Emma Thompson
Dame Emma Thompson DBE | |
|---|---|
 Thompson in 2022 | |
| Born | 15 April 1959 London, England |
| Education | Newnham College, Cambridge (BA) École Philippe Gaulier |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1982–present |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Sophie Thompson (sister) |
Biography
Emma Thompson is an acclaimed British actress, screenwriter, and author, renowned for her intelligence, versatility, and sharp wit. She was born on April 15, 1959, in London, England, into a theatrical family—her father, Eric Thompson, was a writer and actor, and her mother, Phyllida Law, is a respected actress.
Thompson studied English at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she joined the prestigious Footlights comedy troupe alongside Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. Her early work in sketch comedy led to television roles, but her breakout came with her performance in Howards End (1992), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
She is one of the few performers to win Oscars for both acting and writing. In 1996, she won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility, which she also starred in, showcasing her literary skill and deep understanding of character and period.
Thompson’s career spans a wide range of genres—from drama (The Remains of the Day, The Children Act) to comedy (Love Actually, Nanny McPhee, which she also wrote) and fantasy (Harry Potter series, as Professor Trelawney). She is praised for bringing nuance, intelligence, and emotional depth to every role.
In addition to her film and television work, Thompson is a vocal advocate for human rights, feminism, and environmental causes. She is known for her candidness and her refusal to conform to Hollywood expectations, often using her platform to speak on issues she cares about.
Thompson married actor Greg Wise in 2003, and they have two children. In 2018, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to drama.
Emma Thompson remains one of the most respected and beloved figures in British film and culture, both on and off the screen.
Music (likes)
BBC's Desert Island Discs (2010)
- Corarsik – Patrick Doyle
- Florence, It's a Lovely Morning – Eric Thompson
- A Ceremony of Carols – Benjamin Britten
- Candidos – Inti‐Illimani
- Hold On – Tom Waits
- Cantaloop – Us3 & Rahsaan
- Some of Your Planes – Richard Lumsden
- With a Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker [1]
Literature (likes)
Miscellaneous
- Odyssey - Homer [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Emma Thompson". Desert Island Discs. 28 March 2010. BBC.