Why Briony in Adolescence Looks So Familiar – The Actress Behind the Role

Nivedita Dubey
March 29, 2025

Key Points:

Erin Doherty, who plays Briony Ariston in Adolescence, is best known for portraying Princess Anne in The Crown.
She has starred in other major projects, including Chloe, A Thousand Blows, and Firebrand.
Her career began with roles in Call the Midwife and Les Misérables, showcasing her range across drama and historical fiction.

Who Plays Briony Ariston in Adolescence?

Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston in Adolescence _ Official Trailer _ Netflix

Adolescence, one of Netflix’s most gripping new series, introduces viewers to Briony Ariston, a child psychologist tasked with evaluating Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old accused of murder. The role is played by Erin Doherty, a talented British actress who has steadily gained recognition for her commanding screen presence. If Briony looks familiar, it’s likely because you’ve seen Doherty in several high-profile projects before.

What Is Erin Doherty Best Known For?

Doherty’s breakthrough role came in Netflix’s The Crown, where she portrayed Princess Anne in Seasons 3 and 4. Her performance as the sharp-witted and independent daughter of Queen Elizabeth II earned her widespread acclaim. She appeared in 15 episodes between 2019 and 2020, sharing the screen with Olivia Colman and Tobias Menzies. Her work on The Crown won her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

What Other TV Series Has Erin Doherty Starred In?

Chloe (2022)

Doherty took on a lead role in the BBC One/Prime Video thriller Chloe, playing Becky Green, a woman obsessed with infiltrating the life of a social media influencer. This psychological drama showcased her ability to embody complex, layered characters, much like Briony in Adolescence.

A Thousand Blows (2025)

Released on Hulu in February 2025, A Thousand Blows is a historical drama set in Victorian London. Doherty plays Mary Carr, the leader of an all-female crime syndicate. The series also stars Stephen Graham, who co-created Adolescence and plays Jamie’s father, Eddie.

Has Erin Doherty Been in Any Films?

Firebrand (2024)

In the historical drama Firebrand, Doherty portrays Anne Askew, a Protestant reformer executed for her beliefs during Henry VIII’s reign. The film stars Jude Law as King Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as Queen Katharine Parr.

Les Misérables (2018)

Doherty appeared in the BBC/PBS adaptation of Les Misérables as Fabienne, a close friend of Fantine (played by Lily Collins). Though a supporting role, it was an early showcase of her acting prowess.

Where Did Erin Doherty Start Her Career?

Doherty trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a prestigious institution that has produced several acclaimed British actors. She first gained recognition on television with a guest role in Call the Midwife (2017), a long-running BBC drama known for featuring rising stars.

In Adolescence, Episode 3 centers on Briony Ariston’s hour-long evaluation of Jamie at a youth detention facility. The one-shot format intensifies the psychological battle between Briony and Jamie, allowing Doherty to display her skill in navigating high-stakes, emotionally charged dialogue.

Viewers have praised her performance, with many taking to social media to call her scenes “brilliant” and “sensational”. Whether playing royalty, a social media infiltrator, or a psychologist dissecting a child’s mind, Doherty consistently delivers nuanced, unforgettable performances.

Where Can You Watch Erin Doherty’s Work?

Adolescence _ Official Trailer _ Netflix

Adolescence (Netflix, 2025)
The Crown (Netflix, 2019-2020)
Chloe (BBC One/Prime Video, 2022)
A Thousand Blows (Hulu, 2025)
Firebrand (Theaters/Streaming, 2024)
Les Misérables (BBC/PBS, 2018)
Call the Midwife (BBC, 2017)

Erin Doherty’s rise from theater-trained newcomer to recognizable screen talent makes her one to watch. With roles spanning historical drama, psychological thrillers, and prestige TV, she continues to prove why she’s a standout in every project she takes on.

Source: Forbes