Here's what the cast of 'The Crown' looks like in real life

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Callie Ahlgrim,Gabbi ShawSep 30, 2020, 02:54 IST
Here's what the cast of 'The Crown' looks like in real life

The cast of "The Crown" season three.Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images

  • Netflix's original series "The Crown" is based on the real-life royal drama behind Queen Elizabeth II's reign as the British monarch.
  • The third season featured an all-new cast to reflect the aging of the characters.
  • Gillian Anderson will join the cast in season four as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, while Emma Corrin will play Princess Diana — the season drops in November.
  • Here's how the actors, both old and new, look in real life compared to their regal on-screen personas.

The first season of Netflix's original drama "The Crown," a retelling of Queen Elizabeth II's rise and reign as the British monarch, cost $100 million to make. That makes it one of the most expensive TV series of all time, just behind HBO's "Game of Thrones."

Part of that monster budget goes to dressing the cast in a wild number of transformative period costumes.

On Tuesday, Netflix shared images of Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Emma Corrin as Princess Diana, and the actors look just like the history-making women. Viewers will watch them on the show for the first time in season four, which drops in November.

See how all of the actors, both old and new, look in real life compared to their regal on-screen personas.

Caroline Praderio contributed to an earlier version of this post.

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Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II in the early days of her reign.

Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II in the early days of her reign.
Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth in 1953, directly following her father's death. Netflix

Claire Foy auditioned for the role while she was six months pregnant, wearing a tiara, gloves, and gown.

Foy is equally regal in real life.

Foy is equally regal in real life.
Claire Foy at the 2019 BAFTA Film Awards. Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP

Foy won a Golden Globe for her work in "The Crown," and actually thanked the real Queen Elizabeth in her acceptance speech.

"I really, really, really wouldn't be here if it wasn't for some extraordinary women, and I'm going to thank them. One of them is Queen Elizabeth II," he said. "She has been at the center of the world for the past 63 years, and I think the world could do with a few more women at the center of it, if you ask me."

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Olivia Colman took over the lead role for seasons three and four.

Olivia Colman took over the lead role for seasons three and four.
Olivia Colman stars as Queen Elizabeth II on seasons three and four of "The Crown." Des Willie/Netflix

Queen Elizabeth II is a mother of four children on season three.

Colman won an Oscar in 2019 for her role as Queen Anne in "The Favourite."

Colman won an Oscar in 2019 for her role as Queen Anne in "The Favourite."
Olivia Colman rocks a stylish pixie cut offscreen. Mike Marsland/WireImage

"I'm so thrilled to be part of 'The Crown,'" Colman said in a statement. "I think Claire Foy is an absolute genius. She's an incredibly hard act to follow."

Imelda Staunton is set to take over for seasons five and six.

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Matt Smith played Prince Philip, who married Elizabeth when she was still a princess.

Matt Smith played Prince Philip, who married Elizabeth when she was still a princess.
Prince Philip was from the Greek and Danish royal families. Netflix

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip first met in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina and Prince George, according to the Royal Family's official website. They got married on November 20, 1947.

Smith is known for playing the titular role in the BBC series "Doctor Who."

Smith is known for playing the titular role in the BBC series "Doctor Who."
Matt Smith at a special screening of "Mapplethorpe" on February 14, 2019. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Matt Smith was the source of a media firestorm and online outrage when it was revealed that he was paid more than Foy during their time on "The Crown." He responded by speaking out in support of equal pay.

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Tobias Menzies plays an older Prince Philip.

Tobias Menzies plays an older Prince Philip.
Philip is an essential person in Elizabeth's support system. Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix

Today, the real Elizabeth and Philip have been married for an incredible 72 years.

You might recognize Menzies from "Game of Thrones" or "Outlander."

You might recognize Menzies from "Game of Thrones" or "Outlander."
Tobias Menzies is also known for his role in Starz's "Outlander." Mike Marsland/WireImage

He played Edmure Tully, the brother of Catelyn Stark and uncle of Sansa, Arya, and Bran — and the aspiring king who was roundly mocked on the series finale.

On the flip side, he played the absolutely terrifying Black Jack Randall in "Outlander," as well as his sweeter descendant Frank Randall.

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Erin Doherty began playing Princess Anne in season three.

Erin Doherty began playing Princess Anne in season three.
Erin Doherty as Princess Anne in season three of "The Crown." Des Willie/Netflix

Doherty plays an older Princess Anne, the only daughter and second child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Doherty had a small role on the BBC period drama series "Call the Midwife."

Doherty had a small role on the BBC period drama series "Call the Midwife."
Erin Doherty arrives for the AFI gala screening of "The Crown" on November 16, 2019. Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

"To be a part of 'The Crown' feels both special and surreal," Doherty wrote of her new role in a statement. "There is such a special dynamic within Princess Anne that I am incredibly grateful to be able to explore. She is a woman of great strength and heart — I feel privileged to fight her corner."

