Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett Join Season 2 of 'Rivals' on Disney+

Hayley Atwell is a British-American actress born on April 5, 1982, in London, England. She is the daughter of Allison Cain, a British mother, and Grant Atwell, an American photographer from Kansas City, Missouri, which makes her a dual citizen of both the United Kingdom and the United States[1][3]. Atwell attended the Sion-Manning Roman Catholic Girls' School and later took her A-Levels at the London Oratory School. She trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating with a bachelor's degree in acting in 2005[1]. Atwell gained recognition for her roles in period dramas, including *The Duchess* (2008) and *The Pillars of the Earth* (2010), for which she received several award nominations[1]. Her breakout role came with the portrayal of Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with *Captain America: The First Avenger* (2011) and continuing with the TV series *Agent Carter* (2015–2016)[1][3]. She also appeared in *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014), *Avengers: Age of Ultron* (2015), and *Avengers: Endgame* (2019)[3]. In addition to her work in the Marvel universe, Atwell has starred in films like *Cinderella* (2015), *Christopher Robin* (2018), and *Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway* (2021)[1]. She recently appeared in *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One* (2023) and is set to star in *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning* (2025)[1][3]. On stage, Atwell has been nominated for Laurence Olivier Awards for her performances in *The Pride* (2013) and *Rosmersholm* (2020)[1]. Atwell is known for her versatility and has showcased her talents across various genres. She has also been involved in singing, performing songs like "Lavender's Blue" in *Cinderella* and "Whatcha Gonna Do (It's Up To You)" in *Agent Carter*[2]. Currently, Atwell is married to Ned Wolfgang Kelly and has a child with him[2]. Her recent involvement in high-profile franchises like *Mission: Impossible* highlights her ongoing relevance in the film industry.

Rupert Everett is a British actor, producer, and writer, born on May 29, 1959, in Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, England. He is known for his distinctive voice and tall stature, standing at 6 feet 4 inches. Everett's early career involved being an apprentice at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow after being expelled from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London[6]. Everett gained international recognition with roles in films like "Dance with a Stranger" (1985) and "Duet for One" (1986). However, his career faced challenges in the late 1980s due to clashes with the press and his decision to openly declare his homosexuality in 1989, which initially affected his status as a romantic leading man[1][2]. His popularity was reinvigorated with his breakout role as Julia Roberts' gay confidant in the comedy hit "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997), earning him BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations[1][7]. Everett continued to impress with roles in "Shakespeare in Love" (1998) as Christopher Marlowe and in "An Ideal Husband," for which he received another Golden Globe nomination[1][7]. He has also starred in "The Importance of Being Earnest" (2002) and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (2005)[7]. More recently, he has appeared in stage productions like "The Judas Kiss" and films such as "My Policeman," along with television shows like "The Serpent Queen"[7]. Currently, Rupert Everett remains active in the entertainment industry, with recent credits including the 2023 film "Napoleon"[2]. His versatility and enduring presence in film, television, and theater have solidified his position as a respected figure in the entertainment world.

Emily Jane Atack is a British actress, comedian, and television personality born on December 18, 1989, in Luton, Bedfordshire. She is the daughter of actress Kate Robbins and musician Keith Atack, formerly of the pop band Child. Through her mother's side, she is the first cousin twice removed of Paul McCartney. Atack rose to prominence with her breakout role as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in the E4 comedy series *The Inbetweeners* from 2008 to 2010. Atack has appeared in various notable projects, including the movie *Dad's Army* (2016), where she played Daphne, and *Lies We Tell* (2017) alongside Gabriel Byrne and Harvey Keitel. She has also been a regular on Keith Lemon's shows, such as *Lemon La Vida Loca*, *The Keith Lemon Sketch Show*, and *The Keith & Paddy Picture Show*. Her television credits extend to *Tracey Ullman's Show* (2016), *Father Brown* (2013), and *Almost Never*. Additionally, she was a contestant on *Dancing on Ice* in 2010 and finished as the runner-up on *I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!* in 2018. In recent years, Atack has continued to expand her career. She co-presented the final series of *I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp* in 2019 and has starred in her own comedy series *The Emily Atack Show* since 2020. She also presented a BBC documentary titled *Emily Atack: Asking For It?*, which focuses on cyberflashing and sexual harassment. Currently, Atack remains active in the entertainment industry, with her most recent role being in the series *Rivals* (2024–). She is known for her versatility in comedy and her ability to engage audiences across different platforms.

