Riana Duce
- Actress
Riana Duce is a British actress originally from Leeds, Yorkshire, known for her performances in Gladiator II (2024), Napoleon (2023), and the short film The Good Book (2020). She grew up in the Meanwood area of Leeds and pursued higher education at York University, choosing not to attend a formal drama school, which highlights a non-traditional path into acting.
Duce's career began with roles in short films and television, including a guest appearance as a sonographer in the long-running British soap Emmerdale Farm (2020). Her early work includes the short film Disposable Night (2012), demonstrating a steady progression into more prominent roles. She gained wider recognition with her portrayal of Lucille in Napoleon (2023), followed by her role as Hyacinthia in Gladiator II (2024), which marks a significant milestone in her career within high-profile productions.
Beyond acting, Duce is also a digital creator and has been involved in literary pursuits; she was shortlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries in 2023, a program supporting new writers, reflecting her expanding creative interests beyond screen work. This involvement in writing and publishing underscores her multifaceted engagement with the arts.
Duce's contributions to contemporary British cinema and television, coupled with her emerging presence in literature, position her as a versatile figure in the entertainment industry. Her work continues to influence pop culture through her diverse roles and creative endeavors, while her background and education illustrate a grounded approach to her craft.
Duce's career began with roles in short films and television, including a guest appearance as a sonographer in the long-running British soap Emmerdale Farm (2020). Her early work includes the short film Disposable Night (2012), demonstrating a steady progression into more prominent roles. She gained wider recognition with her portrayal of Lucille in Napoleon (2023), followed by her role as Hyacinthia in Gladiator II (2024), which marks a significant milestone in her career within high-profile productions.
Beyond acting, Duce is also a digital creator and has been involved in literary pursuits; she was shortlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries in 2023, a program supporting new writers, reflecting her expanding creative interests beyond screen work. This involvement in writing and publishing underscores her multifaceted engagement with the arts.
Duce's contributions to contemporary British cinema and television, coupled with her emerging presence in literature, position her as a versatile figure in the entertainment industry. Her work continues to influence pop culture through her diverse roles and creative endeavors, while her background and education illustrate a grounded approach to her craft.