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Actor Charlotte Riley on Fostering Failure & Family
12 Apr
Summary
- She founded The WonderWorks to support childcare in the TV industry.
- Her father instilled a valuable lesson: 'What's the worst that could happen?'
- Tom Hardy's tea-making skills were a 'cracking' sign for their relationship.

Charlotte Riley, an actor and writer from County Durham, began her career after studying English and training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She gained prominence for her role as Cathy in "Wuthering Heights" and has since appeared in "Peaky Blinders" and "Press." Her experiences as a mother led her to establish The WonderWorks in 2017, a network providing childcare support within the TV and film industries.
Riley credits her father with instilling confidence, encouraging her to embrace challenges and learn from failure. "What's the worst that could happen? You might be shit at it," he'd say. This philosophy influenced her approach to life and career decisions. She also fondly recalls her husband, Tom Hardy, impressing her with his ability to make a "cracking cup of tea," a skill she notes is rare.
Inspired by her personal journey, including a five-year break from acting to focus on her children and company, Riley now prioritizes life experiences over solely career advancement. She believes in making decisions based on personal growth and fulfillment, rather than just professional progression, cherishing moments of creativity and family life.