You’ve probably seen her face in a dozen different period costumes without even realizing it's the same person. Honestly, Julia Brown is becoming one of those "everywhere" actresses. She has this uncanny ability to jump from a gritty 1940s jazz club to a brutal Viking settlement without missing a beat. Most people know her as Lois Bennett, the fierce, singing heart of World on Fire, but that’s barely scratching the surface of her filmography.
Scottish talent is having a massive moment right now, and Brown is right at the center of it. Born in Edinburgh in 1997, she didn't just stumble into acting. She worked for it. From the MGA Academy of Performing Arts to a professional debut at just 16, her trajectory has been steep.
The Breakout: Why World on Fire Changed Everything
If we’re talking about Julia Brown movies and tv shows, we have to start with Lois. It’s the role that turned her from a "familiar face" into a legitimate leading lady. Playing a factory worker turned ENSA performer during WWII isn't just about acting; it's about presence.
What most people get wrong about Lois is thinking she’s just a romantic interest for Harry. She’s actually the moral compass of the show. Brown brought something personal to the role too. Her own grandmother was a jazz singer during the war, which is probably why those musical scenes feel so authentic and lived-in. She isn't just mimicking a 1940s star; she’s channeling family history.
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The Roles You Definitely Missed
Before she was dodging bombs in Manchester, Brown was quietly building a resume in some of the biggest cult hits on TV.
- The Last Kingdom: She played Ecgwynn. It wasn't a huge role, but if you blink, you’ll miss her interaction with the future King Edward. It’s a testament to her range—going from the mud and leather of the 9th century to the sleek production of a BBC drama is no small feat.
- Shetland: As Molly Kilmuir, she got to use her natural accent. There’s a certain stillness she brings to crime procedurals that works perfectly against the bleak, beautiful backdrop of the Scottish islands.
- M.I. High: This was the beginning. She joined the seventh series as Keri Summers. It’s funny looking back at these early CBBC roles, but the comic timing she developed there actually serves her well in her more serious adult roles.
Stepping Into Horror and Thrillers
Lately, Brown has been pivoting. She’s moving away from the "girl next door in a vintage cardigan" vibe and leaning into much darker territory.
Take Daddy’s Head (2024). It’s a psychological horror film that is genuinely unsettling. She plays Laura, a stepmother trying to navigate a grief-stricken household while a creature—that looks suspiciously like her late husband—starts hanging around. It’s a massive departure from her work in Foundation or The Alienist. It shows she’s not afraid to get messy or play characters that aren't necessarily "likable."
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Then there's In Flight, the 2025 Channel 4 thriller. She plays Amy McCallum, and it’s a high-stakes, claustrophobic ride. If you haven't caught it yet, it’s a masterclass in tension.
What’s Next for Julia Brown?
As of early 2026, her schedule is looking pretty packed. She's recently been seen in the second series of Karen Pirie, playing Cat Grant. It’s a smart move. That show has a massive following among crime fiction fans, and joining a hit ITV series only cements her status as a household name.
She's also branched out into voice acting for video games, notably Fort Solis. Even the legendary Troy Baker praised her work there. It’s rare for a "prestige drama" actress to jump into the gaming world so seamlessly, but that seems to be her specialty: being unpredictable.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to track her career properly, don't just stick to the big streaming hits. Here is how to actually dive into her best work:
- Watch Anthony (2020): This is a BBC television film by Jimmy McGovern. It’s a "what if" story about Anthony Walker, a Black teenager murdered in a racist attack. Brown plays Katherine Walker. It is devastating, important, and probably her most nuanced performance to date.
- Listen to the World on Fire Soundtrack: She actually sings. It’s not a voice double. If you want to appreciate her vocal range, that’s the place to start.
- Track her Theatre Work: She’s been doing a lot of stage work lately, including The Girls of Slender Means at the Royal Lyceum. If you’re in the UK, the stage is where you see her most raw talent.
The thing about Julia Brown is that she doesn't feel like a "product" of the industry. There's a groundedness to her, likely from those years of training in Edinburgh. Whether she’s playing a 19th-century March sister in Little Women on stage or a modern-day investigator, she stays believable. That’s why she’s ranking so high on everyone’s watch list this year.
To get the most out of her filmography, start with World on Fire for the soul, then pivot to Daddy's Head to see her range, and finish with Anthony to understand her depth as a dramatic actress.