Mia Tharia is an English actress who has quickly captured attention for her talent and promising career. At just 19 years old (born May 2005), she has already made a splash in both television and film (Stars of Tomorrow 2024: Mia Tharia (actor) | Features | Screen). Known for her roles in the BBC series Phoenix Rise and her feature film debut September Says, Mia is gaining recognition as one of Britain’s up-and-coming talents. In fact, industry watchers have named her a “Screen International Star of Tomorrow” for 2024 and a “Brit to Watch” in 2025 (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mia Laura Tharia |
| Date of Birth | May 2005 |
| Age | 19 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Balham, South London, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (English & Indian) |
| Profession | Actress, Writer |
| Years Active | 2018–present |
| Known For | Phoenix Rise, September Says, Klara and the Sun |
| Education | Chestnut Grove Academy |
| Notable Theatre Experience | Brixton Youth Theatre, Burnt Orange Theatre Company |
| First TV Appearance | Curfew (2018, short film) |
| First Film Appearance | September Says (2024) |
| Breakthrough Role | July in September Says |
| Major Film Roles | Josie in Klara and the Sun, Ashley in The Listeners |
| Upcoming Projects | Klara and the Sun (2025, lead role) |
| Awards & Recognition | Screen International ‘Star of Tomorrow’ (2024), Variety’s ‘Brit to Watch’ (2025) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Not publicly known (estimated in the hundreds of thousands) |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Hobbies | Writing, watching indie films, theatre-making |
| Social Media Presence | Active but not heavily public; shares behind-the-scenes moments |
What Will I Learn?
Early Life and Education
Mia Laura Tharia was born in May 2005 and grew up in the Balham area of South London (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). She comes from a diverse and academically inclined family – her mother is an English psychologist and her father is an Indian scientist (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). This mixed heritage and intellectually stimulating home environment helped shape Mia’s curious and creative spirit early on. As a child, she loved immersing herself in stories and even entertained her family by acting out scenes from books, hinting at her future in performance. Her parents were very supportive of her artistic interests, enrolling her in extracurricular drama activities to nurture her talent.
For her formal education, Mia attended Chestnut Grove Academy, a local school in Balham (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). It was during her teenage years that her passion for acting really took root. She joined the Brixton Youth Theatre and later the Burnt Orange Theatre Company, where she honed her acting skills on stage (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). These youth theatre experiences were pivotal – not only did they give Mia a safe space to practice acting, but they also introduced her to mentors and opportunities in the performing arts community. In 2020, as a teenager, Mia even showcased her public speaking prowess: she won the Wandsworth regional final of Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge with an inspirational speech titled “Warrior, Not Worrier,” and went on to become a national finalist (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). This early achievement highlighted her confidence and talent in engaging an audience.
Mia’s love for storytelling isn’t limited to acting. She has a strong interest in writing and theatre-making as well. In 2024, she was selected for Burnt Orange’s ZEST Writers’ Collective, a program for young writers, and also took part in a writing workshop at the renowned Royal Court Theatre in London (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). These experiences allowed her to develop her skills behind the scenes, learning playwriting and production techniques. Mia has even started writing her own play, demonstrating that her creativity extends to creating stories, not just performing them (Stars of Tomorrow 2024: Mia Tharia (actor) | Features | Screen) (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). This blend of performance and writing in her background gave Mia a well-rounded foundation as she prepared to step into the world of professional acting.
Career Milestones
Television Debut and Breakthrough Roles
Mia Tharia’s professional acting career kicked off in the late 2010s. She landed her first on-screen role in a 2018 short film titled Curfew, where she played a character named Tess. This early experience (when she was only about 13) marked the beginning of her journey in front of the camera (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). However, her true breakthrough came a few years later on television. In 2023, Mia made her TV debut on the BBC Three teen drama Phoenix Rise, portraying a student character named Polly Shah (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). This role introduced her to a wider audience in the UK. Phoenix Rise follows a group of teens navigating high school life, and Mia’s character Polly quickly became a familiar face to viewers of the show. She appeared throughout the first two series as a regular and even returned in later series as a guest, showing that her performance left a strong impression on the show’s creators (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia).
Mia’s big break in film came soon after her television debut. In 2024, she was cast in the lead role of July in the independent feature film September Says. Remarkably, this was director Ariane Labed’s first feature film and an adaptation of the novel Sisters by Daisy Johnson (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). In the story, Mia’s character July has a complicated relationship with her older sister September, a challenging role that demanded emotional depth. How did a newcomer like Mia snag this part? It turns out her youth theatre background paid off: the casting director discovered Mia through a performance at the Brixton Youth Theatre and was impressed (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). After an audition with Labed, Mia won the role of July, beating out more experienced contenders.
