Early Life and Background
Natasha O’Keeffe was born on December 1, 1986, in Brighton, East Sussex, England, to Irish parents from County Cavan. Though born in Brighton, she was raised in Tooting, a culturally vibrant area in South London. Natasha grew up as an only child and was surrounded by a strong sense of creativity and individuality from an early age.
Her father often took her to the theatre and local cinemas, which inspired her interest in storytelling and the arts. These early experiences would go on to shape her emotional intelligence and her approach to performing complex roles later in life.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Natasha Dervill O’Keeffe |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1986 |
| Age | 38 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Brighton, East Sussex, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Irish descent |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 55–60 kg |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Spouse | Dylan Edwards |
| Children | 2 |
| Known For | Peaky Blinders, The Wheel of Time, Misfits |
Acting Education and Influences
Natasha’s love for drama led her to pursue formal training. She enrolled at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. The institution is known for producing many talented British actors, and Natasha thrived in its supportive environment.
In interviews, she’s spoken about the influence of 1970s cinema on her development as an actress. Directors like John Cassavetes and performers like Gena Rowlands have left a lasting impression on her approach to subtle, grounded acting.
Personal Life and Family
Natasha leads a relatively private personal life. She married fellow actor Dylan Edwards in 2016. The couple shares two children — a son and a daughter — although she rarely discusses them publicly, choosing instead to focus attention on her work.
Her parents, Paul O’Keeffe and Caroline O’Reilly, have Irish roots and have reportedly been very supportive of her artistic journey. While there is little public information about siblings, it’s widely believed that Natasha is an only child.
Physical Appearance
Natasha O’Keeffe stands at an impressive 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall. She has a slender build, weighing around 55–60 kilograms (121–132 pounds). Her striking green eyes and dark brown (almost black) hair give her a distinctive screen presence that has made her stand out in many roles.
Her natural features and elegant posture have made her a favorite not just in front of the camera but also on red carpets, where she’s known for blending minimal fashion with classic style.
Early Career and First Roles
Natasha began her screen career in 2008 with an appearance in Oasis’s music video “Falling Down”, where she played a rebellious, fashion-forward character. That same year, she appeared in the indie film Abraham’s Point, signaling her early interest in offbeat, character-driven stories.
From 2010 to 2012, she appeared in the BBC drama Lip Service, playing Sadie, a strong-willed and emotionally layered character. This role marked Natasha’s early success on British television and helped her build a loyal fan base.
Breakthrough with Misfits
Her true breakthrough came with the cult hit Misfits (2012–2013), where she portrayed Abbey Smith, a mysterious girl with a troubled past. Her performance was praised for its intensity, humor, and raw emotion. This role helped solidify Natasha as a serious performer capable of handling both drama and genre fiction.
Audiences connected with Abbey’s vulnerability and unpredictability, and Natasha’s nuanced portrayal earned her critical attention across the UK.
Starring in Peaky Blinders
Natasha’s most well-known role came in the form of Lizzie Stark (later Shelby) in the hit BBC drama Peaky Blinders. She joined the show in its first season in 2013 and remained until its final season in 2022.
Lizzie began as a sex worker entangled with Tommy Shelby and later evolved into a deeply complex character — a wife, mother, and someone emotionally devastated by the violence around her. Natasha’s layered portrayal won praise from fans and critics alike for adding emotional weight to a show often dominated by power plays and gangster politics.
Sherlock and Other Roles
In 2016, Natasha starred in Sherlock: The Abominable Bride as Emilia Ricoletti, a pivotal character in the episode’s supernatural mystery. The performance, set in a gothic, Victorian backdrop, allowed Natasha to showcase her ability to channel haunting, emotionally intricate characters.
She also appeared in ITV’s Jekyll and Hyde (2015) as the villainous Fedora, and in the sci-fi series Intergalactic (2021) as Dr. Emma Grieves, a rogue scientist. These roles added to her growing reputation for choosing diverse and often morally ambiguous characters.
Global Fame in The Wheel of Time
In 2023, Natasha reached international audiences with her role as Lanfear (Selene) in Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation of The Wheel of Time, based on the best-selling fantasy book series by Robert Jordan.
Lanfear is a seductive, manipulative, and incredibly powerful character — one of the central antagonists in the series. Natasha’s portrayal of Lanfear was widely applauded for blending charisma and danger. Her performance brought new global fans to her already impressive career.
Acting Style and Beliefs
Natasha has spoken about her love for “slower, character-driven storytelling.” She’s interested in work that challenges emotional assumptions and connects with people beyond surface-level entertainment. She often avoids high-glamour roles and prefers characters who feel deeply real — flawed, complicated, and human.
She describes acting as a spiritual experience and values creative collaboration over fame or accolades. This perspective keeps her grounded, even while working on globally successful shows.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Natasha O’Keeffe’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $3 million, according to various entertainment finance trackers. This wealth reflects over 15 years of consistent acting work across film, television, and indie projects.
Despite her success, Natasha is known for her low-profile lifestyle. She lives modestly with her family and focuses more on long-term artistic projects than high-paying endorsements or promotional gigs.
Social Media and Fan Interaction
Natasha maintains a social media presence on Instagram under the handle @natashaokeeffeofficial, where she has over 59,000 followers. Her posts are typically tasteful and personal — behind-the-scenes looks, theater recommendations, or thoughtful captions.
She isn’t overly active online, which only enhances her reputation for being private and selective about what she shares. Fans appreciate her authenticity and the sense that she’s not trying to sell a brand but simply living and working with purpose.
What’s Next for Natasha O’Keeffe
Looking ahead, Natasha is expected to continue her role in The Wheel of Time’s third season, and she’s been rumored to be involved in several independent film projects, including Whitetail and Tyger, both aimed at the festival circuit.
With a career built on integrity, curiosity, and craft, Natasha O’Keeffe’s future in film and television looks as promising as ever.
Final Word
Natasha O’Keeffe is more than a talented actress — she’s a thoughtful, grounded artist who brings authenticity to every role. Whether on screen as a gangster’s wife, a Victorian ghost, or a fantasy villain, she never plays it safe. Her ability to tap into human emotion sets her apart in an industry often more focused on spectacle than soul.
If you haven’t explored her work yet, now is the time.
FAQs about Natasha O’Keeffe
Q1. How old is Natasha O’Keeffe?
Natasha O’Keeffe was born on December 1, 1986, which makes her 38 years old as of 2025.
Q2. What is Natasha O’Keeffe best known for?
She is best known for her roles in Peaky Blinders as Lizzie Shelby and The Wheel of Time as Lanfear. She also starred in Misfits and Sherlock
Q3. Is Natasha O’Keeffe married?
Yes, she is married to actor Dylan Edwards, and they have two children together.
Q4. What is Natasha O’Keeffe’s height and appearance?
Natasha stands at around 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall, with green eyes and dark brown hair. She has a striking yet understated on-screen presence
Q5. Does Natasha O’Keeffe use social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram (@natashaokeeffeofficial), where she shares glimpses of her work and personal life with fans
