Me Before You: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

Me Before You (2016) is an American-British romantic drama directed by Thea Sharrock, adapted by Jojo Moyes from her 2012 novel. It follows Louisa “Lou” Clark, a quirky small-town girl, who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy banker paralyzed after a motorcycle accident.

Their evolving bond challenges their outlooks on life and love, culminating in Will’s controversial decision to pursue assisted suicide. Filmed in the UK (Pembroke Castle, Wales; Wytham Abbey, Oxfordshire; Chenies Manor House, Buckinghamshire), it grossed $208 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.

With a 54% Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.8/10 IMDb rating, critics praised Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin’s chemistry but criticized its handling of disability issues, sparking #MeBeforeEuthanasia backlash for promoting harmful stereotypes. Fans on X love the emotional depth and Lou’s eccentric style, though some echo concerns about ableism.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Emilia Clarke as Louisa “Lou” Clark

• Role: Lou, a cheerful, quirky 26-year-old from a working-class family, takes a job as Will’s caregiver to support her parents. Her colorful outfits and optimism gradually thaw Will’s cynicism, leading to romance. Clarke’s “expressive” performance, especially her eyebrows, earned an MTV Movie Award nomination. Appeared in ~100 minutes. Prepared by studying caregiving and Moyes’ novel.
• Net Worth: $20 million to $25 million.
• Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m).
• Family: Born October 23, 1986, in London, England, to Peter (theatre sound engineer, died 2016) and Jennifer Clarke (businesswoman). One older brother, Benjamin. Of Indian descent via her maternal grandmother; proud of her heritage. Raised in Oxfordshire; graduated Drama Centre London (2009).
• Relationships: Dated Seth MacFarlane (2012–2013), Charlie McDowell (2018–2019). Single as of 2025; no children.
• Post-Film: Starred in Above Suspicion (2019), Secret Invasion (2023). Broadway: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (2013). Founded SameYou charity for brain injury recovery after surviving two aneurysms (2011, 2013).

Sam Claflin as Will Traynor

• Role: Will, a wealthy, once-active banker tetraplegic after a 2012 accident, plans assisted suicide at Dignitas. Lou’s warmth rekindles his joy, but he chooses death to free her. Claflin’s “physically challenging” role was praised for depth. Appeared in ~100 minutes. Trained with wheelchair users for authenticity.
• Net Worth: $8 million to $10 million.
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
• Family: Born June 27, 1986, in Ipswich, Suffolk, to Mark (finance officer) and Sue Claflin (teaching assistant). Three brothers: Benjamin, Daniel, Joseph. Graduated London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (2009).
• Relationships: Married Laura Haddock (2013–2019); two children, Pip (born 2015) and Margot (born 2018). Dated Cassie Amato (2023–present).
• Post-Film: Starred in Adrift (2018), The Nightingale (2018), Book of Love (2022). Upcoming: The Count of Monte Cristo (2025).

Janet McTeer as Camilla Traynor

• Role: Camilla, Will’s aristocratic mother, hires Lou to lift his spirits, hoping to change his suicide plan. McTeer’s “stoic yet vulnerable” performance added gravitas. Appeared in ~20 minutes.
• Net Worth: $4 million to $6 million.
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m).
• Family: Born August 5, 1961, in Newcastle, England, to Jean and Alan McTeer. One sister; details private. Trained at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
• Relationships: Unknown.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Menu (2022), The Nevers (2021). Tony Award for A Doll’s House (1997).

Charles Dance as Stephen Traynor

• Role: Stephen, Will’s wealthy, distant father, supports his son’s choice but struggles emotionally. Dance’s “restrained” performance was subtle but impactful. Appeared in ~15 minutes.
• Net Worth: $5 million to $8 million.
• Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m).
• Family: Born October 10, 1946, in Redditch, England, to Walter Dance and Eleanor Percival. One younger brother, Michael.
• Relationships: Married Joanna Haythorn (1970–2004); two children, Oliver and Rebecca. Engaged to Alessandra Masi since 2019; one daughter, Rose (born 2012).
• Post-Film: Starred in Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), The Sandman (2022). Upcoming: The First Omen prequel (2025).

Jenna Coleman as Katrina “Treena” Clark

• Role: Treena, Lou’s practical, academic sister and single mother, pushes Lou to better herself. Coleman’s “grounded” role added family depth. Appeared in ~15 minutes.
• Net Worth: $5 million to $7 million.
• Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m).
• Family: Born April 27, 1986, in Blackpool, England, to Keith and Karen Coleman. One older brother, Ben.
• Relationships: Dated Richard Madden (2011–2015), Tom Hughes (2016–2020). With Jamie Childs (director) since 2021; one child (born 2022).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Jetty (2024), Jackdaw (2024). Upcoming: Black Narcissus series (2025).

