Emma Thompson, born on April 15, 1959, in Paddington, London, hails from a lineage of performers, with her father, Eric Thompson, and mother, Phyllida Law, both seasoned actors. Her sister, Sophie Thompson, also treads the boards. Raised in a vibrant, artistic household, Thompson's upbringing fostered her sharp wit and creative flair. A Cambridge University graduate, she honed her talents with the renowned Footlights Group before embarking on a multifaceted career. Renowned for her versatile performances, Thompson's illustrious journey through film and television has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape, earning her acclaim and accolades aplenty.
Early Life and Career
Emma Thompson hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the performing arts, with both her parents, Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law, being accomplished actors. Growing up in a household filled with creativity and artistic expression, Thompson's formative years were infused with a vibrant energy that nurtured her innate talents. Despite the absence of specific details about her childhood, it's evident that her upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping her sharp wit and creative flair.
Following her upbringing, Thompson pursued higher education at Cambridge University, where she delved into the study of English Literature. It was during her time at Cambridge that she became involved with the renowned Footlights Group, a breeding ground for comedic talent where she honed her skills alongside other future luminaries.
Upon graduating from university, Thompson embarked on her professional journey in the entertainment industry. She initially made waves on the comedy circuit, showcasing her comedic prowess on BBC radio and touring with comedy shows. However, her breakout moment came when she transitioned to television, landing roles on comedy skit programs and review shows in the mid-1980s. Notably, her collaboration with fellow Footlights alums, including Stephen Fry, helped cement her place in the British comedy scene.
Thompson's first major success came with her portrayal of Sally Smith in the stage adaptation of "Me and My Girl" in London's West End in 1985. This critically acclaimed performance showcased her versatility as an actor and garnered favorable reviews, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors.
However, it was her role in the BBC television miniseries "Fortunes of War" that catapulted Thompson into the spotlight. Starring opposite Kenneth Branagh, Thompson's portrayal of an English ex-patriate navigating the tumultuous landscape of Eastern Europe during World War II earned her widespread acclaim and a BAFTA Award.
Throughout her illustrious career, Thompson has amassed an impressive array of awards and accolades, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most respected talents. Notably, she received both an Oscar and a BAFTA award for her role in the Merchant-Ivory production of "Howards End," showcasing her ability to deliver captivating performances on both sides of the Atlantic.
In addition to her acting prowess, Thompson is also celebrated for her writing talents, having penned the screenplay for "Sense and Sensibility," for which she won an Academy Award. Her multifaceted contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her a reputation as a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring actors and writers alike.
On a personal note, Thompson's romantic life has also garnered attention, particularly her marriage to actor Greg Wise. The couple, who tied the knot in 2003, shares two children together, further enriching Thompson's life beyond the realm of showbiz.
Beyond her acting credentials, Thompson's outspoken advocacy for various social causes and her involvement in philanthropic endeavors have further cemented her legacy as not just a talented performer, but also a compassionate humanitarian. Her impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry at large is undeniable, as she continues to inspire audiences with her unparalleled talent and unwavering commitment to her craft.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Matilda: The Musical | Agatha Trunchbull |
| 2022 | What's Love Got to Do with It? | Cath Stevenson |
| 2022 | Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (TV Mini Series) | Lady Marcham |
| 2022 | Good Luck to You, Leo Grande | Nancy Stokes |
| 2021 | Twelve Nights (Video) | Narrator |
| 2021 | Cruella | The Baroness |
| 2020 | Dolittle | Poly (voice) |
| 2019 | Last Christmas | Petra |
