Billie Lourd Bio: Age, Career, Family, TV Shows & Personal Life
Billie Lourd is an American actress known for her work in horror, comedy, and major film franchises. She became famous through Scream Queens and American Horror Story. She also gained international recognition through the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Lourd was born Billie Catherine Lourd on July 17, 1992, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up around some of Hollywood’s most recognizable performers. Her mother was actress Carrie Fisher, while her father was talent agent Bryan Lourd.
Her family background strongly connected her to the entertainment industry. However, Lourd eventually built a career based on her own performances and creative identity.
Today, fans recognize Billie Lourd for her distinctive screen presence. She has also become one of the most recognizable performers from the modern American Horror Story universe.
Billie Lourd’s Early Life and Family
Billie Lourd grew up in Los Angeles and experienced Hollywood from an early age. Her family included several influential entertainment figures.
Her mother, Carrie Fisher, became globally famous for playing Princess Leia in Star Wars. Her grandmother, Debbie Reynolds, also enjoyed a legendary career in Hollywood.
Her grandfather, Eddie Fisher, became a successful singer and entertainer. Lourd therefore grew up surrounded by performers, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals.
Despite that environment, her parents initially wanted her to avoid show business. Lourd secretly attended acting classes before pursuing acting professionally.
She attended Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. Later, she studied at New York University and graduated in 2014.
Interestingly, Lourd also has a half-sister named Ava through her father. Their family remains connected despite their different household backgrounds.
Billie Lourd’s Acting Career
Billie Lourd began her professional acting career in 2015. Her first major role came in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
She played Lieutenant Kaydel Ko Connix, a member of the Resistance. The role placed her alongside major Star Wars stars, including her mother.
Lourd later returned as Connix in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. She also appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Her connection to the franchise carried special emotional significance. Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia throughout the original and sequel eras.
Lourd also appeared in a sequence connected to Leia’s younger appearance. The production digitally recreated Fisher’s likeness using existing Star Wars footage.
However, Lourd quickly proved that she could succeed outside the famous franchise.
Billie Lourd in Scream Queens
In 2015, Lourd joined Ryan Murphy’s horror-comedy series Scream Queens. She played the eccentric sorority member Chanel #3.
The character became one of the show’s memorable personalities. Lourd brought dry humor, unusual fashion choices, and sharp comedic timing to the role.
Her character also wore earmuffs throughout the series. The accessory served as a subtle tribute to Carrie Fisher’s famous Princess Leia hairstyle.
Lourd appeared in both seasons of Scream Queens. The show helped establish her as a promising young television actress.
More importantly, the series introduced her to Ryan Murphy’s creative world. That relationship later became important to her career.
Billie Lourd and American Horror Story
American Horror Story became one of the most important projects in Billie Lourd’s career.
She joined the anthology series in 2017. Her first role involved playing Winter Anderson in American Horror Story: Cult.
Lourd later returned for several seasons with completely different characters. This format allowed her to demonstrate considerable versatility.
She played Mallory in American Horror Story: Apocalypse. She then portrayed Montana Duke in American Horror Story: 1984.
Lourd continued with American Horror Story: Double Feature. She later appeared in American Horror Story: NYC and American Horror Story: Delicate.
Her recurring work established her as a major member of the show’s ensemble.
Furthermore, Ryan Murphy continued collaborating with her across different projects. That partnership helped expand her television career beyond one signature character.
Billie Lourd’s Movies
Although television brought Lourd major attention, she continued developing her film career.
In 2018, she appeared in Billionaire Boys Club. The following year, she joined Olivia Wilde’s acclaimed comedy Booksmart.
Lourd played Gigi, a wealthy and unpredictable student. Her performance added humor and energy to the coming-of-age comedy.
Her work in Booksmart earned strong recognition. She won the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2019.
Lourd also returned to the Star Wars universe in 2019. The Rise of Skywalker marked her third appearance as Lieutenant Connix.
In 2022, she starred alongside George Clooney and Julia Roberts in Ticket to Paradise. She played Wren Butler in the romantic comedy.
Her later film credits include And Mrs., The Last Showgirl, Smurfs, Adulthood, and A Very Jonas Christmas Movie.
These projects show her growing range across comedy, drama, animation, and mainstream entertainment.
Billie Lourd’s Relationship With Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher remained one of the most influential people in Billie Lourd’s life.
