Corinna Brown, the 27-year-old British actress who gained widespread recognition for her role as Tara Jones in Netflix's LGBTQ+ coming-of-age drama "Heartstopper," is rapidly becoming a prominent figure in television. The Emmy-winning series, adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, catapulted Brown and her young castmates to fame. "Heartstopper" explored the relationship between two grammar schoolboys, rugby star Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, and became a global hit, reaching Netflix's top ten in 54 countries. Brown has since appeared in Prime Video's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for 2026.
The series "Heartstopper" is concluding its story with the film "Heartstopper Forever," set to be released on Netflix. This final installment will see the main characters and their friends navigate significant relationship developments.
Brown has expressed that Tara is her favorite character to date, describing her as a "loud, proud lesbian; a black girl who comes to school with her hair out." The actress noted that playing Tara allowed her to embrace aspects she felt shy about during her own youth. She identifies with the LGBTQ+ community, stating, "I don’t put a label on it... but yes, I am very [much] a part of it."
Raised in Walthamstow, east London, Brown comes from a large, supportive family with Jamaican-Grenadian heritage. Her upbringing was deeply influenced by Caribbean culture, evident in the family's appreciation for food, music, and carnival. Her mother, Jackie, worked at the Ministry of Defence and later as a personal trainer while raising Corinna, her two brothers, and her fraternal twin sister, Tia. Tia was born with severe brain damage, and despite initial medical predictions, she is now 27, the same age as Corinna.
The family received support from Haven House Children’s Hospice, which assists disabled children and their siblings. Brown described her sister as a central figure in the household, noting her ability to communicate through facial expressions. She cited her mother as a significant inspiration, highlighting her resilience in balancing work and caregiving for Tia.
Brown's early interest in performance began with ballet at age three, an attempt by her mother to address her clumsiness. She later attended the Anna Fiorentini Performing Arts School and the Hackney Empire, where she was mentored by Olivier Award winner Sharon D Clarke. Despite her mother's initial preference for traditional qualifications, Corinna pursued acting, studying drama and stage combat at the prestigious East 15 Acting School. She graduated during the COVID-19 lockdown, shortly before securing her role in "Heartstopper."
Despite her rising career, Brown has returned to her family home to save money and plan her next steps, finding this period to be one of greater freedom. She also expressed concerns about the rising cost of living and gentrification in her childhood neighborhood, hoping to remain close to her family while also desiring to travel the world.