Phoebe Tonkin was born on 12 July 1989 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. She grew up in Mosman, a harborside suburb, with her parents Nicholas and Jannyfer Tonkin, and her younger sister Abby.
From a very young age, Phoebe showed a deep passion for performance. At just four years old, she began studying dance, practicing ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. This foundation gave her not only grace and discipline but also confidence that later carried into acting.
By the age of 12, she enrolled at the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), where she began formal training in drama. She later attended Queenwood School for Girls, where she balanced her academics with her growing love for the arts.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Phoebe Jane Elizabeth Tonkin |
|---|---|
| Born | July 12, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.72 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 56 kg (123 lbs) |
| Parents | Nicholas Tonkin, Jannyfer Tonkin |
| Sibling | Abby Tonkin (younger sister) |
| Marital Status | Married (Bernard Lagrange, 2025) |
| Net Worth | Around $3 million |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Director |
| Famous For | H₂O: Just Add Water, The Originals, Boy Swallows Universe |
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
Phoebe Tonkin is now 36 years old. Known for her natural beauty and striking screen presence, she has often been admired for her effortless style.
She stands at around 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m), with a slim and athletic build, often weighing about 56 kg (123 lbs). These details, however, only touch the surface of her presence—what makes Phoebe stand out is her confidence, poise, and elegance.
Her look has made her a favorite among fashion designers and magazines. She has been featured in international campaigns and frequently attends high-profile events in Hollywood and beyond.
First Breakthrough in Acting
Phoebe Tonkin big break came in 2006, when she was just 16 years old. She landed the role of Cleo Sertori in the Australian television series H₂O: Just Add Water. The show, centered on three teenage girls who turn into mermaids, became a worldwide hit and introduced Phoebe to international audiences.
Her portrayal of Cleo was well received, earning her nominations and recognition. The series aired in over 120 countries and built a loyal fan base. Even today, fans remember her fondly from this early role.
Moving into Film and Hollywood
After her success on H₂O, Phoebe Tonkin transitioned to film. In 2010, she starred in the Australian box office hit Tomorrow, When the War Began, where she played Fiona Maxwell. The role was different from her bubbly mermaid character, showing her ability to adapt to more serious and dramatic parts.
In 2011, Phoebe Tonkin moved to Los Angeles to chase bigger opportunities. That same year, she was cast in The Secret Circle, playing the dark and mysterious Faye Chamberlain. While the series only lasted a season, her performance drew strong attention in the United States.
International Fame with The Vampire Diaries
Phoebe Tonkin career reached new heights when she joined the popular CW series The Vampire Diaries in 2012. She played Hayley Marshall, a rebellious werewolf with a complicated storyline.
Her character proved so popular that she became one of the leads in the spin-off show The Originals (2013–2018). Over five seasons, Phoebe grew with the role, and her performance helped anchor the series as a supernatural family drama. For many fans, Hayley remains one of her most iconic characters.
Mature Roles and Critical Success
In the years after The Originals, Phoebe Tonkin sought out more challenging and diverse roles. She starred in Safe Harbour (2018), an acclaimed Australian drama, and appeared in Bloom (2019–2020), a science fiction series that won praise for its originality.
Her international career continued with appearances in shows like Westworld and films like Babylon (2022). But her standout recent role was in the Netflix miniseries Boy Swallows Universe (2024), where she delivered an emotionally powerful performance.
In 2025, she received the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on the show—cementing her reputation as one of Australia’s finest talents. She also earned another nomination for her performance in the feature film Kid Snow.
Behind the Camera and Creative Projects
Phoebe Tonkin creativity extends beyond acting. In 2016, she directed the short film Furlough, exploring themes of family and personal growth. She also co-founded Lesjour!, a sustainable clothing brand launched in 2020. The brand emphasized eco-friendly fabrics and timeless designs, reflecting her passion for sustainability.
Her ability to balance acting with entrepreneurship and directing highlights her versatility as an artist.