Alex Hassell is a British actor best known for his work in television, film, and theatre. Born Alexander Stephen Hassell on September 7, 1980, in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, Hassell developed an early interest in acting, participating in local youth theatre and amateur productions before training at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama[4]. He is married to Emma King[2][5]. Hassell’s career spans both stage and screen, with significant achievements in each. He co-founded The Factory Theatre Company, an innovative group with notable patrons such as Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, and Bill Nighy[1]. His early theatre work included performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he notably played Prince Hal in “Henry IV” parts I and II and the title role in “Henry V”[3]. These roles helped establish his reputation as a skilled classical actor. On screen, Hassell has gained recognition for a series of high-profile roles. He portrayed Translucent in the Amazon series “The Boys” (2019), Vicious in Netflix’s “Cowboy Bebop” (2021), and Metatron in the BBC/HBO fantasy series “His Dark Materials” (2022)[1][2]. He also appeared as Ross in Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (2021), further demonstrating his versatility across genres[2][3]. Other notable credits include “The Miniaturist,” “Locked In,” “Violent Night,” and “Young Woman and the Sea”[1][3]. Currently, Hassell stars as Rupert Campbell-Black in the 2024 series “Rivals,” a role he has described as complex and multi-dimensional, highlighting his ongoing relevance in contemporary television[1][2]. His recent film work includes “Violent Night” (2022) and “Locked In” (2023), indicating a steady presence in both film and streaming platforms[3]. Hassell’s career reflects a balance between classical theatre training and modern screen success. His ability to transition between intense stage performances and nuanced television and film roles has made him a respected figure in the British acting community. As of 2025, he continues to take on challenging roles, maintaining his status as a dynamic and sought-after actor[1][3].

Tom Hiddleston is a British actor best known for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a role that has made him a globally recognized figure in contemporary cinema[1][2][3]. Born Thomas William Hiddleston on February 9, 1981, in Westminster, London, he was educated at The Dragon School, Eton College, and the University of Cambridge, where he earned a double first in Classics before pursuing acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 2005[4][6]. His early career was marked by stage performances, including acclaimed roles in West End productions of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline and Ivanov, for which he won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Newcomer in a Play[1][2]. Hiddleston’s breakthrough came when director Kenneth Branagh cast him as Loki in Thor (2011), a role he reprised in multiple MCU films, including The Avengers (2012) and Thor: The Dark World (2013), as well as in the Disney+ series Loki (2021)[1][2][3]. Beyond the MCU, he has demonstrated versatility in both film and television, appearing in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse (2011), Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris (2011), Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive (2013), and Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak (2015)[1][4]. He earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of country music legend Hank Williams in the biopic I Saw the Light (2015), though the film itself received mixed reviews[1][4]. On television, Hiddleston starred as Jonathan Pine in the 2016 miniseries The Night Manager, winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Limited Series[4]. He has also appeared in Shakespearean adaptations such as The Hollow Crown series, playing Henry IV and Henry V[1][4]. His stage work includes leading roles in Coriolanus and Hamlet, and a Tony Award-nominated performance in Betrayal on Broadway in 2019[1][4]. Hiddleston has narrated documentaries and audiobooks, showcasing his distinctive voice[4]. He maintains a private personal life but is known to be in a long-term relationship with actress Zawe Ashton, with whom he has a child[4]. As of 2025, he remains a prominent figure in entertainment, balancing blockbuster franchises with independent projects and continuing to be celebrated for his range and dedication to both classical and contemporary roles[3][4].

Olivia Colman, born Sarah Caroline Colman on January 30, 1974, in Norwich, Norfolk, England, is a highly respected British actress known for her versatility across comedy and drama. She first gained recognition through television roles in series such as *Peep Show*, *Green Wing*, and *Broadchurch*, where she played a lead detective in a gripping crime drama, boosting her profile significantly[2][4]. Colman’s film breakthrough came with *The Favourite* (2018), a dark period comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, in which she portrayed Queen Anne. This role won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as other prestigious awards including the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival[1][3]. She received further Oscar recognition with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for *The Father* (2020), a drama featuring Anthony Hopkins[1][3]. Other notable film work includes *The Lost Daughter* (2021), *Tyrannosaur* (2011), and *The Lobster* (2015)[5]. On television, Colman has earned critical acclaim for roles in *The Night Manager* (2016) and her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s *The Crown* (2019–2020), the latter winning her multiple awards including BAFTAs and Golden Globes[3][4]. She also has a strong presence in voice acting for animated films such as *The Mitchells vs. the Machines* (2021) and *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish* (2022)[1]. Married to Ed Sinclair since 2001, Colman balances a prolific career with family life. As of 2025, she remains a prominent figure in British and international film and television, known for her emotional depth, comedic timing, and ability to inhabit complex characters[4][5].