Chris Ridley is best known to the world as the father of actress Daisy Ridley, the breakout star of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Yet beyond the glow of Hollywood, he has built a life shaped by creativity, family pride, and a quiet but enduring dedication to the arts. A professional photographer by trade, with early experience as an actor, he brought up his children in an environment where imagination, humour, and emotional warmth were woven into daily life.
Born around 1941, Chris Ridley grew up in a family already touched by artistic achievement and public service. His father held a distinguished position at the BBC, and his uncle, Arnold Ridley, was a celebrated playwright and actor. These influences helped shape Chris’s own creative eye. They ultimately shaped the childhood of his youngest daughter, Daisy Jazz Isobel Ridley, who would become one of the world’s most recognisable film stars.
This profile explores his background, career, personal life, and the deeply affectionate relationship he shares with his children—particularly Daisy, whose rise to fame he followed with exceptional pride and an occasionally mischievous sense of humour.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Chris Ridley |
| Date of Birth / Age | Born circa 1941 (approx. 84 years old as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | England, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British, with Irish ancestry through his father |
| Height, Hair & Eye Colour | Not publicly documented |
| Education | Not publicly recorded; no confirmed information about university attendance |
| Profession | Professional photographer; formerly worked as an actor in his youth |
| Family | Spouse: Louise Fawkner-Corbett. Children: Kika Rose, Poppy Sophia, and Daisy Jazz Isobel Ridley, plus two older daughters from a previous marriage. Father: John Harry Dunn Ridley OBE. Brother: Arnold Ridley. |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Not publicly disclosed; likely modest to comfortable based on his photography career |
| Known For | Father of actress Daisy Ridley; long career in photography; family connections to British arts and broadcasting |
Early Life and Education
Although the precise details of Chris Ridley’s early years are not extensively recorded, the broad strokes of his upbringing paint a portrait of a childhood shaped by creativity and curiosity. Born in England during the early 1940s, he grew up in a household where intellectual and artistic pursuits were strongly encouraged. His father, John Harry Dunn Ridley, served as the head of the Engineering Secretariat at the BBC from 1950 to 1965, earning an OBE for his contributions. This connection to one of Britain’s most influential cultural institutions would no doubt have exposed Chris to a world where innovation and expression were highly valued.
Adding to this environment was his brother, Arnold Ridley, the celebrated writer and actor known worldwide for his portrayal of Private Godfrey in the iconic sitcom Dad’s Army. With such figures in the family, storytelling, performance, and artistic discipline naturally became part of the fabric of Chris’s early life.
In his youth, Chris reportedly tried his hand at acting—an experience that likely offered him an early understanding of theatricality, emotion, and human expression. These sensibilities later translated beautifully into his work behind the camera when he became a professional photographer.
Although there is no verified record of his formal education, Chris’s lifelong career makes it clear that he developed a well-honed creative eye and a deep appreciation for the arts from a young age.
Personal and Family Life
Chris Ridley’s personal life is defined most clearly by family—both the one he came from and the one he built.
He is married to Louise Fawkner-Corbett, who works in internal communications for a bank. Together, they have three daughters: Kika Rose, a model; Poppy Sophia, who has worked in publicity; and Daisy Ridley, the actress known globally as Rey from Star Wars. Chris also has two older daughters from a previous marriage, making him the father of five in total.
Family stories Daisy shared publicly portray him as affectionate, playful, and deeply supportive. One of his most charming traits is his unexpected fandom: he was initially a dedicated Star Trek enthusiast, not a Star Wars devotee. That changed dramatically once Daisy joined the cast. Chris began watching the films, immersing himself in the galaxy far, far away to understand better the world his daughter had become part of.
His ancestry includes Irish heritage through his father’s side, something Daisy has occasionally referenced in interviews. This connection to Ireland added an extra layer of meaning when scenes for Star Wars: The Last Jedi were filmed on Skellig Michael—though Chris is said to have lightened the moment by famously asking Mark Hamill who he played in the film, much to Daisy’s embarrassment and amusement.
Career Journey
Chris Ridley’s professional life centres on photography, a craft that demands patience, instinct, and an appreciation for the subtleties of human expression—all qualities that seem closely aligned with his personality.
After experimenting with acting in his younger years, Chris eventually transitioned into photography, where he found his long-term vocation. While not widely profiled in the press, his career reflects steady, dedicated work rather than celebrity-seeking ambition. His creative background, along with his connection to a family deeply involved in the arts, suggests that photography was a natural path for him—one that allowed him to express himself visually while maintaining a relatively private life.
He has mainly lived outside public attention, and unlike his daughter, he has never sought the spotlight. Nevertheless, his artistic influence is evident in Daisy’s own passion for storytelling, performance, and visual expression.
