Births on January 13

Ruth Wilson, English actress

Ruth Wilson (born 13 January 1982) is an immensely talented and critically acclaimed English actress, recognized globally for her remarkable versatility across television, film, and theatre. Her performances are often lauded for their depth, intensity, and ability to embody complex characters, making her a highly sought-after artist in the industry.

Key Television Roles and Accolades

Wilson has made a significant impact on television, headlining several popular and critically successful series:

• Jane Eyre (2006): Her breakout role came in the 2006 BBC adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's classic novel, where she portrayed the eponymous protagonist. This compelling performance garnered significant critical acclaim, establishing her as a formidable talent and earning her nominations for both a British Academy Television Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.
• Luther (2010–2013, 2019): Wilson became widely known for her captivating portrayal of Alice Morgan, a brilliant, psychopathic, yet strangely charming murderer, in the BBC psychological crime drama Luther. Her dynamic and often unsettling chemistry with Idris Elba's DCI John Luther became a cornerstone of the series, making Alice one of television's most memorable and iconic antagonists.
• The Affair (2014–2018): In the Showtime drama The Affair, Wilson delivered a profoundly nuanced performance as Alison Lockhart, a waitress navigating the complexities of infidelity and trauma. Her powerful depiction earned her a coveted Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama, a testament to her compelling work in this multi-perspective narrative that explored the psychological aftermath of an illicit relationship.
• Mrs Wilson (2018): Further demonstrating her range and personal connection to her craft, Wilson starred in and executive produced the 2018 BBC miniseries Mrs Wilson. This deeply personal project was based on the extraordinary true story of her own grandmother, Alison Wilson, and the mysterious double life of her grandfather, Alexander Wilson, a former MI6 officer. Playing the eponymous character, she brought a compelling blend of vulnerability and resilience to this biographical drama.
• His Dark Materials (2019–Present): Since 2019, Wilson has captivated audiences as the formidable and complex Marisa Coulter in the acclaimed BBC/HBO fantasy series His Dark Materials, based on Philip Pullman's celebrated novels. Her chilling yet nuanced portrayal of the antagonist, a powerful woman grappling with her own inner demons and a profound connection to her dæmon, earned her the prestigious 2020 BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actress, further solidifying her status as a leading dramatic actress in a genre-defining series.

Notable Film Contributions

Beyond her impactful television work, Ruth Wilson has also built a diverse filmography, showcasing her versatility across different genres. Her notable film credits include:

• The Lone Ranger (2013): A major Western action film where she played Rebecca Reid.
• Saving Mr. Banks (2013): A biographical drama about the making of Mary Poppins, in which she appeared as Margaret Goff, P.L. Travers's mother.
• I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016): A gothic horror film where she took on a significant role.
• Dark River (2017): A critically acclaimed British drama that further highlighted her dramatic prowess.

Distinguished Theatre Career

Wilson's formidable talent extends significantly to the stage, where she is a highly decorated performer, consistently earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards. She is a three-time Laurence Olivier Award nominee and a two-time winner, distinguishing herself in the highest echelons of British theatre.

• She received the Best Actress Olivier Award for her powerful titular role in Eugene O'Neill's Anna Christie (2011) at the Donmar Warehouse, with critics praising her raw and intense performance that captured the essence of the complex character.
• She also earned the Best Supporting Actress Olivier Award for her compelling portrayal of Stella Kowalski in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire (2009) at the Donmar Warehouse, showcasing her ability to bring depth and nuance to iconic literary characters.
• Her prowess has also been recognized on Broadway, where she is a two-time Tony Award nominee. These nominations include her critically lauded performance in the acclaimed two-hander Constellations (2015), where she played Marianne, and for her profound portrayal of the Fool in Shakespeare's King Lear (2019) opposite screen legend Glenda Jackson, a gender-blind casting choice that received widespread attention and praise for its innovative approach and Wilson's compelling interpretation.

Summary of Major Awards and Nominations

Ruth Wilson's outstanding contributions to acting have been widely recognized by major awarding bodies, underscoring her consistent excellence and versatility across different mediums:

• Golden Globe Award: Winner for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her role as Alison Lockhart in The Affair.
• Laurence Olivier Awards: Two-time winner (Best Actress for Anna Christie, Best Supporting Actress for A Streetcar Named Desire) and three-time nominee overall, cementing her status as a leading theatre actress in the UK.
• BAFTA Cymru Award: Winner for Best Actress for her performance as Marisa Coulter in His Dark Materials.
• Tony Awards: Two-time nominee (for her Broadway roles in Constellations and King Lear), highlighting her international theatrical recognition.
• British Academy Television Award (BAFTA TV): Nominee for Best Actress for her seminal role as the eponymous character in Jane Eyre.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ruth Wilson

What are Ruth Wilson's most famous television roles?

Ruth Wilson is widely celebrated for her performances as Alice Morgan in the BBC's psychological crime drama Luther, Alison Lockhart in the Showtime drama The Affair (for which she won a Golden Globe), the titular role in the BBC's 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre, and as Marisa Coulter in the fantasy series His Dark Materials. She also starred in and executive produced the critically acclaimed biographical miniseries Mrs Wilson, based on her own family's history.

Has Ruth Wilson won any major acting awards?

Yes, Ruth Wilson has received numerous prestigious awards and nominations for her work across television and theatre. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her role in The Affair and a BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actress for His Dark Materials. In theatre, she is a two-time winner of the Laurence Olivier Award, earning Best Actress for her performance in Anna Christie and Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire.

What theatre awards has Ruth Wilson received?

Ruth Wilson is a highly decorated figure in theatre, holding two prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards: Best Actress for her powerful lead role in Anna Christie and Best Supporting Actress for her compelling performance as Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. Additionally, she has been nominated twice for the prestigious Tony Award on Broadway, for her critically acclaimed roles in Constellations and as the Fool in King Lear.