Rose Leslie Arbuthnot-Leslie was born on 9 February 1987, in Aberdeen, Scotland, into a family rich in history and tradition. She spent the early years of her life at Lickleyhead Castle, a stunning 15th-century estate owned by her family for generations.
Rose is the third of five children in a family deeply rooted in Scottish aristocracy. Her father, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, is the chieftain of the Leslie Clan, and her mother, Candida Mary Sibyl Leslie, is a descendant of King Charles II. Her heritage connects her to nobility and a long line of notable ancestors, including Frederick Weld, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Growing up in a castle surrounded by moors and history offered Rose a unique upbringing that quietly prepared her for life in the public eye.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 9 February 1987 |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Red |
| Spouse | Kit Harington (m. 2018) |
| Children | 2 (a son and a daughter) |
| Famous Roles | Ygritte (Game of Thrones), Gwen (Downton Abbey) |
| Education | London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $4 million USD |
A Multicultural Upbringin
At the age of ten, Rose moved with her family to France, where she attended the Ermitage International School of France. The change of environment enriched her worldview and contributed to her fluency in French, a skill she still uses today.
Later, she returned to the UK and completed her secondary education at Millfield School in Somerset. It was here that her passion for performance began to take shape.
Training at LAMDA and Early Stage Work
Driven by her love for acting, Rose enrolled at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), one of the UK’s most prestigious drama schools. She graduated in 2008 with a BA with Honours in acting and also earned a stage combat certificate, a valuable skill in action and period dramas.
Her time at LAMDA included classic theatre roles, including performances in Uncle Vanya, Antigone, and Pericles. She also appeared in Bedlam at Shakespeare’s Globe, impressing critics with her voice, timing, and presence.
Screen Debut and Breakthrough
Rose made her screen debut in 2008 in the docudrama series Banged Up Abroad. However, her major break came in 2009 when she starred in the television film New Town. Her performance was so well received that she won a Scottish BAFTA Award for Best Acting Performance – New Talent.
This role led to greater visibility and the opportunity to be cast in the now-iconic British period drama Downton Abbey.
Downton Abbey and Rise to Fame
In 2010, Rose played Gwen Dawson, a housemaid with aspirations of becoming a secretary, in the first season of Downton Abbey. The show was a massive success and gave Rose her first taste of global recognition.
Though her role was small, her performance left a lasting impression. Gwen’s ambition and Rose’s portrayal of her as quietly intelligent and determined won over audiences. She returned briefly in later seasons, which fans welcomed warmly.
Game of Thrones and Global Stardom
In 2012, Rose joined the cast of HBO’s Game of Thrones as Ygritte, a fiery and independent Wildling warrior. It was this role that truly catapulted her into international stardom.
Her portrayal of Ygritte was praised for its strength, wit, and emotional depth. The chemistry between her character and Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, was electric—so much so that their romance extended beyond the screen.
Her line “You know nothing, Jon Snow” became a pop culture phenomenon, symbolizing the show’s complex love stories and her unforgettable performance.
Love, Marriage, and Family
While working together on Game of Thrones, Rose and Kit Harington’s on-screen relationship blossomed into a real-life romance. After several years of dating, the couple married on 23 June 2018, in a beautiful ceremony held in Scotland at her family’s estate.
In 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a son. In mid-2023, they became parents again, this time to a daughter. Despite being public figures, Rose and Kit have kept their family life private and grounded.
They now reside in both London and Wardhill Castle, maintaining a lifestyle that balances historical heritage with modern living.
Recent Roles and Continued Success
Following her departure from Game of Thrones, Rose continued to choose meaningful and diverse roles. She starred in the CBS All Access legal drama The Good Fight as Maia Rindell, a young lawyer entangled in a massive financial scandal. Her nuanced performance added emotional complexity to the show.
In 2022, she played Clare Abshire in HBO’s The Time Traveler’s Wife, a role that allowed her to explore themes of love and loss from a different perspective.
She’s also appeared in BBC’s Vigil and most recently took on a role in Miss Austen, showing her continued commitment to strong, female-driven storytelling.
Physical Appearance and Presence
Rose Leslie stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and weighs approximately 53 kilograms. She has a naturally slim build with reported measurements of 33–24–35 inches.
Her striking red hair and blue eyes give her a distinctive appearance on screen. Combined with her graceful demeanor and confident voice, she commands attention in every role she takes on.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Rose Leslie’s estimated net worth is around $4 million USD. Her income stems from acting, endorsements, and property investments shared with her husband. Together, they own Wardhill Castle, which also operates as a private event venue.
Despite her wealth, Rose lives a relatively modest and private life. She often retreats to Scotland, away from the limelight, valuing family time and nature over red carpets and glitz.
Passions, Interests, and Causes
Outside of acting, Rose is a lover of archery, rock climbing, skiing, and cooking. She also enjoys running and tennis, keeping herself physically active and mentally balanced.
She’s a fluent French speaker and is known for her grounded, unpretentious personality.
Rose also supports Firefly International, a charity that helps young people affected by conflict. She actively uses her platform to raise awareness for causes close to her heart.
A Lasting Legacy in Progress
Rose Leslie’s journey is more than just a tale of fame. It’s a story of authenticity, quiet confidence, and thoughtful choices. She has moved seamlessly between genres and characters, embracing both fantasy and realism with equal conviction.
From growing up in a castle to making her name in the world’s most-watched TV series, her story is a beautiful blend of tradition and transformation.
As she continues to take on new roles and raise her young family, Rose Leslie remains one of Britain’s most respected and quietly powerful performers—a woman with history in her blood and greatness in her path.
FAQs About Rose Leslie
1. What is Rose Leslie best known for?
Rose Leslie is best known for her roles as Ygritte in HBO’s Game of Thrones and Gwen Dawson in Downton Abbey. These characters helped establish her as a standout talent in both period drama and fantasy television.
2. Is Rose Leslie from a royal or noble family?
Yes, Rose comes from Scottish nobility. Her father is the chieftain of the Leslie Clan, and her mother descends from King Charles II, linking her to British royal heritage.
3. Who is Rose Leslie married to?
She is married to actor Kit Harington, her Game of Thrones co-star. The couple wed in 2018 and now have two children together.
4. What languages does Rose Leslie speak?
Rose is fluent in French, thanks to spending part of her childhood in France. She often mentions how her multicultural upbringing shaped her perspective.
5. Where does Rose Leslie live now?
She splits her time between London and Wardhill Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland—a family estate that blends her historical roots with modern living.
