Unlike English drama counterparts like Gemma Arterton and Keira Knightley, Hayley took her time in establishing herself on the big screen. She was born in 1982 in London to an English mother, a shaman, and an American father, a motivational speaker. After graduating from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2005 Hayley landed a Pringles commercial as her introduction into show business.
Leave it to Woody Allen to pluck Hayley from relative U.K. obscurity in 2006 for his black comedy thriller, “Cassandra’s Dream.” Placing Hayley between brothers Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell, Hayley not only cemented her acting talents, but also generated interest from others. Following that film’s release in 2007, she appeared in “The Duchess” and “Brideshead Revisited,” both very searing and very English. So it was a little of a surprise when Hayley won the role of Peggy Carter for Joe Johnston’s big screen adaptation of “Captain America: First Avenger.”
Hayley has also done extensive television and theater work in addition to voice work on radio, including a serialized version of the Italian novel “The Leopard,” the film version of which highly influenced “The Godfather.”
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Hayley on the Screen
Prior to her feature debut “Cassandra’s Dream” in 2007, Hayley was on numerous British TV productions including “Masterpiece Theatre.” She also appears in “Brideshead Revisited” and “The Duchess,” as well as a few episodes of “The Prisoner” alongside Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellan.
Hayley on Video
“Captain America” Interview
Hayley chats at a British award function about her new role.
“Cassandra’s Dream” Interview
Hayley explains her character from the Woody Allen thriller.
“Brideshead Revisited” Interview
Hayley on her character from the searing drama.
Hayley Says
On her liberal roots:
“I rebelled against rebellion.”
On working with Woody Allen:
“He’s very specific. He did an impression of the way I held my mouth and asked me not to do it.”