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Josh O'Connor portrays an all-grown-up Prince Charles, the heir to the throne.

Josh O'Connor portrays an all-grown-up Prince Charles, the heir to the throne.
Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles on season three of "The Crown." Des Willie/Netflix

Prince Charles is the eldest child of the royal couple. He was invested as Prince of Wales by the Queen on July 1, 1969.

O'Connor won a British Independent Film Award for his role in the 2017 film "God's Own Country."

O'Connor won a British Independent Film Award for his role in the 2017 film "God's Own Country."
Josh O'Connor at the season three premiere of "The Crown" on November 13, 2019. Mike Marsland/WireImage

"Seasons three and four will follow some of the most turbulent events in the Prince of Wales's life and our national story and I'm excited to be bringing to life the man in the midst of it all," he said of his new role in a statement.

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Netflix confirmed that Emma Corrin has been cast as the late Princess Diana.

Netflix confirmed that Emma Corrin has been cast as the late Princess Diana.
Corrin and O'Connor in "The Crown." Netflix

Lady Diana Spencer — who became Princess Diana following her marriage to Prince Charles — is going to pop up in "The Crown" during the upcoming season four. The real Diana met Prince Charles in 1977, when he was dating her older sister, and they got married after a brief courtship in 1981.

Corrin appears to be a natural brunette in real life.

Corrin appears to be a natural brunette in real life.
Emma Corrin in July 2019. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

"I have been glued to the show and to think I'm now joining this incredible talented acting family is surreal," Corrin wrote in a statement. "Princess Diana was an icon and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring."

She's appeared in British series such as "Grantchester" and "Pennyworth."

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Gillian Anderson is taking on the role of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in season four.

Gillian Anderson is taking on the role of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in season four.
Anderson as Thatcher. Netflix

Anderson, best known for her long-time role as Scully in "The X-Files," will be taking on the Iron Lady during season four.

Thatcher became the first female prime minister when she was elected in 1979. She held the position until 1990.

Anderson doesn't actually rock Thatcher's signature bouffant in real life.

Anderson doesn't actually rock Thatcher's signature bouffant in real life.
Gillian Anderson in 2020. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Anderson, who can most recently be seen in Netflix's "Sex Education," released a statement on joining the show, Variety reported.

"I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of 'The Crown' and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial woman. Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable, but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era," she said.

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Vanessa Kirby portrayed Elizabeth's younger sister, Margaret, during seasons one and two.

Vanessa Kirby portrayed Elizabeth's younger sister, Margaret, during seasons one and two.
Princess Margaret was four years younger than the queen. Netflix

Princess Margaret was entangled in a forbidden romance throughout season one. The relationship was one of the biggest scandals in royal family history.

Kirby opts for blonde hair in real life.

Kirby opts for blonde hair in real life.
Vanessa Kirby attends a special screening of "Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw" in July 2019. Mike Marsland/WireImage

Vanessa Kirby has also appeared in "Jupiter Ascending" and "Mission: Impossible - Fallout."

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Helena Bonham Carter took over the role as Princess Margaret for season three.

Helena Bonham Carter took over the role as Princess Margaret for season three.
Bonham Carter in "The Crown." Netflix

"I'm not sure which I'm more terrified about — doing justice to the real Princess Margaret or following in the shoes of Vanessa Kirby," she said in a statement. "The only thing I can guarantee is that I'll be shorter than Vanessa."

Carter is well-known for iconic roles in movies like "Fight Club" and the "Harry Potter" series.

Carter is well-known for iconic roles in movies like "Fight Club" and the "Harry Potter" series.
Helena Bonham Carter won the 2019 British Icon Award at the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Harper's Bazaar

"The Crown" won't be Carter's first forray into the Royal Family: She won an Oscar for "The King's Speech," in which she played Queen Elizabeth II's mother.

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Ben Miles played Peter Townsend, Margaret's controversial lover.

Ben Miles played Peter Townsend, Margaret's controversial lover.
Townsend was an Air Force officer. Netflix

When Margaret asked for her sister's permission to marry Townsend, Queen Elizabeth II refused. Because he was previously divorced, the Church of England and Parliament were reportedly against the match, despite the public's support.

Miles is perhaps best known for his starring role on the British TV comedy "Coupling."

Miles is perhaps best known for his starring role on the British TV comedy "Coupling."
Ben Miles attends "The Capture" photocall on August 15, 2019. Mike Marsland/WireImage

He is also known for his roles in "V for Vendetta" and "Speed Racer."

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Matthew Goode joined the cast as Margaret's future husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, on season two.