Filming September Says was a significant milestone for Mia. The movie premiered at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). Imagine being 19 and walking the red carpet at Cannes for your very first movie – that was Mia’s reality. Not only did she hold her own in the film, but her work earned her and co-star Pascale Kann a shout-out from Vogue, which named them “Rising Stars” of the festival (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). It’s not every day that a debut performance gets attention at Cannes, and this recognition cemented Mia Tharia’s status as a young actress to watch. The Cannes experience was “a bit mental,” as Mia herself put it – in her words, it felt like a whirlwind dream (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue).
Continuing her busy 2024, Mia returned to television screens in a high-profile project. In November 2024, she appeared in the BBC One thriller The Listeners, playing a character named Ashley opposite actress Rebecca Hall (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). The Listeners is a tense miniseries, and Mia’s role as the outspoken teen daughter of Rebecca Hall’s character was another chance for her to shine. This role was quite different from the quiet intensity of July in September Says – as Ashley, Mia got to be fiery and confrontational. She later described how exciting it was to play such a “firecracker” of a character, since being bold and combative on screen was new territory for her (Stars of Tomorrow 2024: Mia Tharia (actor) | Features | Screen). Critics and audiences praised her performance, noting that Mia held her own even alongside seasoned actors. By the end of 2024, she had proven her versatility – from a heartfelt indie drama at Cannes to a gripping TV thriller.
Upcoming Role in Klara and the Sun
One of the most anticipated milestones in Mia Tharia’s career is her role in the upcoming film Klara and the Sun. This project is a feature adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed 2021 novel, directed by the celebrated Taika Waititi. In Klara and the Sun, Mia has been cast as Josie, the young girl at the heart of the story (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). This film is a major step up in visibility – it’s backed by big studios (Sony’s 3000 Pictures and producer David Heyman’s Heyday Films) and boasts Hollywood stars Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams in the cast. Filming took place in 2024 in New Zealand, and Mia got to work closely with Ortega and Adams under Waititi’s direction (Stars of Tomorrow 2024: Mia Tharia (actor) | Features | Screen) (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue).
Getting this role was an interesting story in itself. Mia auditioned for Taika Waititi and, as she later admitted with a laugh, she completely forgot her lines in the audition room (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). Instead of it becoming a disaster, Waititi encouraged her to improvise on the spot. Mia’s quick thinking and natural creativity shone through; she delivered a spontaneous performance that impressed the famous director. “It was crazy getting to command that room with my performance,” she recalled of that nerve-wracking but thrilling audition (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). Before she knew it, she was on a plane to New Zealand to shoot the movie, acting alongside Ortega (who plays the AI friend Klara) and Adams (who plays the mother). Mia described the filming experience as “magical,” saying she often had to pinch herself to soak in the reality of working with such icons. Off set, she and Jenna Ortega would relax at the beach or even hang out at Taika Waititi’s house on their days off, with Amy Adams acting like a caring mentor to the young stars (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). The camaraderie on set made headlines in entertainment media as a heartwarming story of a newcomer being embraced by established actors.
Klara and the Sun is expected to be released in 2025, and many are predicting that this film could catapult Mia Tharia to a new level of fame. It’s her first major studio film and her first leading role in a science-fiction drama. Given the buzz around the project (the novel is well-loved and Waititi’s involvement guarantees attention), Mia’s performance as Josie could introduce her to international audiences in a big way. It’s no wonder Variety included her on their list of “10 Brits to Watch for 2025,” signaling that industry insiders believe Mia is on the cusp of even greater success (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia).
Personal Life and Interesting Facts
Despite her fast-rising career, Mia Tharia has kept a relatively grounded personal life. At 19, she still lives at home in South London with her parents, which isn’t too surprising considering her age and how quickly her ascent happened (Stars of Tomorrow 2024: Mia Tharia (actor) | Features | Screen). In interviews, Mia often expresses gratitude for her family’s support. She credits her upbringing – with a mother in psychology and a father in science – for keeping her curious and well-rounded. This mix of perspectives may be one reason she’s so comfortable diving into complex characters; she grew up encouraged to ask questions and explore different viewpoints.
One interesting fact about Mia is that she started auditioning for acting roles when she was just 12 years old (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). For years, she faced rejection and near-misses. It wasn’t until she joined the Brixton Youth Theatre in her mid-teens that things changed. During a youth theatre performance, a casting director noticed her potential and helped her get an agent (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). This serendipitous moment led directly to her landing the role in September Says. Mia has described the whole experience since then as “a bit of a fever dream” (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue) because everything happened so fast once her career took off.
