X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Karen Gillan Biography

Birth Name:Karen Sheila Gillan

Birth Place:Iverness, Scotland

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Director, Writer

Fast Facts

  • Was awarded the 2017 Maui Film Festival Rising Star Award
  • Was named one of Cosmopolitan's Women of the Year in 2010
  • Won the 2012 National Television Award for Best Female Drama Performance
  • Studied acting at Telford College and the Italia Conti Stage School
  • Best known for her work on the series "Doctor Who․"
  • Was featured in the 2011 Donmar Warehouse production of the play "Inadmissible Evidence․"
  • Shaved her head for her role in the film "Guardians of the Galaxy․"

Awards

  • 2010TV Quick Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2011SFX Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 2011Scream Award-Best Science Fiction Actress: nominated
  • 2011TV Quick Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 2012National Television Award-Most Popular Female Drama Performance: winner
  • 2012SFX Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2012TV Quick Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2013Irina Palm-Worst British Actress: nominated
  • 2013National Television Award-Most Popular Female Drama Performance: nominated
  • 2014DFCS Award-Best Ensemble: winner
  • 2014Fright Meter Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2014NFCS Award-Best Ensemble Cast: winner
  • 2014PFCS Award-Best Ensemble Acting: nominated
  • 2015COFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
  • 2015Empire Award-Best Female Newcomer: winner
  • 2018BAFTA Scotland Award-Best Feature Film: nominated
  • 2018British Independent Film Award-Best Debut Screenwriter: nominated
  • 2018Festival Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 2018Audience Award-: nominated
  • 2018MTV Movie + TV Award-Best On-Screen Team: nominated
  • 2018Archie Award-Best First Feature: nominated
  • 2018Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Actress: Comedy: nominated
  • 2019Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2019The BAM Award-Best Cast: nominated
  • 2022CCA Super Award-Best Actress in an Action Movie: nominated
  • 2023CCA Super Award-Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie: nominated
  • 2023Movie Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 2023Golden Space Needle Award-Best Performance: nominated
  • 2025BAFTA Scotland Award-Best Actress - Film/Television: nominated