actor, while her mother Barbara worked as an actress. She attended St Paul's Girls' School before enrolling at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 2007. Before achieving mainstream recognition, she spent years honing her craft on the London fringe theatre circuit, performing in various productions that allowed her to develop a distinct voice.

    Her breakthrough arrived with a solo show titled Crashing, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013. The raw, autobiographical performance explored themes of grief, love, and addiction following the death of her partner, Conor Woodman. This production won critical acclaim and launched her career as a playwright, leading directly to adaptations for television and setting the stage for her future dominance in the industry.

    Career Growth

    The trajectory from stage to screen was rapid and unprecedented. In 2016, she adapted her solo show Crashing into a Channel 4 sitcom where she starred and wrote. Later that same year, she created, wrote, and starred in Fleabag for the BBC. The first season aired to universal praise, and the second season in 2018 cemented her status as a global star, earning her multiple awards including the BAFTA Special Award.

    She expanded her influence by serving as head writer and executive producer for the spy thriller Killing Eve from 2018 to 2022. In 2021, she contributed to the screenplay of No Time to Die, becoming the first woman to receive sole writing credit on a Bond film. Her filmography includes starring roles in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). As of 2026, she remains active, producing the Tomb Raider series and appearing at major festivals like Venice.

    Career Timeline

    2013Premieres solo show Crashing at Edinburgh Fringe
    2016Creates, writes, and stars in Fleabag Season 1
    2017Wins BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance
    2018Fleabag Season 2 airs; begins producing Killing Eve
    2019Fleabag wins six Primetime Emmys; receives MBE honor
    2021Contributes to screenplay of No Time to Die
    2023Stars in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
    2026Attends Venice Film Festival for Wild Horse Nine

    Public Image & Style

    Her public persona is defined by a sharp, cynical wit paired with a distinctive aesthetic that mixes high fashion with a relatable, slightly disheveled charm. She is known for her intelligence and control over her narrative, rarely giving interviews without a clear agenda. Media portrayals emphasize her vulnerability and her ability to tackle difficult subjects through humor. She has cultivated a reputation as a fierce advocate for women in media, often using her platform to discuss broader cultural issues regarding gender representation.

    Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)

    iFANN has evaluated this person but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). While there is no officially designated fandom name for Phoebe Waller-Bridge herself, fans of Fleabag often refer to themselves as "Fleabags." The fanbase is highly organized, with notable campaigns pushing for the preservation of Fleabag's legacy and extensive discussions on Reddit and Quora analyzing every nuance of her scripts. Fans often cite her as a muse for female-driven storytelling, creating art inspired by her characters and dialogue.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Phoebe Waller-Bridge holds the distinction of being the first woman to write a James Bond film solo, though she shared the final credit with Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Her character in Fleabag became famous for breaking the fourth wall, a technique used so effectively it is now studied in film schools worldwide. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2021 for services to drama. Interestingly, she initially considered pursuing a career in journalism before committing fully to acting and writing. Her production company, Two Brothers Pictures, manages her developing intellectual property and new talent.

    Notable Quotes

    “I think the most important thing is to be honest about your own experience.”
    “I don't want to be a feminist icon. I just want to be a good writer.”
    “Comedy is tragedy plus time, but sometimes it's just tragedy with a really good punchline.”

    Family & Personal Life

    Phoebe grew up in a household immersed in the arts. Her father, Martin Waller-Bridge, was a comedian and actor, and her mother, Barbara, was also an actress. She has one sister named Sophie. Phoebe was previously married to documentary filmmaker Conor Woodman, whose death in 2014 deeply influenced her early work. She currently lives in London and maintains a close relationship with her extended family, often crediting their support for her creative resilience.

    Notable Connections

    Sacha Baron Cohen, Emerald Fennell, Martin McDonagh, Olivia Colman, Jodie Comer

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:In a Relationshipwith Martin McDonagh

    Phoebe Waller-Bridge's personal life has been closely intertwined with her art, particularly regarding her late husband. She met documentary filmmaker Conor Woodman around 2010 and married him circa 2013. Their relationship was central to her play Crashing, which explored themes of grief and loss. Tragically, Woodman died by suicide in 2014 following a period of severe depression and addiction struggles. There are no children reported from this union.

    In recent years, she has been linked to director Martin McDonagh. The pair met through industry circles and have been photographed together at high-profile events, including the Venice Film Festival in September 2026. A July 2026 profile in Vogue detailed their relationship, noting they share a similar dark comedic sensibility. As of late 2026, they remain a couple. No children have been confirmed from this relationship.

    • MarriedConor Woodman2013 - 2014Woodman died by suicide in 2014; their relationship inspired the play Crashing.
    • DatingMartin McDonagh2021 - presentCurrentDirector and romantic partner; photographed together at Venice Film Festival in 2026.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $24 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    iFANN currently estimates Phoebe Waller-Bridge's net worth at approximately $24 million. This figure reflects her earnings from lucrative development deals with Amazon Studios, backend points on hit series like Fleabag and Killing Eve, and salaries for acting roles in major franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Her production company, Two Brothers Pictures, generates significant revenue from developing new intellectual property. Real estate holdings in London also contribute to her financial portfolio, though specific values remain private. As of 2026, her wealth continues to grow through ongoing royalties and new project announcements.

    Awards Won (32)

    Phoebe Waller-Bridge has won numerous prestigious awards, including three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and multiple BAFTA Awards. Her work on Fleabag alone garnered her Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She also received the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award and the Royal Television Society Award for Best Comedy Performance. Her contributions to Killing Eve and No Time to Die have further solidified her reputation as a versatile and acclaimed creator.

    2019 · Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy

    Fleabag

    Won

    2019 · Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy

    Fleabag

    Won

    2019 · Best Female Comedy Performance

    Fleabag

    Won

    2017 · Best Female Comedy Performance

    Fleabag

    Won
    View all 38 awards, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Fleabag

    2016 · Creator, Writer, Star

    Killing Eve

    2018 · Executive Producer, Writer

    No Time to Die

    2021 · Screenwriter

    Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

    2023 · Actor

    Keywords

    FleabagKilling EveJames BondEmmy WinnerBritish ActressScreenwriter

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    actor, stage actor, film actor
    Born
    July 14, 1985
    Birthplace
    London, England
    Gender
    Female
    Birth Sign
    Cancer

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge
    Height
    5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
    Children
    Education
    Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), St Paul's Girls' School

    Filmography

    24

    Total

    8

    Film

    16

    TV

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Phoebe Waller-Bridge married?
    No, she is not currently married. She was previously married to Conor Woodman until his death in 2014. As of 2026, she is in a relationship with director Martin McDonagh.
    Does Phoebe Waller-Bridge have kids?
    No, she does not have any children. She has never publicly announced having children with either her late husband or her current partner.
    What is Phoebe Waller-Bridge's net worth?
    Estimates place her net worth between $20 million and $25 million as of 2026. This wealth comes from her successful television series, film roles, and production deals with major studios.
    Who is Phoebe Waller-Bridge dating?
    As of 2026, she is in a relationship with director Martin McDonagh. The couple has been seen together at various high-profile events, including the Venice Film Festival.
    Why did Phoebe Waller-Bridge leave Killing Eve?
    She stepped down as head writer after Season 3 to focus on other projects. She cited creative differences and a desire to move on from the series to pursue new challenges in film and television.

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