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Emma Thompson was born in London, England, to actor parents Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law. Growing up in a theatrical family, she developed an early interest in the arts. -
She graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in English literature. During her time there, she performed with the comedy group Footlights, gaining recognition for her comedic talent. -
Thompson starred in the BBC miniseries Fortunes of War alongside Kenneth Branagh. Their on-screen chemistry and collaboration showed the start of a successful professional partnership. -
Emma married Kenneth Branagh. The same year, she starred in Branagh’s directorial debut Henry V, where she played Princess Katherine. -
Thompson showcased her talent by playing dual roles in the thriller Dead Again, directed by Branagh. The film was a critical success and highlighted her range as an actress. -
Emma won the Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Actress for her role in Howards End. Her performance as Margaret Schlegel earned widespread praise and established her as a leading actress. -
She starred as Beatrice in the film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and played a housekeeper in The Remains of the Day, showing her status in both comedy and drama. -
Thompson won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a BAFTA for Best Actress for Sense and Sensibility, a film she wrote and starred in based on Jane Austen’s novel. -
Emma starred in the HBO film Wit, which she also adapted for television. Her portrayal of a college professor facing terminal cancer was praised for its emotional depth. -
She married actor Greg Wise, whom she met on the set of Sense and Sensibility. That year, she appeared in the romantic comedy Love Actually and the miniseries Angels in America. -
Thompson wrote and starred in the family film Nanny McPhee, where she played a magical governess who helps bring order to a chaotic family. -
She appeared in the film Brideshead Revisited as Lady Marchmain and starred in Last Chance Harvey, a romantic comedy opposite Dustin Hoffman. -
Emma reprised her role as the magical governess in Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, a sequel to the 2005 film, which she also wrote. -
She portrayed author P.L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks, a film about the making of Mary Poppins. Her performance was widely praised for its depth and complexity. -
Thompson provided the voice of Queen Elinor in the animated film Brave. The film, set in Scotland, was a success and well-received by audiences. -
Emma wrote the screenplay for Effie Gray, a film that explores the troubled marriage of art critic John Ruskin. She also played a supporting role as Lady Eastlake. -
Thompson voiced Mrs. Potts in the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast and starred in The Children Act as a judge dealing with a moral dilemma. -
Emma was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contributions to drama and charity work. Dame is a title given to a woman which is equivalent to the rank of knight. -
She starred as a late-night talk show host in the comedy Late Night and voiced a yeti elder in the animated film Missing Link, showcasing her comedic talent. -
Thompson played the role of Baroness von Hellmann, a demanding fashion designer, in Cruella, a live-action prequel to 101 Dalmatians.