Meet Olivia Cooke’s Parents: Lindsy Wild and John Cooke

Olivia Kate Cooke, born on December 27, 1993, in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, is an acclaimed English actress celebrated for her standout roles in House of the Dragon, Bates Motel, and Ready Player One.

She grew up in a modest working-class family in Oldham, a former textile town, where her love for performance began early.

Starting with ballet and gymnastics, she eventually discovered acting at the age of eight through the Oldham Theatre Workshop, a local drama group that ignited her passion for the craft.

Her childhood was shaped by both resilience and creativity. When her parents, John Cooke, a retired police officer, and Lindsay Wilde (Lindsy Wild), a sales representative, divorced, Olivia and her younger sister Eleanor Cooke were raised primarily by their mother.

Cooke attended Royton and Crompton Academy before continuing her studies at Oldham Sixth Form College, where she focused on drama. She left before completing her A-levels when she was cast in the BBC miniseries Blackout.

Though she auditioned for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and reached the final round, she was not accepted, a twist that ultimately did not hold her back. Instead, her persistence and early experiences prepared her for the demanding career that followed.

Raised in a grounded environment with no direct ties to the entertainment world, Olivia’s journey to Hollywood was fueled by determination, raw talent, and the unwavering support of her family.

From her humble beginnings in Oldham to international recognition, she has built a career defined by versatility and emotional depth, becoming one of Britain’s most admired actresses of her generation.

Lindsy Wild

Lindsay Lindsy Wild, née Wild, has been a cornerstone of Olivia’s journey, offering encouragement and practicality. She is Olivia‘s mother.

As a sales representative for a local company, Lindsy’s career involved client relations and business development—skills that required persuasive communication and relationship-building, traits Olivia may have inherited, evident in her charismatic screen presence.

Raising two daughters alone after her divorce from John Cooke, Lindsy demonstrated strength and dedication, qualities reflected in Olivia’s portrayals of resilient characters like Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon and Emma Decody in Bates Motel.

Olivia has often spoken fondly of her mother’s support, noting how Lindsy kept a corkboard at home to track her daughter’s achievements, from local theatre productions to major film roles.

In a 2022 interview, Olivia shared that her mother remains closely involved in her career, offering emotional backing and playful commentary, such as joking about potential Hollywood suitors for her daughter.

Lindsy’s presence at premieres and events highlights her pride, yet she maintains a private life, focusing on her daughters rather than seeking the spotlight. As of recent reports, Lindsy remains single, dedicating her time to family and her professional responsibilities.

John Cooke

John Cooke, Olivia’s father, brought discipline and a sense of duty to the family as a police officer in Oldham.

His career in law enforcement demanded courage and integrity, shaping a household grounded in service and resilience before his divorce from Lindsy. Now retired, John leads a quieter life but remains a significant figure for Olivia.

She has mentioned visiting him and her stepmother, Gwyneth Pilling, during breaks from filming, indicating an amicable and ongoing relationship despite the family’s early challenges.

Olivia has reflected on her “wild” teenage years, admitting to rebellious antics that might have tested her father’s law-enforcement background. Yet, John’s steady presence likely contributed to her work ethic and ability to navigate Hollywood’s pressures.

While he avoids public attention, his influence may be seen in Olivia’s choice of roles tackling moral complexity, such as in Thoroughbreds and Sound of Metal.

John’s retirement has allowed him to focus on family, providing Olivia with a sense of normalcy away from her high-profile career.