Personal Life and Relationships
Phoebe Tonkin has always been private about her personal life but has shared glimpses with her fans. She was in a well-known relationship with actor Paul Wesley, her Vampire Diaries co-star, from 2013 to 2017.
In 2024, she announced her engagement to French art dealer Bernard Lagrange. The couple married in May 2025 in New York City in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends, including Claire Holt and Margot Robbie.
Her strong bond with family is also an important part of her life. Phoebe remains close to her sister Abby and often speaks about the grounding influence of her parents.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Phoebe has built an estimated net worth of around $3 million. Her income comes from acting, directing, modeling, and brand collaborations.
She has lived between Los Angeles and New York, often traveling for film projects. Phoebe’s lifestyle reflects elegance and simplicity—she values privacy, creativity, and meaningful projects over unnecessary glamour.
Fashion and Public Image
Phoebe has long been recognized as a fashion icon. She has collaborated with luxury brands such as Chanel and Tiffany & Co., appearing in international campaigns and gracing magazine covers.
She was also featured in Maxim’s Hot 100 list in 2021 and 2022. Beyond glamour, she uses her platform to advocate for sustainability and responsible fashion, reflecting her thoughtful personality.
Advocacy and Humanitarian Work
Phoebe Tonkin is more than just an actress and style icon—she is also an advocate. She co-created the lifestyle website Your Zen Life with fellow actress Teresa Palmer, focusing on wellness and healthy living.
Since 2015, she has been a Global Ambassador for Plan International, supporting children’s rights and gender equality. In 2024, she became the National Ambassador for Plan International Australia, where she continues to champion humanitarian causes.
She has also participated in the Women’s March and supported campaigns for marriage equality in Australia.
Social Media and Fan Connection
Phoebe Tonkinv remains active on Instagram (@phoebejtonkin), where she shares insights into her personal life, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and advocacy work. Her account reflects her personality—stylish yet grounded, glamorous yet approachable.
Her genuine way of connecting with fans has helped her maintain a loyal following across the world.
Fun Facts About Phoebe Tonkin
- She wasn’t a confident swimmer when she landed her role in H₂O—ironically playing a mermaid forced her to train hard in the water.
- She counts Claire Holt and Margot Robbie among her closest friends, relationships built over years in the industry.
- She has said she never saw acting as just fame and fortune—it was always about storytelling and connection.
- She has a love for photography and often captures her travels and quiet moments behind the scenes.
Conclusion
From a dance-loving girl in Sydney to an award-winning actress and advocate, Phoebe Tonkin has built an extraordinary career. She has shown resilience in Hollywood, balanced artistry with social responsibility, and remained grounded through fame.
Her journey proves that talent, authenticity, and compassion can go hand in hand. As she continues to explore new roles, creative ventures, and advocacy, Phoebe Tonkin remains one of the most admired talents of her generation.
FAQs About Phoebe Tonkin
1. How old is Phoebe Tonkin now?
Phoebe Tonkin was born on July 12, 1989, which makes her 36 years old as of 2025. She has been in the spotlight since her teenage years and continues to thrive in her career.
2. What is Phoebe Tonkin most famous for?
She is best known for playing Cleo Sertori in H₂O: Just Add Water and Hayley Marshall in The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off The Originals. More recently, her role in Boy Swallows Universe won her critical acclaim.
3. Does Phoebe Tonkin have siblings?
Yes, Phoebe has a younger sister named Abby Tonkin. The two share a close bond, and Phoebe has spoken warmly about her family’s influence on her life.
4. What is Phoebe Tonkin’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $3 million, built through acting, modeling, and brand collaborations. She has also launched her own sustainable fashion brand.
5. Is Phoebe Tonkin active on social media?
Yes, Phoebe is active on Instagram (@phoebejtonkin). She often shares moments from her career, travel, advocacy work, and glimpses of her personal life with fans.
