Discover the real faces behind the beloved characters of Sex Education as we explore the lives of the show’s talented cast. Since premiering on January 11, 2019, the British series has captivated audiences with its honest portrayal of teenage sexuality, identity, and growth.
💫 Jump to a Cast Member:
- 1. Asa Butterfield as Otis Milburn – 6ft (182.9 cm)
- 2. Emma Mackey as Maeve Wiley – 5ft 7 in. (170.2 cm)
- 3. Gillian Anderson as Jean Milburn – 5ft 2 ¼ in. (158.1 cm)
- 4. Ncuti Gatwa as Eric Effiong – 5ft 9 ¾ in. (177.2 cm)
- 5. Connor Swindells as Adam Groff – 6ft (182.9 cm)
- 6. Aimee Lou Wood as Aimee Gibbs – 5ft 6 in. (167.6 cm)
- 7. Kedar Williams-Stirling as Jackson Marchetti – 5ft 10 in. (178 cm)
- 8. Mimi Keene as Ruby Matthews – 5ft 2 ½ in. (158.8 cm)
- 9. Mikael Persbrandt as Jakob Nyman – 6ft 2 ½ in. (189 cm)
Blending breakout stars with established talent, Sex Education took viewers on a bold and emotional journey that wrapped up with its fourth and final season in September 2023.
Here’s everything you need to know about the individuals who have brought these captivating characters to life and kept us entertained and engrossed throughout the series.
1. Asa Butterfield’s Height, Net Worth, and Vintage-Inspired Style
Asa Butterfield, born on April 1, 1997, is the talent behind Otis Milburn in Sex Education. Towering at 6 feet (182.9 cm), he embodies Dr. Jean Milburn’s son, who created an underground sex clinic at Moordale Secondary School while navigating his confidence and desires.
The English star’s acting journey began at age seven, gaining recognition in the industry with roles like Hugo in Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, alongside Chloë Grace Moretz, and the protagonist in Ender’s Game and The Space Between Us.
Asa Butterfield stepped out in a retro-inspired blue plaid suit paired with a powder blue turtleneck and classic black velvet loafers at the premiere of Your Christmas or Mine?, blending vintage charm with modern polish (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Since portraying Otis, Butterfield has remained busy, starring in Netflix’s horror drama Choose or Die and securing pivotal roles in films like Watch the Skies, Flux Gourmet, The Liar, and College Republicans.
As a seasoned actor, Asa Butterfield amassed an impressive net worth of $5 million, indicative of his success. His star-studded career includes his remarkable performance in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas at age ten and a runway modeling stint for Prada.
He has also navigated personal relationships, having dated Ella Purnell, his co-star from Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and sparking speculations about a relationship with Nina Dobrev in 2017.
2. Emma Mackey’s Red Carpet Looks and 5ft 7in Height
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170.2 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 8, Emma Mackey brings the enigmatic Maeve Wiley to life—a complex teen prodigy who juggles a turbulent school experience while secretly orchestrating Otis’ underground sex therapy clinic and becoming the object of his affections.
Hailing from France and born on January 4, 1996, the British-French actress commands the screen with her presence. Despite being relatively unknown, her portrayal of Maeve catapulted her into global recognition, securing her a BAFTA TV nomination for Best Female Comedy Performance.
At the Barbie premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12, 2023, Emma Mackey embraced timeless glamour in a blush pink bias-cut silk slip gown by Saint Laurent. Elevating the minimalist silhouette, she accessorized with over £194,000 worth of Cartier jewelry, including a dazzling diamond necklace and statement ring that exuded quiet luxury.
Emma Mackey stunned in a slinky white satin slip dress paired with minimalist black open-toe heels at the Barbie premiere, effortlessly blending classic elegance with modern allure (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Beyond her role in Sex Education, Mackey’s career continues to soar. She’s carving a promising path in Hollywood, from the romantic film Eiffel to the Agatha Christie thriller Death on the Nile, where she starred alongside Gal Gadot.
