Lily James Lily James (born 5 April 1989) is an English actress, best known for her role in the period TV drama, Downton Abbey James was born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson in Esher, Surrey, England. She began her education at Arts Educational School in Tring and subsequently went on to study acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, graduating in 2010. Lily played the role of Katrina in Play House alongside Obi Abili and Marijka, and in Definitely the Bahamas alongside Ian Gel