Kate Ashfield

Kate Ashfield (born 28 May 1972) is an English actress and screenwriter, who has appeared in stage, TV and film roles, most famously in her role as Liz in the 2004 zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead. She is the co-writer of the 2017 TV series Born to Kill.

Early life Ashfield was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England. Her interest in acting started at an early age, and she later pursued her passion by studying drama at Rose Bruford College.

Career Ashfield's acting profession began in the nineties. She appeared in numerous theatre, TV series and films, including Shaun of the Dead, Secrets & Lies and Sanditon.

In 2004, Ashfield won the Best Actress award at the British Independent Film Awards for her role in the movie Late Night Shopping. She has also received awards for her performances in This Little Life, The Baker and Line of Duty. In addition to her acting on screen, Ashfield has appeared in several stage productions, including Blasted and Shopping and Fucking.

Ashfield appeared in the 2025 Christmas special of Death in Paradise.

Filmography +Key Denotes productions that have not yet been released

Film Year Title Role Notes 1994 Princess Caraboo Ella 1999 The War Zone Lucy Guest House Paradiso Mrs. Hardy 2000 Christie Malry's Own Double-Entry Carol The Low Down Ruby 2001 The Last Minute Janey Late Night Shopping Jody Please! Molly ShortSweetnightgoodheart Juliet Short 2001 Flyfishing Helen Pure Helen One Minute Katie Short 2003 Perfect Rachel ShortCollusion Sally Waterville 2004 Spivs Jenny Fakers Eve Evans Shaun of the Dead Liz 2005 The Best Man Becka The Trouble with Men and Women Susie 2007 The Baker Rhiannon 2009 War Schools Miss Evergreen Short 2010 My Brothers Kitty The Kid Madeline Behind the Door Joss Short 2011 United Alma George Late Bloomers Giulia It was released in France as Trois fois 20 ans 7 Lives Cynthia 2012 Byzantium Gabi When the Lights Went Out Jenny 2013 Nymphomaniac Therapist Vol. IIBelieve Helen 2014 Counting Backwards ShortStill Margaret 2015 Hangman Beth 2017 Seat 25 Narrator (voice) 2019 Suicide Tourist Fake Mother Rachel Teresa Short2021 There's Always Hope Samantha 2023 Double Blind Helen Brady Stockholm Bloodbath Birgitta

Television

Awards and nominations She has won three awards out of eight nominations:

2000 British Independent Film Awards, Best Actress, The Low Down – nominee 2001 British Independent Film Awards, Best Actress, Late Night Shopping – winner 2001 Berlin International Film Festival Shooting Stars Award, Actress – winner 2003 British Independent Film Awards, Best Actress, This Little Life – nominee 2004 Royal Television Society, Best Female Actor, This Little Life – winner 2005 Empire Awards, Best British Actress, Shaun of the Dead – nominee 2017 British Screenwriters’ Awards, Best Crime Writing on Television (Series/Single Drama), Born to Kill – nominee 2018 BAFTA Cymru Awards, Best Television Drama, Born to Kill – nominee