Natascha McElhone is a distinguished British actress whose career spans television, film, and theater. Best known for her roles in “Californication,” “Solaris,” and more recently “The First,” McElhone has established herself as a versatile performer with remarkable depth and range.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Natasha Abigail Taylor (Stage name: Natascha McElhone) |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actress |
| Famous For | Karen in “Californication,” Rheya in “Solaris” |
| Age | 55 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1969 |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Surrey, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 5’8" (173 cm) |
| Net Worth | $5-8 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Spouse | Dr. Martin Hirigoyen Kelly (m. 1998, d. 2008) |
| Children | Three sons |
Early Life & Background
Natasha Abigail Taylor, professionally known as Natascha McElhone, was born on December 14, 1969, in Surrey, England. She spent her formative years in the United Kingdom, where she developed an early interest in performance arts. From ages six to twelve, McElhone took Irish dancing lessons, providing an early foundation for her future in performing arts.
Education
McElhone received formal training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), one of the UK’s most prestigious drama schools. This classical training provided her with the technical skills and artistic foundation that would later define her nuanced performances across various media.
Career Journey
McElhone’s professional career began in theater before transitioning to television and film in the mid-1990s. Her cinematic breakthrough came with roles in “The Truman Show” and “Ronin,” where she demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside established Hollywood stars.
Her performance as the enigmatic Rheya in Steven Soderbergh’s “Solaris” (2002) showcased her dramatic range and earned critical acclaim. However, it was her role as Karen in the Showtime series “Californication” (2007-2014) that brought her widespread recognition, portraying the complex love interest of David Duchovny’s character across seven seasons.
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In 2018, McElhone took on the role of Laz Ingram in the Hulu science fiction series “The First,” continuing to demonstrate her versatility and willingness to tackle challenging characters. Throughout her career, she has balanced film and television work, selecting roles that showcase her considerable talent for portraying emotionally complex characters.
Personal Life
Natascha married plastic surgeon Dr. Martin Hirigoyen Kelly in 1998. Their marriage produced three sons, but ended in tragedy when Dr. Kelly unexpectedly died of a heart attack in 2008. McElhone was pregnant with their third child at the time of his death. Since this devastating loss, she has focused on raising her sons while continuing her acting career, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Natascha McElhone’s estimated net worth is between $5-8 million. This wealth derives primarily from her extensive acting career, including long-running television series, feature films, and possibly endorsements and other entertainment ventures. Her role in the successful series “Californication” likely contributed significantly to her financial portfolio.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Stage Name: Born as Natasha Abigail Taylor, she adopted “McElhone” as her professional surname
- Irish Dancing: Studied Irish dancing from ages six to twelve
- Literary Connection: She published letters she wrote to her late husband after his death in the book “After You: Letters of Love, and Loss, to a Husband and Father”
- Voice Acting: Has lent her voice to video games, including the role of Lady Katrina in “Castlevania: Lords of Shadow”
- Theater Work: Despite her screen success, she maintains connections to stage acting, performing in various theatrical productions in London
Professional Collaborations
McElhone has worked with numerous talented actors and directors throughout her career. Her collaboration with David Duchovny in “Californication” created one of television’s most complex and enduring romantic relationships. She also starred alongside George Clooney in “Solaris” and Jim Carrey in “The Truman Show,” demonstrating her ability to match the intensity of Hollywood’s leading men.
FAQ
What is Natascha McElhone’s real name?
Her birth name is Natasha Abigail Taylor. McElhone is her professional stage name.
What role is Natascha McElhone best known for?
She is best known for playing Karen in “Californication” and Rheya in “Solaris”.
Did Natascha McElhone have any special skills as a child?
Yes, she took Irish dancing lessons from ages six to twelve.
How many children does Natascha McElhone have?
She has three sons from her marriage to Dr. Martin Hirigoyen Kelly.
What tragedy did Natascha McElhone experience in her personal life?
In 2008, her husband Dr. Martin Hirigoyen Kelly died suddenly of a heart attack while she was pregnant with their third child.