Beyond acting, Mia Tharia has a few hobbies and interests that fans might find endearing. She is a self-professed film buff – but not just for mainstream movies. In her downtime, she loves going to the British Film Institute (BFI) to watch “strange underground films that no one’s heard of,” as she cheerfully admitted (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). This taste for indie and art-house cinema shows that she’s truly passionate about the art of filmmaking, not just the glamor of it. It wouldn’t be surprising if some of these offbeat films inspire her approach to acting or even her own writing.
Speaking of writing, Mia is also an aspiring writer and theatre-maker. As mentioned earlier, she participated in a Royal Court Theatre writing residency and has been working on her own play (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). She finds writing therapeutic and a way to explore stories from the creator’s side. In fact, she’s said that writing is “definitely something I want to explore more” in the future (Stars of Tomorrow 2024: Mia Tharia (actor) | Features | Screen). Don’t be surprised if a few years down the line Mia Tharia adds “playwright” or “screenwriter” to her list of accomplishments.
In terms of personal style and personality, Mia comes off as a down-to-earth young woman. She hasn’t been swept up in the Hollywood hype machine just yet. She describes her fashion sense as pretty casual – favoring things like wide-legged jeans, checked shirts, and graphic tees when she’s not on the red carpet (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). Friends and colleagues often note her warm, humble demeanor. Despite sharing scenes with A-listers, she remains eager to learn and is often seen asking questions on set or chatting with crew members. This grounded attitude has earned her a reputation for being professional and easy to work with.
Importantly, Mia Tharia has managed to navigate her early fame without any controversies or scandals. By all accounts, she keeps her public image clean and focuses on her craft. In interviews, she comes across as thoughtful and articulate, avoiding any dramatic personal revelations or social media missteps. This has helped endear her to fans who appreciate that she’s in the spotlight for her talent and hard work, not any tabloid drama.
Media Recognition and Notable Moments
Mia’s meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed in the entertainment industry. Media outlets and organizations have been quick to recognize her potential. In 2024, Screen International honored her as one of their Stars of Tomorrow, highlighting the most talented up-and-coming actors in the UK (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). This was a big honor, essentially marking her as one of the breakout talents of the year. The Screen International profile on Mia marveled at how she had “already been to Cannes Film Festival with her debut feature” and juggled multiple projects before even turning 19 (Stars of Tomorrow 2024: Mia Tharia (actor) | Features | Screen). It pointed out how rapid her rise has been — something anyone who follows her career would agree with.
Following that, in early 2025, Variety (a leading Hollywood trade magazine) included Mia Tharia in its prestigious list of “10 Brits to Watch for 2025” (Mia Tharia – Wikipedia). This list is a who’s who of British talent across film, TV, and theatre that are expected to make waves internationally. Mia being on that list solidified her status as not just a local UK talent, but someone with global breakout potential. As part of this recognition, she and the other honorees were celebrated at a special event during the Newport Beach Film Festival’s UK Honors in early 2025 – quite a notable media moment for a young actress. Mia’s inclusion alongside slightly more established names like Erin Kellyman and Nabhaan Rizwan (also on the list) shows that industry veterans see something special in her.
Besides formal accolades, some of Mia’s personal stories have caught media attention as well. Her Klara and the Sun audition anecdote – where she turned a potentially disastrous forgotten-line moment into an impressive improvisation – was reported in British Vogue and picked up by various entertainment news sites (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). It’s the kind of charming story that fans love because it humanizes the casting process and shows Mia’s quick wit under pressure. Additionally, the fact that September Says led her to walk the Cannes red carpet at such a young age made for great press photos and interviews. There’s an often-shared portrait of Mia posing at Cannes in 2024, looking both nervous and excited, which journalists have used to illustrate articles about her early success.
So far, Mia has maintained a very positive public image. She’s active on social media in a modest way – sharing behind-the-scenes snaps from sets and occasional glimpses of her life, but she’s not embroiled in any online feuds or controversies. This conscious approach to her public persona means that “notable media moments” about Mia tend to be positive highlights of her career (premieres, awards, interviews) rather than any negative incidents. It’s refreshing to see a young starlet whose story in the media is all about the work she’s doing and the praise she’s earning.