| 2019 | Extinction (Short) | Unknown |
| 2019 | How to Build a Girl | Amanda Watson |
| 2019 | Years and Years (TV Mini Series) | Vivienne Rook |
| 2019 | Men in Black: International | Agent O |
| 2019 | Missing Link | The Elder (voice) |
| 2019 | Late Night | Katherine Newbury |
| 2018 | Johnny English Strikes Again | Prime Minister |
| 2018 | Greenpeace: There's a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom (Video) | Narrator |
| 2018 | King Lear (TV Movie) | Goneril |
| 2017 | Upstart Crow (TV Series) | Queen Elizabeth |
| 2017 | The Children Act | Fiona Maye |
| 2017 | The Meyerowitz Stories | Maureen |
| 2017 | Beauty and the Beast | Mrs. Potts |
| 2016 | High Road (TV Series) | Emma Thompson |
| 2016 | The Doubt Machine: Inside the Koch Brothers' War on Climate Science (Short) | Narrator (voice) |
| 2016 | Bridget Jones's Baby | Dr Rawlings |
| 2016 | Alone in Berlin | Anna Quangel |
| 2015 | Sainsbury's: Mog's Christmas Calamity (Video) | Narrator (voice, uncredited) |
| 2015 | Burnt | Dr Rosshilde |
| 2015 | Barney Thomson | Cemolina |
| 2015 | Love Song (Short) | Debbie |
| 2015 | Funny Valentines (TV Mini Series) | Unknown |
| 2015 | A Walk in the Woods | Catherine Bryson |
| 2014 | Effie Gray | Lady Eastlake |
| 2014 | Live from Lincoln Center (TV Series) | Mrs. Lovett |
| 2014 | Men, Women & Children | Narrator (voice) |
| 2013 | Saving Mr. Banks | P.L. Travers |
| 2013 | The Love Punch | Kate |
| 2013 | Beautiful Creatures | Mavis Lincoln | Sarafine |
| 2012 | Brave | Elinor (voice) |
| 2012 | Playhouse Presents (TV Series) | The Queen |
| 2012 | Men in Black 3 | Agent O |
| 2011 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 | Professor Sybil Trelawney |
| 2010 | The Song of Lunch (TV Movie) | She |
| 2010 | Nanny McPhee Returns | Nanny McPhee |
| 2009 | The Boat That Rocked | Charlotte |
| 2009 | An Education | Headmistress |
| 2008 | Last Chance Harvey | Kate Walker |
| 2008 | Brideshead Revisited | Lady Marchmain |
| 2007 | I Am Legend | Dr. Alice Krippin (uncredited) |
| 2007 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | Sybil Trelawney |
| 2006 | Stranger Than Fiction | Karen Eiffel |
| 2005 | Nanny McPhee | Nanny McPhee |
| 2004 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Professor Sybil Trelawney |
| 2003 | Treasure Planet Read-Along DVD (Video) | Captain Amelia (voice) |
| 2003 | Angels in America (TV Mini Series) | Nurse Emily | Homeless Woman | The Angel |
| 2003 | Love Actually | Karen |
| 2003 | Imagining Argentina | Cecilia Rueda |
| 2002 | Sense and Sensibility: Deleted Scenes (Video) | Elinor Dashwood (uncredited) |
| 2002 | Treasure Planet (Video Game) | Captain Amelia (voice) |
| 2002 | Treasure Planet | Captain Amelia (voice) |
| 2001 | Wit (TV Movie) | Vivian Bearing |
| 2000 | Maybe Baby | Druscilla |
| 1998 | Judas Kiss | FBI Agent Sadie Hawkins |
| 1998 | Primary Colors | Susan Stanton |
| 1997 | Ellen (TV Series) | Emma Thompson |
| 1997 | The Winter Guest | Frances |
| 1997 | Hospital! (TV Movie) | Elephant Woman |
| 1995 | Sense and Sensibility | Elinor Dashwood |
| 1995 | Carrington | Dora Carrington |
| 1994 | Junior | Dr. Diana Reddin |
| 1994 | The Blue Boy (TV Movie) | Marie Bonnar |
| 1994 | My Father the Hero | Isabel (uncredited) |
| 1993 | In the Name of the Father | Gareth Peirce |
| 1993 | The Remains of the Day | Miss Kenton |
| 1993 | Much Ado About Nothing | Beatrice |
| 1992 | Peter's Friends | Maggie Chester |
| 1992 | Howards End | Margaret Schlegel |
| 1992 | Cheers (TV Series) | Nanny Gee |
| 1991 | Dead Again | Grace | Margaret Strauss |
| 1991 | Impromptu | Duchess D'Antan |
| 1990 | Tin Fish (TV Movie) | Cathy |
| 1989 | Look Back in Anger (TV Movie) | Alison Porter |
| 1989 | Henry V | Princess Katherine de Valois |
| 1989 | Theatre Night (TV Series) | Catherine Winslow | Jenny Wilbur |
| 1989 | The Tall Guy | Kate |
| 1988 | Thompson (TV Series) | Various |
| 1987 | Fortunes of War (TV Mini Series) | Harriet Pringle |
| 1987 | Tutti Frutti (TV Mini Series) | Suzi Kettles |
| 1986 | Saturday Live (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1984 | Assaulted Nuts (TV Series) | Various |
| 1983–1984 | Alfresco (TV Series) | Various | Florence Nightingale | Gertie the Woman ... |
| 1984 | The Young Ones (TV Series) | Miss Money-Sterling |
| 1984 | The Comic Strip Presents (TV Series) | Young Woman |
| 1983 | The Crystal Cube (TV Movie) | Jackie Meld | Various |
| 1983 | Carrott's Lib (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1982 | There's Nothing to Worry About! (TV Series) | Mrs. Wally | Actor | Cakes ... |
