Births on April 15

Emma Thompson, English actress, comedian, author, activist and screenwriter

Dame Emma Thompson, born on April 15, 1959, stands as one of Britain's most revered actresses and accomplished screenwriters. Her illustrious career, spanning over four decades, has cemented her reputation as one of the finest performers of her generation, celebrated for her profound versatility and sharp wit. Throughout her extensive work in film, television, and theatre, she has accumulated an impressive array of accolades, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, a British Academy Television Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award, testament to her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

A Distinguished Career and Early Life

Born into a family deeply embedded in the performing arts, Emma Thompson's creative lineage shaped her early life. Her father was the acclaimed English actor and writer Eric Thompson, best known for creating and narrating the beloved children's television series The Magic Roundabout. Her mother is the equally talented Scottish actress Phyllida Law, who has often shared the screen with her daughter, creating heartwarming, real-life family dynamics in their professional collaborations. This rich artistic environment fostered her natural talent and intellectual curiosity from a young age.

Roots in Performance: Family, Cambridge, and Footlights

Thompson pursued her higher education at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, a venerable institution where she read English Literature. It was during her time at Cambridge that she became an integral member of the Footlights Dramatic Club, the university’s renowned sketch comedy troupe. This fertile ground for comedic talent has been a launching pad for many British stars, and Thompson quickly distinguished herself among her peers, a group that included future luminaries such as Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and Robbie Coltrane. Her early forays into television saw her appearing alongside these colleagues in the popular 1980s sketch comedy series Alfresco (1983–84), showcasing her comedic timing and establishing her early presence on screen.

Rising to Prominence: Television, Theatre, and Collaboration with Kenneth Branagh

Thompson's career truly began to gather momentum in 1987, a pivotal year that saw her gain widespread critical acclaim for her compelling performances in two distinct BBC television series. In John Byrne's whimsical musical drama Tutti Frutti, she captivated audiences with her portrayal of Suzi Kettles, a vibrant band manager. Concurrently, she delivered a powerful performance as Harriet Pringle in the adaptation of Olivia Manning's wartime novel, Fortunes of War. Her exceptional work across both roles earned her the prestigious BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress, marking her as a significant talent in British television.

The early 1990s were characterized by a prolific period of collaboration with her then-husband, the actor and director Kenneth Branagh. Their partnership was a dynamic force in British cinema, particularly known for bringing classic literary works, especially Shakespeare, to a wider audience with fresh interpretations. Thompson starred in several of Branagh’s films, including his critically acclaimed adaptation of Henry V (1989), the neo-noir thriller Dead Again (1991), the ensemble comedy Peter's Friends (1992), and a vibrant big-screen version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing (1993). These roles showcased her dramatic range and her ability to anchor both period pieces and contemporary narratives.

A Trailblazing Legacy: Academy Awards and Critical Acclaim

Howards End: An Early Oscar Triumph

A landmark achievement in Thompson's career arrived in 1992 with her performance in the Merchant-Ivory period drama Howards End. Portraying Margaret Schlegel, a spirited and intelligent woman navigating the rigid class structures of Edwardian England, Thompson delivered a nuanced and deeply moving performance that garnered her both an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award for Best Actress. This role not only solidified her status as a leading dramatic actress but also introduced her to a global audience, earning her widespread international acclaim.

Dual Nominations and Unprecedented Achievements

The following year, 1993, proved to be another extraordinary milestone. Thompson achieved the rare feat of receiving dual Academy Award nominations in the same year, a distinction held by only a handful of performers in Oscar history. She was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of the emotionally repressed housekeeper Miss Kenton in the poignant Merchant-Ivory drama The Remains of the Day, a performance widely lauded for its subtlety and depth. Simultaneously, she earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her powerful role as Gareth Peirce, a tenacious lawyer fighting for justice in the gripping real-life drama In the Name of the Father. These two vastly different roles showcased her immense range, from quiet internal struggle to fervent advocacy.

Sense and Sensibility: A Unique Double Victory

In 1995, Thompson further etched her name into cinematic history with Sense and Sensibility, an adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel. Not only did she star as the eldest Dashwood sister, Elinor, but she also penned the screenplay. Her intricate and witty adaptation earned her numerous accolades, most notably an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. This victory made her the only person in history to win Academy Awards for both acting (for Howards End) and writing, a singular achievement that underscores her multifaceted talent. Additionally, she received her second BAFTA Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film, celebrating her mastery on both sides of the camera.

Later Acclaim: Saving Mr. Banks and Beyond

Thompson continued to deliver compelling performances across various genres. In 2013, she received significant critical acclaim and numerous award nominations for her transformative portrayal of the formidable author P. L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks. Her ability to capture Travers' complex personality and dry wit brought a profound depth to the story behind the making of Disney's Mary Poppins, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Versatility on Screen: From Blockbusters to Independent Gems

Emma Thompson's extensive filmography highlights her remarkable versatility, encompassing everything from major blockbuster franchises to intimate independent dramas. Younger audiences affectionately know her as the eccentric divination teacher Professor Sybill Trelawney in the beloved Harry Potter film series (2004–2011). She has also left her mark in political satire with Primary Colors (1998), tackled profound themes in the television film adaptation of Margaret Edson's play Wit (2001), and charmed audiences in the perennial romantic comedy favorite Love Actually (2003).

Her work extends to powerful television miniseries like HBO's adaptation of Tony Kushner's Angels in America (2003) and starring in her own creation, the family fantasy film Nanny McPhee (2005), where she also wrote the screenplay. She showcased her dramatic chops in films such as Stranger than Fiction (2006), Last Chance Harvey (2008), and the critically acclaimed An Education (2009). Thompson has also ventured into big-budget action-comedy with roles in Men in Black 3 (2012) and its spin-off Men in Black: International (2019). Her voice work can be heard in Pixar’s animated feature Brave (2012), and she brought the beloved Mrs. Potts to life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2017). More recent projects include the acclaimed comedy-drama Late Night (2019) and a memorable turn as the Baroness in Disney's Cruella (2021). On the small screen, she delivered a chilling performance in the dystopian BBC/HBO series Years and Years (2019), continuing to demonstrate her unparalleled breadth as an actress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What significant awards has Dame Emma Thompson won?

Dame Emma Thompson has achieved an impressive collection of awards, including two Academy Awards (one for Best Actress, one for Best Adapted Screenplay), two Golden Globe Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, a British Academy Television Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Is Emma Thompson a Dame? When did she receive the honor?

Yes, Emma Thompson holds the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). She was appointed in the 2018 Birthday Honours for her services to drama.

What is Emma Thompson most known for?

Emma Thompson is widely known for her remarkable versatility as an actress, her distinctive wit, and her ability to portray complex characters in both dramatic and comedic roles. She is particularly celebrated for her work in period dramas like Howards End and Sense and Sensibility (which she also wrote), as well as her roles in the Harry Potter series, Love Actually, and Saving Mr. Banks.

Did Emma Thompson write any of the films she starred in?

Yes, Emma Thompson is an accomplished screenwriter. Most notably, she wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed 1995 film adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. She also wrote the screenplays for the family films Nanny McPhee (2005) and Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010), in which she also starred.

Who are Emma Thompson's parents?

Emma Thompson's parents were both prominent figures in the British entertainment industry. Her father was the English actor and writer Eric Thompson, and her mother is the Scottish actress Phyllida Law. Her sister, Sophie Thompson, is also an actress.

What was Emma Thompson's role in the Harry Potter film series?

In the Harry Potter film series, Emma Thompson played Professor Sybill Trelawney, the eccentric and often melodramatic Divination teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She first appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004).