Estimated Net Worth and Earnings
One common question fans have as Mia Tharia’s fame grows is: How much is she worth? As of now, Mia’s exact net worth isn’t publicly known. She is still at the beginning of her career, and unlike long-established Hollywood actors, her financial details remain private. In fact, one biography site bluntly lists her net worth as “Not Known,” reflecting the lack of confirmed information on her earnings so far (Mia Tharia – Age, Bio, Birthdate, Family, Networth & More).
However, we can make a few educated guesses. Given that Mia has had roles in a BBC series and independent films, and is now moving into a bigger studio film, her earnings have likely been modest but steadily increasing. Early TV roles for new actors (like Phoenix Rise) typically come with relatively low paychecks – enough to get by, but nothing exorbitant. September Says was an indie film debut, which again likely paid modestly. Where her income might see a jump is with Klara and the Sun, since working on a major film backed by Sony and a famed director could come with a more substantial salary or at least bonuses if the film succeeds.
Some entertainment observers speculate that Mia Tharia’s net worth might be in the range of a few hundred thousand pounds/dollars at this stage, largely from her acting projects to date. This is a rough estimate, of course. She’s certainly not a millionaire yet by most accounts, but her trajectory suggests that could change in the coming years. Many actors who break out in their early 20s go on to land bigger contracts, endorsements, or additional projects that boost their net worth significantly.
It’s also worth noting that Mia has not been involved in any big commercial endorsements or advertising campaigns yet, as far as public information shows. Many celebrities supplement their acting income with brand deals, but Mia seems to be focused on acting and writing for now. As her star power grows (especially after Klara and the Sun releases), she may attract sponsorships or fashion brand partnerships which could increase her earnings.
In summary, Mia Tharia’s net worth remains a bit of a mystery to the public, but given her rising profile, it is likely to grow. For the time being, she appears more concentrated on building a lasting career than on cashing in quickly. We will have to stay tuned for future reports or interviews to know when her financial status catches up with her fame.
Future Projects and Career Trajectory
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for Mia Tharia. With the major film Klara and the Sun under her belt (set to premiere in 2025), industry insiders are eager to see what she will do next. There is already buzz that Mia’s performance as Josie could lead to other high-profile offers. Directors and casting agents have taken note of her ability to handle emotionally complex roles, and her name is likely appearing on more audition shortlists for upcoming films and series.
Mia herself has expressed interest in exploring a variety of genres and roles. After tackling drama and sci-fi, she’s mentioned that she’d “love to do a comedy” next (Mia Tharia, The Star Of ‘Klara And The Sun’, Is Ready To Shine | British Vogue). This hints at a career trajectory not limited by typecasting – she doesn’t want to be pigeonholed as “the serious teen girl” in every project. Given her youthful energy and willingness to try new things, a foray into comedy could be a fantastic next step. Don’t be surprised if in the next year or two we see Mia in a lighter, perhaps romantic-comedy role, or even on stage in a comedic play (combining her theatre roots with her desire to do comedy).
Additionally, Mia’s background in theatre and writing suggests she might create her own content someday. She’s already working on a play and has a clear passion for storytelling. It’s possible that in the future, she might develop a screenplay or a theatre production. Her experience at the Royal Court’s writing program could come full circle if she brings one of her written works to life. This kind of move – from actor to multi-hyphenate creator – is increasingly common in the industry, and Mia has the talent to do it.
On the mainstream front, being a “Brit to Watch” by Variety means she’ll likely get attention in Hollywood. Perhaps we’ll see Mia Tharia appear in a major streaming series or another international film project soon. With her foot in the door thanks to Klara and the Sun, she has connections and visibility that could lead anywhere. Some fans have even speculated online about dream roles for her – everything from joining a fantasy series (thanks to her expressive acting) to more prestige period dramas (given her theatre chops). The good news is that Mia seems open-minded and excited about diverse opportunities.
In terms of career trajectory, if Mia continues on her current path, she could very well become one of the prominent actresses of her generation. It’s important to remember she is still very young. Five years from now, she’ll still be in her mid-20s with a wealth of experience behind her. Many established actors hadn’t even started their careers at the age Mia is now! That head start, combined with her evident dedication, sets her up for long-term success. Industry experts often mention that she has a level-headedness and professionalism that will serve her well in navigating the competitive world of film and TV.
Fans of Mia Tharia have a lot to look forward to. In the near term, the release of Klara and the Sun is the big event circled on the calendar. Beyond that, any announcements of new roles will surely generate excitement. Whether she continues to work in the UK or expands further into Hollywood, one thing is clear: Mia Tharia’s journey is just beginning, and she’s on track to achieve great things. In a short span, she has evolved from a persistent theatre kid to a celebrated young actress on the cusp of international stardom – and it will be truly exciting for us to watch where she goes next.
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