Matthew Goode joined the cast as Margaret's future husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, on season two.
Margaret reportedly met her future husband, a magazine photographer, in 1958. Netflix

Three years after announcing that she wouldn't marry Townsend, Margaret married Armstrong-Jones, who later became known as Lord Snowden.

The couple's love story had some scandalous twists and turns.

Goode, who's appeared on "The Good Wife" and "Downtown Abbey," is actually a brunette.

Goode, who's appeared on "The Good Wife" and "Downtown Abbey," is actually a brunette.
Matthew Goode at the premiere of "The Imitation Game" in 2014. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

He has also appeared in films like "Leap Year," "Stoker," and "The Imitation Game."

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Ben Daniels portrays an older Armstrong-Jones on season three.

Ben Daniels portrays an older Armstrong-Jones on season three.
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones tied the knot on May 6, 1960. Netflix

After the birth of their second child in 1964, Armstrong-Jones reportedly began sleeping with other women while away on photographic assignments, according to The Evening Standard.

Daniels is a celebrated stage actor.

Daniels is a celebrated stage actor.
Ben Daniels poses for a portrait during the 2017 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour. Ron Eshel/Invision/AP

Daniels has also starred in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" and on "House of Cards."

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Eileen Atkins played Queen Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret's grandmother.

Eileen Atkins played Queen Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret's grandmother.
Queen Mary was also known as Mary of Teck. Netflix

The real-life Queen Mary died in 1953.

In real life, she's an accomplished stage actress who was named a Dame by the real queen in 2001.

In real life, she's an accomplished stage actress who was named a Dame by the real queen in 2001.
Dame Eileen Atkins in 2016. Joel Ryan/Invision/AP

Atkins has recently starred in "Magic in the Moonlight" and "Paddington 2."

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Victoria Hamilton played the Queen Mother.

Victoria Hamilton played the Queen Mother.
Queen Elizabeth II's mother was the original Queen Elizabeth. Netflix

The Queen Mother is the affectionate name given to Elizabeth and Margaret's mother, who was was the wife of King George VI.

Hamilton has traded old-fashioned finger waves for a blonde pixie cut.

Hamilton has traded old-fashioned finger waves for a blonde pixie cut.
Victoria Hamilton attends the 2018 Critics' Circle Theatre Awards. Dave Benett/Getty Images

Hamilton, an accomplished stage actress, starred in the 1995 film "Pride and Prejudice" and the 1999 film "Mansfield Park."

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Marion Bailey plays the Queen Mother in seasons three and four.

Marion Bailey plays the Queen Mother in seasons three and four.
Marion Bailey as the Queen Mother on season three of "The Crown." Des Willie/Netflix

"Wonderful to be joining 'The Crown,'" she said in a statement. "It's a brilliant show and we have a tough act to follow but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother."

Bailey is equally graceful but more brunette in real life.

Bailey is equally graceful but more brunette in real life.
Marion Bailey attends the 2018 UK premiere of "Peterloo." Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images

Marion Bailey is known for films like "Allied," "Mr. Turner," and "Vera Drake."

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Jared Harris played King George VI, Elizabeth and Margaret's father, during season one.

Jared Harris played King George VI, Elizabeth and Margaret's father, during season one.
King George VI, as portrayed in "The Crown." Netflix

King George VI reluctantly claimed the throne in 1937, after his older brother gave it up in order to marry an American socialite.

His daughter Elizabeth became queen directly following his death in 1952.

Offscreen, Harris usually grows out his beard.

Offscreen, Harris usually grows out his beard.
Jared Harris poses for a portrait during the 2019 Winter TV Critics Association Press Tour. Rebecca Cabage/Invision/AP

Harris played another king, the infamous Henry VIII, in "The Other Boleyn Girl."

His father was the late Richard Harris, who is best known now as the original Dumbledore.

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Alex Jennings played King Edward VIII, the older brother of King George VI who abdicated the throne in 1936.

Alex Jennings played King Edward VIII, the older brother of King George VI who abdicated the throne in 1936.
King Edward VIII renounced the throne. Netflix

Directly after his father died in 1936, Edward VIII took the throne. Less than a year later, in a scandalous, unprecedented move, he renounced the throne in order to marry an American divorcee.

Jennings wears glasses in real life.

Jennings wears glasses in real life.
Alex Jennings at the Old Vic Midsummer Party in June 2019. Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images

Jennings has also starred on recent TV series like "Unforgotten," "Victoria," and "Four Weddings and a Funeral."

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Wallis Simpson, Edward's wife, was portrayed by Lia Williams.

Wallis Simpson, Edward's wife, was portrayed by Lia Williams.
Wallis Simpson was an American socialite. Netflix

Simpson, an American socialite, was divorced twice before she fell in love with the royal. After Edward abdicated the throne for her, they married in 1937 and stayed together until Edward's death in 1972.

Williams looks sophisticated in real life with a blonde pixie cut.