His experience in the entertainment world—albeit behind the camera—helped him understand the pressures Daisy would later face as a performer. When she was cast in Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2014, Chris referred to her as an “extraordinary lady” who could handle the demands of such a monumental role. His words reflected not only paternal pride but also professional appreciation for the work she was about to undertake.
Life Challenges and Turning Points
Because Chris Ridley has maintained a private life, little is publicly known about personal challenges or significant difficulties he may have faced. However, certain aspects of his story hint at resilience and major transitions.
His earlier marriage ended in divorce, after which he started a new chapter with Louise and expanded his family. Managing family life with children from two different marriages often requires emotional maturity and adaptability—traits that may not be visible in headlines but are significant in shaping family bonds.
A turning point for Chris came with Daisy’s sudden rise to fame. Watching his daughter transform from a largely unknown young actress into a global icon must have been both exhilarating and daunting. Yet he embraced this shift with good humour, curiosity, and unwavering support. His willingness to learn about Star Wars—despite being a lifelong Star Trek fan—shows both flexibility and enthusiasm for his children’s passions.
Current Life and Career
In recent years, Chris Ridley has continued to live a quiet and comfortable life in England. Now in his eighties, he keeps a low public profile, avoiding social media and rarely giving interviews. His appearances in the press tend to coincide with Daisy’s major milestones or humorous anecdotes she shares about him.
Though retired from full-time professional life, his influence continues to shape his family, particularly in creative pursuits. Daisy has spoken fondly of her upbringing, describing a household rich in warmth, humour, and emotional support—traits she traces back to her parents.
Chris’s current lifestyle is peaceful and family-oriented, with an emphasis on privacy, creativity, and enjoying his later years without the pressures of public fame.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Chris Ridley’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, nor is there any reliable estimate. As a long-serving professional photographer, he likely achieved a stable, modest-to-comfortable financial standing, but nothing suggests celebrity-level wealth. His life has been defined far more by creative satisfaction and family relationships than by public financial metrics.
Public Image and Media Presence
Although not a public figure in the traditional sense, Chris Ridley holds a warm place in the hearts of Star Wars fans because of Daisy’s affectionate stories about him. Media portray him as humorous, down-to-earth, and unfailingly supportive—a quintessentially proud British father who views his daughter’s success with both admiration and amusement.
He is remembered for two particularly delightful anecdotes: his nervous excitement when Daisy was first cast, and his playful faux pas on the set of The Last Jedi when he asked Mark Hamill who he played. These stories have contributed to a public image that is endearing rather than glamorous.
Chris does not maintain a social media presence, preferring a life anchored in real-world connections rather than digital visibility.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
One of the most amusing insights into Chris Ridley’s personality is his shift in sci-fi allegiance. Before Daisy entered the Star Wars universe, he proudly considered himself a Star Trek loyalist. But once she was cast as Rey, loyalty gave way to paternal pride, and he immersed himself in the Star Wars franchise with renewed enthusiasm.
Another cherished story comes from the Last Jedi set, where Chris approached Mark Hamill—Luke Skywalker himself—and innocently asked who he played in the film. Daisy has recounted the moment with laughter, saying it was both mortifying and entirely typical of her father’s charming way of breaking the tension with unexpected questions.
His description of Daisy as an “extraordinary lady” when discussing her work at Pinewood Studios paints a touching picture of a father’s admiration for the demands of artistic labour.
Conclusion
Chris Ridley may not be a household name, but his presence resonates through the achievements of those around him. As Daisy Ridley’s father, he stands behind one of modern cinema’s most recognisable stars, offering steadfast support, gentle humour, and a grounded perspective rooted in a lifetime of creativity.
His story is one of quiet influence rather than loud acclaim—a life shaped by the arts, enriched by family, and carried forward with warmth and humility. Whether as a photographer, a father, or the man who unintentionally confused Luke Skywalker, Chris Ridley remains a reminder that the people behind the scenes often leave the strongest marks on those who step into the spotlight.
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(FAQs)
Who is Chris Ridley?
Chris Ridley is a British photographer and the father of actress Daisy Ridley, best known for playing Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
When was Chris Ridley born?
He was born around 1941, making him approximately 84 years old as of 2025.
Is Chris Ridley married?
Yes, he is married to Louise Fawkner-Corbett. He also has two older daughters from a previous marriage.
How many children does he have?
He has five daughters: two from a previous marriage and three—Kika, Poppy, and Daisy—with his current spouse.
What is Chris Ridley’s profession now?
He is a retired professional photographer. In his early life, he also worked as an actor.
What is his net worth?
His net worth is not publicly documented.