Matthew Lewis as Patrick

• Role: Patrick, Lou’s fitness-obsessed boyfriend, grows jealous of her bond with Will. Lewis’ “petulant” performance, a shift from his Harry Potter role as Neville, was noted. Appeared in ~15 minutes.
• Net Worth: $10 million to $12 million.
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m).
• Family: Born June 27, 1989, in Leeds, England, to Adrian and Lynda Lewis. Two brothers, Chris and Anthony (actor).
• Relationships: Married Angela Jones since 2018; no children.
• Post-Film: Starred in Terminal (2018), Baby Done (2020). Hosts Previously, on… Harry Potter podcast.

Samantha Spiro as Josie Clark

• Role: Josie, Lou’s supportive, working-class mother, relies on her income. Spiro’s “warm” performance grounded the family scenes. Appeared in ~10 minutes.
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million.
• Height: 5’4″ (1.62 m).
• Family: Born April 20, 1970, in London, England. Family details private; no siblings reported.
• Relationships: Married to Mark Leadbetter; two daughters, Martha and Rosa.
• Post-Film: Starred in Horrible Histories (2019), Call the Midwife (2023).

Brendan Coyle as Bernard Clark

• Role: Bernard, Lou’s unemployed, kind-hearted father, encourages her to reconcile with Will. Coyle’s “earnest” role was heartfelt. Appeared in ~10 minutes.
• Net Worth: $2 million to $3 million.
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m).
• Family: Born December 2, 1963, in Corby, England, to Irish father and Scottish mother (names unreported). One brother, Shaun.
• Relationships: Single.
• Post-Film: Starred in Mary Queen of Scots (2018), Downton Abbey films (2019, 2022).

Vanessa Kirby as Alicia Dawes

• Role: Alicia, Will’s ex-girlfriend who marries his friend Rupert. Kirby’s “poised” cameo added tension. Appeared in ~10 minutes.
• Net Worth: $4 million to $6 million.
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m).
• Family: Born April 18, 1988, in London, England, to Roger (urologist) and Jane Kirby. Two siblings, Joe and Juliet.
• Relationships: Dated Christian Cooke (2009–2011), Callum Turner (2015–2020). With Paul Rabil (lacrosse player) since 2021.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Fantastic Four (2025), The Son (2022). Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup for Pieces of a Woman.

Stephen Peacocke as Nathan

• Role: Nathan, Will’s nurse who joins Lou on trips, including Mauritius. Peacocke’s “steady” performance supported the leads. Appeared in ~15 minutes.
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million.
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
• Family: Born October 24, 1981, in Dubbo, Australia, to Gareth and Katrina Peacocke. One sister, Sarah.
• Relationships: Married to Bridgette Sneddon (actress) since 2014; no children.
• Post-Film: Starred in Cooped Up (2016), Danger Close (2019).

Additional Notes

Salaries: Clarke and Claflin earned ~$500,000–$1 million each, reflecting their rising status. McTeer, Dance, and Coleman earned ~$50,000–$200,000; Spiro, Coyle, Kirby, and Peacocke ~$20,000–$50,000. The $20 million budget covered UK locations, period costumes, and Mauritius scenes. Streaming residuals (Fandango, Amazon) add to earnings.

Casting Insights: Clarke pursued Lou for its unique “concoction,” beating out competitors after Game of Thrones. Claflin, cast for his emotional range, called the role his most physically demanding, consulting disability experts. Coleman and Lewis leveraged UK TV fame (Doctor Who, Harry Potter). McTeer and Dance added veteran gravitas.

Impact and Legacy: The film’s $208 million gross and 54% Rotten Tomatoes score reflect its commercial success but divisive reception. The Clarke-Claflin chemistry, especially in the Mauritius and wedding scenes, is iconic, with fans quoting “live boldly” on X. However, disability advocates criticized its portrayal of Will’s choice, arguing it frames disabled people as burdens (#MeBeforeEuthanasia). Critics noted Lou’s growth but called the ending manipulative.

Post-Film Careers: Clarke focused on Secret Invasion and charity. Claflin led Daisy Jones. McTeer and Kirby starred in Ozark and Napoleon. Dance appeared in The First Omen. Coleman and Lewis continued UK TV. Spiro, Coyle, and Peacocke took supporting roles. Most engage in high-profile projects.

Cultural Influence: The film’s “bumblebee tights” and Ed Sheeran-scored dance scene became cultural touchstones, though the song choice (“Thinking Out Loud”) was called tasteless by some for its lyrics. Its romance inspired fan edits, but the disability narrative drew protests from activists like Liz Carr and Not Dead Yet, who criticized non-disabled casting. The Paris café scene and Will’s letter remain tearjerkers.

Conclusion

Me Before You’s cast, led by Clarke’s vibrant Lou and Claflin’s nuanced Will, delivered a heartfelt romance with lasting impact despite controversy.

Net worths range from $1–$2 million (Peacocke, Spiro) to $25 million (Clarke), reflecting diverse careers. Personal lives, from Clarke’s charity work to Claflin’s family, enrich the story. With its emotional highs, iconic visuals, and divisive themes, the film remains a polarizing yet beloved drama, sparking debates on love, choice, and representation.