Fisher died in December 2016 after suffering a medical emergency. Her death deeply affected Lourd and the wider entertainment community.
Lourd continued honoring her mother’s memory through interviews and public appearances. She also carried their professional connection through Star Wars.
Their shared connection to the franchise created a unique part of Lourd’s career. However, Lourd has consistently developed her own identity as an actress.
She also inherited a strong connection to her grandmother, Debbie Reynolds. Reynolds died one day after Fisher in December 2016.
That period became one of the most difficult chapters in Lourd’s personal life. Nevertheless, she continued working and building her career.
Who Is Billie Lourd’s Husband?
Billie Lourd is married to actor and producer Austen Rydell.
The couple began dating in 2016. Their relationship experienced a brief separation before they reunited in 2017.
They became engaged in June 2020. The couple later married on March 12, 2022, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Rydell also works in the entertainment industry. He has acting credits and later focused more heavily on producing.
He co-founded Morning Moon Productions with Kyle Owens in 2018.
Their relationship has remained relatively private compared with many Hollywood couples. Still, Lourd occasionally shares family moments with fans.
Billie Lourd’s Children
Billie Lourd and Austen Rydell have two children.
Their son, Kingston Fisher Lourd Rydell, was born in September 2020. Their daughter, Jackson Joanne Lourd Rydell, arrived in December 2022.
Lourd has spoken positively about motherhood and family life. She has also discussed balancing parenting responsibilities with her acting career.
In 2025, she described her husband as her best friend. She also discussed how they work together while raising their two children.
The actress has kept many details about her children away from the public spotlight. That approach allows her family to maintain some privacy.
Billie Lourd’s Recent Career
Lourd has continued expanding her career across television and film.
In 2025, she appeared in projects including Mid-Century Modern and several films. Her career has also remained closely connected to Ryan Murphy’s productions.
In addition, American Horror Story season 13 includes Lourd among its returning franchise performers. The season also features several familiar faces and new talent.
Her continued involvement demonstrates her lasting connection with the anthology franchise.
Meanwhile, her film work continues to broaden her professional profile. She now balances television, cinema, voice acting, and producing opportunities.
Billie Lourd’s Acting Style and Legacy
Billie Lourd has developed a distinctive acting style throughout her career. She often combines comedy, sarcasm, intensity, and emotional vulnerability.
Her performances frequently stand out because of her expressive delivery. She can also shift between comedic and dramatic material with confidence.
Importantly, Lourd has avoided relying solely on her famous family connections. Instead, she has created a diverse body of work across several genres.
Her Star Wars role introduced her to global audiences. Scream Queens established her comedic identity. Meanwhile, American Horror Story showcased her dramatic range.
Booksmart further demonstrated her ability to dominate comedic scenes. Later projects helped her move toward broader film and television opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Billie Lourd
How old is Billie Lourd?
Billie Lourd was born on July 17, 1992. She turned 34 in July 2026.
Who are Billie Lourd’s parents?
Her mother was actress Carrie Fisher, while her father is talent agent Bryan Lourd.
Who is Billie Lourd married to?
Billie Lourd is married to Austen Rydell, an actor and producer. They married in March 2022.
How many children does Billie Lourd have?
Billie Lourd and Austen Rydell have two children, Kingston and Jackson.
What is Billie Lourd famous for?
She is famous for Scream Queens, American Horror Story, Star Wars, and Booksmart.
Was Billie Lourd in Star Wars?
Yes. She played Lieutenant Kaydel Ko Connix in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
What character did Billie Lourd play in Scream Queens?
She played Chanel #3, one of the central characters in the horror-comedy series.
Is Billie Lourd related to Debbie Reynolds?
Yes. Debbie Reynolds was Billie Lourd’s grandmother. Eddie Fisher was her maternal grandfather.
Conclusion
Billie Lourd has built an impressive Hollywood career while carrying a remarkable entertainment legacy.
Her journey began with Star Wars before expanding into television, comedy, horror, and drama. She then established herself through Scream Queens and American Horror Story.
Her performances in Booksmart and Ticket to Paradise further strengthened her film career. Meanwhile, motherhood and marriage have added another dimension to her life.
Most importantly, Lourd continues creating her own identity within Hollywood. Her career reflects talent, resilience, versatility, and a strong connection to her family’s legacy.
