Think you already know Lily Collins? Think again. Behind the familiar face from the big screen and Emily in Paris is a story full of early starts, unexpected passions, and quiet determination. These five facts peel back the layers on her life and career—and might just surprise you.

Lily Collins first stepped in front of a camera at age two and later found herself drawn to both journalism and acting. Over the years her work has stretched across film, television, writing, and a memorable turn as Fantine in the television adaptation of Les Misérables.

<h3>1. She Started Acting Very Young</h3>

Lily Collins was born on March 18, 1989, in Guildford, England. Her father is musician Phil Collins, but her own professional work began when she was a child. At age two, Collins appeared in the BBC series Growing Pains. By age five or six, after moving to the United States, she was performing with the Youth Academy for Dramatic Arts. These early experiences gave her a connection to performance long before her later film and television roles.

<h3>2. Journalism Became an Early Interest</h3>

Acting was not Collins' only professional interest. At age 15, she began writing for the UK edition of Elle Girl. Her work included a column called “LA Confidential,” which combined observations about life in Los Angeles with information about Hollywood and local activities. She later continued developing her journalism interests through broadcast work.

Collins also studied communication at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication. Her early writing experience remains a notable part of her background because it developed alongside her acting work rather than replacing it.

<h3>3. Her Film Career Expanded After The Blind Side</h3>

Collins appeared in two episodes of 90210 in 2009 before taking a supporting role in The Blind Side that same year. She played Collins Tuohy, the daughter of Sandra Bullock's character.

Her subsequent film credits included Priest and Abduction in 2011, followed by Mirror Mirror in 2012, where she played Snow White opposite Julia Roberts and Armie Hammer. She later appeared in projects including Love, Rosie and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, adding different types of roles to her film career.

<h3>4. She Played Fantine In Les Misérables</h3>

Collins portrayed Fantine in the television adaptation of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. The production premiered in the UK in 2018 and was later shown in the United States through MASTERPIECE.

For the role, Collins said the production team encouraged the actors to return to Hugo's original novel rather than relying mainly on earlier screen adaptations. She focused on understanding Fantine's circumstances and contributing her own interpretation of the character.

One scene that required particular preparation involved Fantine confronting Jean Valjean and Javert. Collins described it as a demanding scene and said she felt proud after completing it.

<h3>5. Her Career Includes Work Beyond Acting</h3>

Collins has also worked in modeling and writing. In 2008, she received the Best International Model Award at the Spanish Glamour Awards in Madrid and the One to Watch Award at the Young Hollywood Awards.

All of this adds up to a career that feels both varied and thoughtfully built. From early performances and journalism to modeling, writing, and roles on both the big and small screen, Lily Collins has shaped a path full of curiosity and range. Her work as Fantine in Les Misérables and in Emily in Paris shows just how carefully she approaches each new chapter.