Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan was born on November 28, 1987 in Inverness, Scotland. She moved to London was she was eighteen years old and studied at the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts drama school. She was a model in school before moving on to her acting and directing career. She started off with guest appearances such as in an episode of Rebus, a part she got while still studying in London.

In May of 2009, she was cast to be the eleventh doctor’s first companion in Doctor Who, making her first appearance in “The Eleventh Hour.” She won the Fifth Young Scot Award in 2010 and the TV Choice Awards for “Best Actress” for her work in Doctor Who, and was also nominated for “Best Actress” for the TV Quick Awards. Most recently, she has won an Empire Award for “Best Female Newcomer” for her appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy (2015) and Oculus (2015).