She starred in the billion-dollar film Barbie alongside her lookalike Margot Robbie. This career-defining role helped boost her estimated net worth to $2 million by 2025, underscoring her rising star power in Hollywood.
While she keeps her personal life private, Mackey was previously linked to aspiring actor Dan Whitlam and is currently in a relationship with film director and photographer Martin Aleman.
3. Gillian Anderson’s Timeless Glamour and Petite Frame
Born on August 9, 1968, and standing at 5 feet 2 ¼ inches (158.1 cm) with a US shoe size 7.5, Gillian Anderson breathes life into Otis’ mother and renowned sex therapist, Jean Milburn—a character who, despite her professional expertise in intimacy, grapples with personal commitment issues.
Recognized for her iconic role as Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files, the British-American actress has also left her mark in acclaimed series like Hannibal and The Fall and box office hits including Johnny English Reborn and The Spy Who Dumped Me.
Gillian Anderson exuded understated elegance in a sleeveless black studded gown paired with minimalist black stiletto sandals, adding a touch of edge to her refined red carpet look (Credit: Stuart Hardy / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Anderson has graced our screens in various roles, notably portraying Eleanor Roosevelt on The First Lady and engaging in the second season of Hulu’s The Great.
With a whopping net worth of $40 million, her achievements are a testament to her success in TV, film, and theater. Anderson was in a relationship with screenwriter Peter Morgan, creator of Netflix’s The Crown, but their romance ended in 2021.
4. Ncuti Gatwa’s Bold Fashion Choices and 5ft 9¾in Height
Ncuti Gatwa, or Eric Effiong in Sex Education, stands tall at 5 feet and 9 ¾ inches (177.2 cm). He portrays Otis’ best friend, navigating the challenges of being openly gay in a conservative African household while facing school bullying.
Born on October 15, 1992, and a Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate, the 31-year-old Rwandan-Scottish actor’s career began with limited credits, including his role in the 2015 mini-series Stonemouth.
Channeling his inner “galactic cowboy Ken,” Ncuti Gatwa turned heads at the London premiere of Barbie in a daring custom look by Valentino. The ensemble featured a sculptural white cut-out cape top and shimmering silver sequin shorts, finished with Rockstud creepers—delivering a playful, space-western twist worthy of the boldest Barbie universe.
Ncuti Gatwa made a bold fashion statement at the Barbie premiere in a dramatic white cropped cape and silver sequin shorts, grounding the look with chunky black patent lace-up shoes and black socks for a playful yet polished finish (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Cover Images)
Gatwa’s impactful performance in Sex Education garnered him significant recognition, earning a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best TV Actor, two BAFTA Television Award nominations, and an MTV Movie Award nod.
His achievements led to his historic casting as the 14th incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, making him the first Black actor to star in the show. He’s also part of the 2023 Barbie movie alongside his Sex Education co-stars.
Despite challenges—including a period of homelessness before his breakout—Gatwa’s exact net worth isn’t publicly confirmed, though estimates around $150,000 highlight his rising profile and promising future in the industry.
While he was previously linked to Jessica Hardwick, Gatwa has chosen to keep his relationship status discreet as he continues to shine on television and the big screen.
5. Connor Swindells’ Height, Style, and Rising Career
Connor Swindells, the actor behind Adam Groff, is 6 feet (182.9 cm) tall and was born on September 19, 1996. He plays the troubled son of Headmaster Groff (portrayed by Alistair Petrie), known for his less-than-ideal relationship with his father and his passive-aggressive bullying of Eric.
His career gained momentum with roles in feature films like The Vanishing and VS in 2018. Since then, he’s made notable appearances on both the small and big screens.
