Emma Thompson

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Emma Thompson (born 15 April 1959) is a British actress, comedian and writer.


Newnham College
University of Cambridge
BAFTA TV Award

Born in London to English actor, Eric Thompson, and Scottish actress, Phyllida Law, Thompson was educated at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, where she became a member of the Footlights troupe. After appearing in several comedy programmes, she first came to prominence in 1987, in two BBC TV series, Tutti Frutti and Fortunes of War, winning the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress for her work in both series. Thompson’s first film role came in the 1989 romantic comedy, The Tall Guy, and in the early 1990s she frequently collaborated with her then husband, actor, and director, Kenneth Branagh. The pair became popular in the British media, and co-starred in several films including: Dead Again (1991) and Much Ado About Nothing (1993).


Academy Award
Harry Potter film series
Love Actually
Men in Black 3

In 1992, Thompson won an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Actress for the period drama, Howards End. In 1993, she garnered dual Academy Award nominations for her roles in The Remains of the Day as a stately housekeeper, and In the Name of the Father as a lawyer. Thompson scripted and starred in Sense and Sensibility (1995), which earned her (among other awards) an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and a BAFTA Award for Best Actress. Other notable film and television credits include: the Harry Potter film series, Wit (2001), Love Actually (2003), Angels in America (2003), Nanny McPhee (2005), Stranger than Fiction (2006), Last Chance Harvey (2008), Men in Black 3 (2012), and Brave (2012). In 2013, she received acclaim and several award nominations for her portrayal of P. L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks.

Thompson is married to actor Greg Wise, with whom she lives in London. They have one daughter and an adopted son. She is an activist in the areas of human rights and environmentalism, and has received criticism for her outspoken nature. She has authored two books adapted from The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

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