Kaya Scodelario, born Kaya Rose Humphrey on March 13, 1992, in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England, is a British actress renowned for her compelling performances on both television and film. Raised by her Brazilian mother, Katia Scodelario, she grew up speaking Portuguese at home and took her mother's surname after her parents' divorce.

Her early life was marked by challenges, including her mother's struggle with clinical depression, but Kaya found solace in acting, participating in school plays and eventually moving to London to pursue her passion.

Her breakthrough came at the age of 14 when she was cast as Effy Stonem in the E4 teen drama series "Skins." Despite having no prior acting experience, her portrayal of Effy, a complex and troubled character, earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. She continued to play Effy through multiple seasons, becoming one of the show's most iconic characters. This role opened doors for Kaya in the film industry, leading to her feature film debut in "Moon" (2009), directed by Duncan Jones.

Her career continued to flourish with roles in films such as "Clash of the Titans" (2010) and Andrea Arnold's adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" (2011), where she played Catherine Earnshaw. She gained international recognition for her role as Teresa in the "Maze Runner" film series (2014-2018), which showcased her ability to handle action-packed and emotionally intense scenes. She further solidified her status as a versatile actress with her performance as Carina Smyth in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" (2017) and as Haley Keller in the thriller "Crawl" (2019).

In addition to her film work, Kaya Scodelario has appeared in several television series, including "Southcliffe" (2013) and "The Pale Horse" (2020). Her talent and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including nominations for the Golden Nymph Award for her role in "Skins" and a Teen Choice Award for her performance in "The Maze Runner."

Her personal life has also garnered public interest. She married American actor Benjamin Walker in 2015, and the couple has two children. However, they announced their separation in 2024. Her lifestyle reflects her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her craft. She often speaks about the importance of mental health awareness, drawing from her own experiences and her mother's struggles.