Lilly Wachowski

Cast · Writer · Director

Born

December 29, 1967 · Chicago, Illinois, USA

Birth name

Andrew Paul Wachowski

On the Impact of The Matrix: "It was a radical idea, but the idea of breaking free from the constraints of the world is something that resonates with everyone. It was a reflection of our own struggles with identity and reality." Lilly Wachowski, born December 29, 1967, in Chicago, is a renowned comic book writer, screenwriter, director, and producer. Originally known as Andrew Paul Wachowski, she is best known for co-creating The Matrix trilogy with her sister Lana Wachowski. Lilly and Lana, who both attended Whitney Young High School and later worked in a carpentry business, began their career in comics before transitioning to film. They made their directorial debut with Bound (1996) and gained fame with The Matrix (1999), winning the Saturn Award for Best Director. They also directed the sequels The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, and were involved in the Matrix franchise’s broader media. In 2003, the Wachowskis founded Burlyman Entertainment, producing comic books including adaptations of The Matrix and original series like Shaolin Cowboy and Doc Frankenstein. They directed Speed Racer (2008) and co-directed Cloud Atlas (2012) with Tom Tykwer. Lilly came out as a transgender woman in March 2016, following her sister Lana’s public transition in 2012.