Connor Swindells embraced retro flair at the Barbie premiere in a powder blue wide-lapel suit and blush shirt, finished with sleek black Cuban-heeled boots that added both polish and subtle height (Credit: Nils Jorgensen / INSTARimages)
Swindells’s breakout role in the show led him to subsequent projects, including a starring role in the BBC’s Vigil opposite Suranne Jones. He’s also appeared in the historical miniseries SAS: Rogue Heroes and the 2023 Barbie movie, showcasing his diverse acting range.
With his growing success in both film and television, Connor Swindells’ exact net worth remains undisclosed, though estimates suggest it may be around $200,000. Despite his often intense on-screen roles, he’s known for his down-to-earth personality off-screen.
He was previously linked to his Sex Education co-star Aimee Lou Wood, and while their relationship charmed fans, the couple amicably parted ways due to long-distance challenges.
6. Aimee Lou Wood’s Shoe Size, Award-Winning Role, and Fashion Flair
Once a member of the popular clique called “The Untouchables,” Aimee Gibbs, portrayed by Aimee Lou Wood, forms an unlikely friendship with Maeve. This connection leads to a touching moment when the girls of Moordale Secondary rally around Aimee after a traumatic experience.
The English actress was born on February 3, 1994, stands at 5 feet 6 inches (167.6 cm), and wears a US shoe size 8. Her portrayal of Aimee in Sex Education earned widespread acclaim, winning her the BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance in 2021 and another nomination in 2022.
For the 2024 Olivier Awards, Aimee Lou Wood embraced vintage glamour in a chocolate brown one-shoulder dress by Vivienne Westwood, sourced from Annie’s Ibiza. She completed the look with glitzy strappy heels and soft glam styling by Society Makeup.
Aimee Lou Wood radiated effortless elegance at the Olivier Awards in a draped one-shoulder chocolate brown dress, paired with sparkling ankle-strap stiletto heels that added a touch of glam to her minimalist look (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Alongside her TV success, Wood made a lasting impression in theater, playing roles like Sonya in a 2020 production of Uncle Vanya. Her feature film debut came with the 2021 movie The Electrical Life of Louis Wain.
She continues to shine in the entertainment industry, taking on a role opposite Bill Nighy in the 2022 film Living, which gained recognition at its premiere during the Sundance Film Festival. Wood has also ventured into collaborations with renowned brands, including Levi’s.
As of 2025, Aimee Lou Wood’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, reflecting her steadily growing career and rising prominence in television, cinema, and theater.
7. Kedar Williams-Stirling’s Height, Career Rise, and Red Carpet Style
Kedar Williams-Stirling, born on December 14, 1994, brings depth to the character of Jackson Marchetti. Playing the head boy and swimming champion at Moordale, he grapples with anxiety and his desire to break free from a demanding athletic path.
The English actor, who stands at 5 feet and 10 inches (178 cm), started acting young, performing in school plays alongside renowned figures like Akshay Sabnis. He further honed his skills at esteemed institutions like Sylvia Young Theatre School and Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Kedar Williams-Stirling kept it sharp and sophisticated in a tailored grey check suit paired with a classic black button-down shirt (Credit: Keith Mayhew / IPA / INSTARimages)
He had notable roles in British films such as Shank and Montana and gained recognition through the CBBC television series Wolfblood and Will.
Kedar Williams-Stirling’s career took a significant leap when he was cast in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Sex Education in January 2019. His talent and dedication have propelled him into the spotlight, though his exact net worth has not been publicly reported—some estimates place it around $350,000.
8. Mimi Keene’s Petite Stature, Shoe Size 6, and Elegant Style
Mimi Keene, born on August 5, 1998, portrays Ruby Matthews, the leader of “The Untouchables,” whose journey unfolds as she navigates her complicated relationship with Otis. Despite her surface demeanor resembling that of a Kardashian, she carries the complexities of seeking friendship and love.
Standing at 5 feet 2 ½ inches (158.8 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 6, her acting career gained momentum with her role as Cindy Williams on EastEnders, which earned her nominations for both the British Soap Award and the Inside Soap Award.
