Anya-Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy, popularly known as Anya Taylor-Joy, is a 26-year-old British-American actress who is best known for her roles as Beth Harmon in “The Queen’s Gambit” (2020), Thomasin in the period horror film “The Witch” (2015), as Casey Cooke in the horror-thriller “Split” (2016), and as Lily in the black comedy thriller “Thoroughbreds” (2017).
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The actress, who had been initially scouted as a model, left school at the age of 16 to pursue an acting career. She has landed a few small television roles but she had her acting breakthrough when she was cast in “The Witch” (2015). The movie role earned her several awards and cemented her as an up-and-comer in Hollywood. She catapulted to fame when she got the lead role in the hit Netflix series, “The Queen’s Gambit” (2020). It got her a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She also received a nomination for an Emmy Award because of the iconic role.
There have been rumors about Anya Taylor-Joy’s sexuality, and her decision not to address them directly has only increased speculation. Now, let’s dig deeper into the life of The Queen’s Gambit actress to find out the answer to the question: Is Anya Taylor-Joy gay?
VOTE: What is Anya Taylor-Joy’s Sexuality?
On Refusing “Girlfriend Roles”
Taylor-Joy is now one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. Projects were basically lined up for her.
She, however, revealed that she refused to accept the traditional girlfriend roles. Those whose main function is to serve as the love interest of a male protagonist. She prefers complex, messy, and interesting roles.
I’ve been very lucky, actually, in terms of the team that I have around me, who have filtered out most of those roles. Most of the women not only that I’ve been lucky enough to play but that I’ve read are quite complex, messy, interesting human beings — but then again I shouldn’t be the anomaly here, I should be the norm.”
the Golden Globe awardee told The Guardian in an interview
Anya Taylor-Joy’s Relationships
Anya Taylor-Joy prefers to keep her relationships private. Although she loves her job where she gets to play other people’s lives, she considers herself a private person. And she finds people’s interest in her daunting.
There’s a beauty in being anonymous… There’s a reason why we’re actors, we’re playing other people… So I think the idea of someone being interested in me – I’m quite a private person – is a bit daunting, but I try not to think about it.”
Anya Taylor-Joy told The Guardian
But with the industry she was in, it was impossible to keep her relationships a total secret. So here’s what we know about The Queen Gambit star’s dating history.
Eoin Macken (2016-2018)
Taylor-Joy used to date Irish actor Eoin Macken in 2016. It was reported that the two met on the set of the short film “Crossmaglen” which was released in 2018. They somehow confirmed all the dating rumors to be true by posting each other’s photos on their respective Instagram accounts.
The couple were also rumored to have been engaged after Taylor-Joy attended the 61st BFI London Film Festival Awards with a huge rock on her finger. She was even spotted making out with Macken in December 2017 while flaunting what was supposed to be their engagement ring.
However, the gigantic rock was missing when Taylor-Joy attended the 2018 Met Gala in May. That made fans assume the couple’s breakup. Since the actress never directly addressed the dating rumors, nothing was really confirmed about the relationship.
Ben Seed (2020)
The actress was also rumored to have dated photographer Ben Seed after they were spotted walking around London together. The photos were published by the Daily Mail in May 2020. A source reportedly told the outlet that “They make a lovely couple.” The romance was, however, not confirmed.
Malcolm McRae (2021-present)
Anya Taylor-Joy started going out with actor-musician Malcolm McRae sometime in April and May 2021. The rumors started when they were first spotted kissing and holding hands during an outing.
The actress later opened up about her newfound romance in an interview with British Vogue.
I’ve finally found someone who will happily sit in silence with me reading… We’re basically 80 years old and 7 at the same time, and it works really well… I said to my partner the other day that he was my hobby… I see reading as something that I have to do, he loved it because he’s the same.”
Taylor-Joy told British Vogue
Taylor-Joy also shared the advantage of being in a long-distance relationship.
It’s also kind of great because when you’re together you’re really valuing the time that you have… Everyday mundane activities are so full of joy. I love going to the petrol station with him and filling up the car and going to get breakfast.”
Taylor-Joy and McRae made their red carpet debut when they attended the Vanity Fair Oscars together in March 2022.
The couple was also rumored to have tied the knot in secret. The private courthouse ceremony was said to have taken place on July 18, 2022, before Taylor-Joy flew to Australia to film Mad Max: Fury Road prequel, “Furiosa”, which was set to be released next year.
The actress was spotted wearing a green diamond engagement ring in Sydney last June 25, 2022, fueling the secret marriage rumors even more. Nothing has been confirmed yet as of writing.
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Rumors on Her Sexuality
The rumors about The Queen Gambit star’s sexuality started when a Twitter user posted a photo of her and Zendaya saying that they make a good “lesbian period drama” couple. The photos were from the 2018 Heavenly Bodies Met Gala where Taylor-Joy was wearing hair wreathed in a crown of roses and Zendaya was wearing a Joan of Arc-inspired piece.
this is the lesbian period drama we deserve”
said the tweet
The tweet was a hit among Twitter users. Fans were thrilled about the idea and even gave their suggestions for the plot.
Her best friend since childhood who had an interest in sword fighting over what was considered “ladylike” hobbies. When one is discovered to be of royal blood, she requests her best friend becomes her knight and bodyguard. When the knight is wounded, they admit their feelings.”
suggested one Twitter user
Is Anya Taylor-Joy Gay?
No, Anya Taylor-Joy is not gay. The gay rumors didn’t go beyond that fake movie pitch that went viral on Twitter. But the actress, as far as everyone knows, is straight and that is evident in all the romantic relationships she has. She is currently dating actor-musician Malcolm McRae and they were rumored to have tied the knot secretly already.