Overview and Key Roles
Rachel Hurd Wood is an English actress best known for her role as Jane Bennet in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice and as Melanie in The Boat That Rocked (2009). This profile outlines her screen credits, career context, and how these performances fit into her broader work as an actress. It focuses on verifiable roles and production details useful for understanding her contribution to these films.
Verified Filmography and Factual Details
Below are key credited performances with release years, character names, and production details drawn from reliable public records. Where figures vary by source, ranges are noted.
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pride & Prejudice | 2005 | Jane Bennet | Feature film; directed by Joe Wright |
| The Boat That Rocked | 2009 | Melanie | Feature film; alternative title: Pirate Radio (US) |
| Wild Child | 2008 | Chloe James | Feature film; teen comedy |
| Wild at Heart | 2009–2010 | Roxy Monke | TV series; main role in later seasons |
| Doctors | 2012 | Abi Peterson | TV series; guest appearance |
| The Last Passenger | 2013 | Kate | Feature film; minor role |
Context Around Her Most Notable Performance
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Hurd Wood plays Jane Bennet, the eldest Bennet daughter known for her gentle disposition. The production was directed by Joe Wright and filmed on location in the English countryside. Her performance is part of an ensemble that includes Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The film was released by Fox Searchlight Pictures and received widespread critical recognition, including multiple Academy Award nominations for its production design and cinematography.
The Boat That Rocked / Pirate Radio (2009)
Hurd Wood appears as Melanie in this comedy-drama about pirate radio in 1960s Britain, directed by Richard Curtis. The US release under the title Pirate Radio and the UK release as The Boat That Rocked highlight regional title variations. Her role supports the ensemble cast focused on the station’s staff and underscores the film’s period setting and humor.
Career Trajectory and Public Profile
Hurd Wood’s career emphasizes character-driven performances in both period features and contemporary settings. After notable early film work, she balanced screen roles with other professional activities, remaining active in the industry. Coverage of her work often describes her as a steady, reliable performer within ensemble casts. Public records suggest she has maintained a relatively private personal life while continuing to accept selective projects.
Distinguishing Between Performers with Similar Names
Because names can overlap, it is helpful to clarify that this Rachel Hurd Wood is the English actress associated with Pride & Prejudice and The Boat That Rocked. She is distinct from other individuals who share similar names in different industries. Verifying credits against reliable film databases helps ensure accuracy when researching her body of work.
Summary of Key Facts
Rachel Hurd Wood is known for specific, well-documented roles in mid-2000s British and American productions. Her most prominent credit is Jane Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, along with notable supporting performances in The Boat That Rocked and Wild Child. These verified entries represent her core filmography and establish her ongoing presence as a reliable character actress in both period and contemporary stories.
Category and Tags
This article is filed under the primary category evergreen_profile and is tagged for discoverability: biography, filmography, and verified credits.