Julia Fox, born on February 2, 1990, is an Italian-American actress, model, writer, and artist. Best known for her breakout role in Uncut Gems (2019), Fox has captivated audiences with her fearless artistry, eccentric style, and candid storytelling. Her journey from a turbulent upbringing to Hollywood success is as inspiring as it is unconventional.
Early Life and Background
Julia Fox was born in Milan, Italy, to an Italian mother, Gracie, and an American father, Thomas Fox. She spent her early childhood in Saronno, a small town outside Milan, living with her grandfather while her mother completed college. At age six, Julia moved to New York City to live with her father in Yorkville, Manhattan.
Her upbringing was challenging, marked by financial instability, a strained relationship with her parents, and frequent transitions between Italy and New York. Reflecting on her family life, Julia described her father as “volatile” and her mother as “absent for long stretches.”
Adolescence and Early Struggles
Julia’s teenage years were filled with rebellion and hardship. At 14, she returned to Italy to live with a host family but was expelled due to truancy and smoking. She briefly lived alone in her mother’s empty apartment before returning to New York.
By 15, she had left home entirely, moving in with a boyfriend who was later imprisoned. Julia worked various jobs during this time, including as a shoe store clerk, pastry shop employee, and dominatrix. She struggled with addiction, experienced homelessness, and had several run-ins with the law, including arrests for shoplifting and credit card fraud.
Her mental health challenges were equally profound. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, Julia survived a suicide attempt at 16 and a near-fatal overdose at 17. Despite these hardships, she displayed remarkable resilience, using her experiences as fuel for her artistic endeavors.
Artistic Beginnings
Julia’s first foray into the creative world was as a clothing designer, co-founding the luxury knitwear line Franziska Fox. She later ventured into visual arts, publishing two photography books Symptomatic of a Relationship Gone Sour (2015) and PTSD (2016).
In 2017, Julia gained attention for her art exhibit, R.I.P. Julia Fox, which featured silk canvases painted with her own blood. This bold approach showcased her fearless commitment to self-expression.
She also pursued modeling, appearing in campaigns for brands like Tiffany & Co., Diesel, and Supreme. Her editorial work included features in Vogue Italia, Paper, and Interview Magazine, while she graced the covers of Vogue Czechoslovakia and Elle Brasil.
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Acting Career
Julia’s big break came with her role as Julia De Fiore in the Safdie brothers’ film Uncut Gems (2019). Her performance as the mistress of Adam Sandler’s character earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Gotham Awards’ Breakthrough Actor category.
She continued to explore challenging roles, starring in PVT Chat (2021), where she played a cam girl, and Puppet (2022). Upcoming projects include portraying Hollywood hairstylist Carrie White in the biopic Upper Cut and starring in the dark comedy The Trainer.
Writing and Music
In 2023, Julia published her memoir, Down The Drain, a raw and unfiltered account of her life. Drawing inspiration from authors like David Sedaris and James Frey, the memoir was praised for its honesty and depth. It is set to be adapted into a TV series.
Julia ventured into music in 2024, debuting her song Down The Drain at a Boiler Room event during Charli XCX’s DJ set.
Personal Life
Julia married Peter Artemiev in 2018, and the couple divorced in 2020. They share a son, born in January 2021. Julia has been open about her struggles with postpartum depression and her diagnoses of bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and autism.
In July 2024, Julia came out as a lesbian, further embracing her identity and continuing her journey of self-discovery.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Julia Fox’s bold fashion choices and viral moments, such as the “goblin mode” meme, have made her a pop culture icon. In Charli XCX’s 2024 hit 360, the lyric “I’m so Julia” became a slang term for being ubiquitous, outgoing, and unapologetically confident.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Uncut Gems | Julia De Fiore | Feature film debut |
| 2021 | PVT Chat | Scarlet | |
| 2022 | Puppet | Julia | |
| TBA | Upper Cut | Carrie White | Biopic |
I’m not afraid to be me, and I hope that inspires others to embrace their true selves too.
Julia Fox’s life is a testament to resilience, creativity, and reinvention. From her turbulent beginnings to becoming a celebrated actress and cultural phenomenon, she continues to captivate and inspire with her bold choices and unapologetic authenticity.