Mimi Keene attends the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 18, 2024, in London, England, stunning in a chic Miu Miu outfit that perfectly combines elegance and modern flair (Credit: Jack Hall / Cover Images)
Her talents have since led her to feature films like Close, Tolkien, and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain alongside Benedict Cumberbatch. She will also appear in the upcoming 2023 film After Everything alongside Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Josephine Langford.
Beyond her screen roles, Keene has become a sought-after figure for photoshoots and brand collaborations, featured in Vanity Fair, Wonderland magazine, Claridge’s, and Harper’s Bazaar UK.
While Mimi Keene’s exact net worth hasn’t been publicly disclosed, estimates suggest it may be around $600,000, reflecting her rising profile in both television and film. As her professional life continues to thrive, she keeps her romantic life private, maintaining focus on her growing career.
9. Mikael Persbrandt’s Nordic Charm, Tall Height, and Screen Legacy
Mikael Persbrandt, standing tall at 6 feet and 2 ½ inches (1.89 m), is the handsome widowed Swedish handyman Jakob Nyman. His character’s love story with Dr. Jean Milburn unfolds with masculinity and tenderness, yet lingering doubts arise due to past flings.
Born on September 25, 1963, the actor’s illustrious career includes roles like Beorn in The Hobbit films and Alexander Zalachenko in The Girl in the Spider’s Web.
Mikael Persbrandt attends a press event looking effortlessly cool in a casual pale tee layered with a royal blue sweater and dark sunglasses, showcasing his signature Nordic charm and confident presence (Credit: Marechal Aurore / ABACA / INSTARimages)
A distinguished figure in both theater and cinema, Persbrandt’s performance in Everlasting Moments and Nobody Owns Me earned him two Guldbagge Awards for Best Actor.
With an estimated net worth of $5 million in 2025, Mikael Persbrandt’s career has proven financially and artistically rewarding. Off-screen, he’s a loving partner, married to Sanna Lundell since 2005, and a proud father of three children.
Sex Education Stars: Fashion Highlights and Style Moments
Explore how the cast of Sex Education showcases their unique fashion sense on and off the screen:
Emma Mackey and Ncuti Gatwa Reunite in Style at Barbie Premiere
- Event: European Premiere of Barbie
- Outfits: Emma Mackey dazzled in a Saint Laurent ivory silk-satin gown paired with Georgia sandals, while Ncuti Gatwa turned heads in a custom Valentino ensemble featuring silver hotpants and a dramatic cape.
- Footwear: Mackey’s look was completed with rhinestone-adorned Saint Laurent sandals; Gatwa opted for chunky black dress shoes.
- Read more: Emma Mackey and Ncuti Gatwa Make Stylish Reunion at Barbie’s London Premiere
Gillian Anderson’s Sheer Polka-Dot Dress at The Crown Premiere
- Event: The Crown Season 5 Premiere
- Outfit: Gillian Anderson captivated in a Monique Lhuillier black midi-dress featuring a sheer polka-dot overlay and corset bodice.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with black sky-high stiletto heels, adding a touch of glamour to her ensemble.
- Discover more: Gillian Anderson’s Sheer Polka-Dot Dress Steals Spotlight at The Crown Premiere
Simone Ashley’s Elegant Look at Bridgerton Season 3 Premiere
- Event: Bridgerton Season 3 Premiere
- Outfit: Simone Ashley stunned in a light pink Del Core gown with a sheer lace overlay, embracing the sheer trend with modern elegance.
- Footwear: She completed her look with nude Christian Louboutin Rosalie sandals, perfectly matching her dress.
- See her style: Simone Ashley’s Del Core Gown and Nude Christian Louboutin Sandals
These fashion moments highlight the distinctive styles of the Sex Education cast, reflecting their personalities both on and off the screen.