Williams looks sophisticated in real life with a blonde pixie cut.
Lia Williams attends the press night after party for "The Night Of The Iguana" in July 2019. Dave Benett/Getty Images

Williams is known for films like "The Foreigner" and "The Missing."

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Greg Wise played Lord Louis Mountbatten, who served in the Royal Navy.

Greg Wise played Lord Louis Mountbatten, who served in the Royal Navy.
Louis Mountbatten was Prince Philip's uncle. Netflix

Mountbatten was a great-grandson of Queen Victoria.

You may recognize Wise from "Sense and Sensibility" or "Johnny English."

You may recognize Wise from "Sense and Sensibility" or "Johnny English."
Greg Wise attends the 2018 premiere of CBS All Access' "Strange Angel." Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

He recently cowrote the Emilia Clarke-starring rom-com "Last Christmas" with his wife, Emma Thompson.

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John Lithgow — season one's only American actor — played Prime Minster Winston Churchill.

John Lithgow — season one's only American actor — played Prime Minster Winston Churchill.
Churchill famously led Britain to victory in World War II. Netflix

Churchill was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945, and again from 1951 to 1955.

Lithgow wore a fat suit to portray the storied politician.

Lithgow wore a fat suit to portray the storied politician.
John Lithgow poses for a portrait at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP

He had to don the fat suit again to play Fox magnate Roger Ailes in "Bombshell."

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Churchill's wife, Clementine, was portrayed by Harriet Walter.

Churchill's wife, Clementine, was portrayed by Harriet Walter.
Clementine was a greatly influential during her husband's political career. Netflix

According to the History Channel, "Winston himself credited [Clementine] as the primary driver behind his astonishingly successful life."

Walter, who looks much younger in real life, was also named a Dame by the actual queen.

Walter, who looks much younger in real life, was also named a Dame by the actual queen.
Dame Harriet Walter at the 2019 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences New Members Party. David Parry/PA Images via Getty Images

Walter portrayed Dr. Kalonia in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

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Jeremy Northam played Anthony Eden, the British politician who succeeded Churchill as Prime Minister.

Jeremy Northam played Anthony Eden, the British politician who succeeded Churchill as Prime Minister.
Northam's Eden appears in season one and season two. Netflix

Eden succeeded Churchill in 1955.

The real Northam usually opts for a clean-shaven face and glasses.

The real Northam usually opts for a clean-shaven face and glasses.
Jeremy Northam in 2012. Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Northam acted alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in "Emma" and Sandra Bullock in "The Net."

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During season two, Anton Lesser portrayed Harold Macmillan, the prime minister who succeeded Eden.

During season two, Anton Lesser portrayed Harold Macmillan, the prime minister who succeeded Eden.
Lesser as Macmillan. Netflix

Harold Macmillan took over as prime minister when Sir Anthony Eden resigned in 1957.

Lesser is fairly camera-shy in real life — here's how he looked a few years ago, in 2008.

Lesser is fairly camera-shy in real life — here's how he looked a few years ago, in 2008.
Anton Lesser in 2008. robbie jack/Corbis/Getty Images

You may also recognize Lesser for his role as Qyburn in "Game of Thrones."

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Jason Watkins plays Prime Minister Harold Wilson on season three.

Jason Watkins plays Prime Minister Harold Wilson on season three.
Jason Watkins as Harold Wilson on season three of "The Crown." Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix

According to CNN, Wilson was the first prime minister from a lower-middle-class background during Queen Elizabeth II's reign and they got along well.

Watkins stars on the BBC sitcom "Hold the Sunset."

Watkins stars on the BBC sitcom "Hold the Sunset."
Jason Watkins at the season three premiere of "The Crown" on November 13, 2019. Mike Marsland/WireImage

He also starred on the British comedy-drama series "Being Human."

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Michael C. Hall and Jodi Balfour made a brief appearance on season two, playing US president John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie.

Michael C. Hall and Jodi Balfour made a brief appearance on season two, playing US president John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie.
They look a lot like the real first couple. Netflix

"The Crown" portrayed the late former president as a high-functioning, charismatic drug addict.

"You have to in some way honor that without mimicking him," Michael C. Hall told Entertainment Weekly about the role. "It's a challenging thing, I know that on the show they certainly encourage people to honor the spirit of the people they're playing but don't encourage straight-up mimicry. So I didn't feel too bound by that."

Minus Balfour's iconic Jackie Kennedy hairdo, the two look fairly similar to their historic characters.

Minus Balfour's iconic Jackie Kennedy hairdo, the two look fairly similar to their historic characters.
Michael C. Hall and Jodi Balfour. Matt Winkelmeyer/Jason Kempin/Getty

Hall is best known as the titular character on Showtime's "Dexter." Balfour has a role on HBO's "True Detective."

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