Dakota Blue

 Dakota Blue Richards was born 11 April 1994. She is an English actress. When she was 13 years old she made her debut on film in The Golden Compass as Lyra Belacqua as the main character. The character of April the stumbling teenager in Dustbin Baby, and Maria in The Secret of Moonacre in 2009 were her other leading roles. She was Franky Fitzgerald, a third generation actor in the British teenager drama Skins in the year 2011. She has appeared in roles in film, television as well as on the stage. Richards was born at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Fulham Road, London. She was born in Sussex by her parents, which later relocated to Newlands School. After having attended St Paul's Primary School, she went to Blatchington Mill School, Hove as well as KBis Theatre School, Brighton. Later, she said she was interested in playing Lyra. Ten thousand people were able to apply for auditions. Philip Pullman, the author of the book stated that "As shortly as I saw Dakota's screen test, I knew that I had found my answer." Chris Weitz, director, said Richards took what could be a tough decision easy.