Romola Sadie Garai was born on August 6, 1982, in Hong Kong. Her parents, Anne and Adrian Garai, were both bankers. She has three siblings. Her family moved to Singapore, and later to Wiltshire, England, when she was young. She was educated at Stonar School and later attended City of London School for Girls. Garai studied English Literature at Queen Mary, University of London, graduating with a first-class degree.
Garai’s acting career began in her teens with television roles, including an episode of the BBC series The Demon Headmaster in 1996. She gained wider recognition for her performance in the BBC adaptation of Daniel Deronda in 2002. Her early film roles showcased her versatility, leading to increasingly prominent parts in both independent and mainstream productions.
Garai has appeared in a diverse range of films and television series, establishing herself as a critically acclaimed actress. Some of her most notable works include: