Emma Thompson Acclaimed British Actress & Writer

Emma Thompson is a famous British¹ actress and screenwriter. She’s known for her smart and funny roles². Born on April 15, 1959, in Paddington, London, she grew up in a family of actors. This background helped shape her love for the arts².

She studied English Literature at the University of Cambridge and joined the Footlights² comedy group. This set her on a path to success in TV, theater, and movies.

Key Takeaways

Emma Thompson is a renowned British actress and screenwriter known for her sophisticated and witty performances.
She was born into a theatrical family in London and studied English Literature at the University of Cambridge.
Thompson has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.
She is the only person in history to win Oscars for both acting and writing, thanks to her work on “Sense and Sensibility” in 1995.
Thompson has also written several children’s books featuring the character of Peter Rabbit.

Early Life and Education

Emma Thompson, a famous British actress, was born on April 15, 1959, in London, England. Her parents, Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law³, were also actors. This family background helped spark her love for language and literature⁴.

After finishing her A-levels in English, French, and Latin, Thompson went to Newnham College, Cambridge. There, she studied English Literature⁴. At Cambridge, she joined the Footlights comedy group. This group was where many Monty Python stars got their start⁴.

“I fell in love with Monty Python in the 1970s, sparking my love for comedy.”

–Emma Thompson⁴

Emma Thompson’s early life and education set the stage for her successful career. She is a talented British actress and writer. She shines in both comedy and drama.

Breaking Into Acting

After graduating from Cambridge in 1980, Emma Thompson started her career in the entertainment world. She began with BBC radio and comedy tours. Soon, she landed a big role on the TV show Alfresco (1983-1984) with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie⁵.

In 1985, Thompson shined in the West End revival of “Me and My Girl.” Her performance as Sally Smith got great reviews⁵.

Early Television Roles with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie

Working with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie on TV made Thompson a star in British comedy. Her role on Alfresco showed her talent and quick thinking. This set the stage for bigger roles later⁵.

West End Debut in Me and My Girl

Her role in “Me and My Girl” on the West End was a big step in her career. The musical let her show her skills as a leading lady. It made her known as a star in theater⁵.

“It is better to have a hit than a flop.” – Eric Thompson, Emma Thompson’s father and the writer of “Thompson’s Theatrical Laws”.

Emma Thompson’s dad, Eric Thompson, was a big name in entertainment. He wrote “Thompson’s Theatrical Laws.” He believed “it is better to have a hit than a flop.” This idea might have influenced Emma’s career⁵.

Key Milestones	Details
Television Debut	Appeared on the comedy sketch program Alfresco (1983-1984) with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie
West End Breakthrough	Starred in the revival of the musical “Me and My Girl” (1985)

Rise to Prominence

In 1987, Emma Thompson’s career took a big leap forward. She starred in two hit TV miniseries: “Fortunes of War” and “Tutti Frutti”. These roles, alongside her then-husband Kenneth Branagh, earned her a British Academy Television Award for Best Actress⁶.

Collaborations with Kenneth Branagh

Thompson and Branagh kept working together on stage and screen, proving her versatility⁶. They made films like “Henry V”, “Dead Again”, and “Much Ado About Nothing”. These movies showed their great chemistry and artistic connection⁶.

Project	Year	Role
Fortunes of War	1987	Leading role
Tutti Frutti	1987	Leading role
Henry V	1989	Supporting role
Dead Again	1991	Supporting role
Much Ado About Nothing	1993	Supporting role

Working with Branagh helped Thompson become a respected artist. She shined both in acting and behind the camera⁶.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Emma Thompson’s career soared in the early 1990s with her standout role in “Howards End” (1992)⁷. She played a practical bohemian who befriends a dying woman and later marries her widower, played by Anthony Hopkins. For this, she won the Academy Award® and the British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Best Actress⁷⁸.

Dual Oscar Nominations

In 1993, Thompson was up for two Oscars. She was nominated for Best Actress in “The Remains of the Day” and Best Supporting Actress in “In the Name of the Father”. This showed her wide range as an actress⁷.

Award	Wins	Nominations
Academy Awards®	2	5
BAFTA Awards	3	–
Golden Globe Awards	2	–

Emma Thompson has won many top awards, including two Academy Awards®, three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards⁸. In 2018, she was named Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her work in drama⁸.

“Emma Thompson’s ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles is a testament to her remarkable talent and versatility as an actress.”

Emma Thompson has shown her skill as both an acclaimed actress and a talented screenwriter. Her work on “Sense and Sensibility” won the Academy Award® for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1995. She’s the only one to win Oscars for acting and writing⁸.

Emma Thompson as a Screenwriter

Emma Thompson is known for her amazing acting and writing skills. She has won hearts on the screen and created unforgettable stories for movies and TV⁹.

Academy Award for Sense and Sensibility Screenplay

Her biggest achievement was the 1995 film “Sense and Sensibility.” She played a lead role and wrote the screenplay. This earned her the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, a first for winning Oscars in acting and writing⁹.

The movie was a hit, showing Thompson’s skill in turning classic novels into films⁹.

Thompson also worked on the Nanny McPhee series and rewrote parts of “Pride and Prejudice,” getting a “special thanks” credit⁹.

Her film “Effie Gray” faced copyright issues but was later cleared, showing her resilience⁹. Her hard work and talent have earned her praise and awards for her writing.

She’s not just a movie writer; she’s also worked on TV. Her TV movie “Wit” won an Emmy and a Humanities Prize⁹. She also rewrote “Bridget Jones’s Baby” with Helen Fielding⁹.

Emma Thompson’s work shows her deep storytelling skills and her ability to adapt beloved stories for the screen⁹. Her talent and hard work have made her a key figure in film and TV.

“I’ve always been more interested in the human story than politics or fairytales.”
– Emma Thompson

Her latest project, “Last Christmas,” shows her creativity and storytelling ability⁹.

Versatile Performances

Throughout her career, Emma Thompson has shown her amazing skill in both drama and comedy. She has played a wide variety of roles, from the romantic comedy “Love Actually” to the satire of “Late Night.”¹⁰

Emma Thompson is also great at bringing characters from books to life. In “Saving Mr. Banks,” she played P.L. Travers, the creator of “Mary Poppins.” Her performance was deeply moving and got a lot of praise¹⁰.

Emma Thompson’s ability to switch between comedy and drama has made her a top actress. She won an Academy Award for “Howards End” and has kept audiences hooked with her varied roles¹⁰¹¹.

Film	Role	Awards/Nominations
Howards End	Margaret Schlegel	Academy Award for Best Actress¹⁰
Saving Mr. Banks	P.L. Travers	Multiple award nominations¹⁰
Sense and Sensibility	Elinor Dashwood	Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Adapted Screenplay¹¹
The Remains of the Day	N/A	Academy Award nomination for Best Actress¹⁰
In the Name of the Father	N/A	Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress¹⁰

Emma Thompson has won an Oscar for “Howards End” and shined in “Saving Mr. Banks.” She has shown her wide range of talents¹⁰¹¹.

Voice Acting and Animation

Acclaimed British actress Emma Thompson has shown her talent in voice acting and animation¹². She brings characters to life with her voice, showing her wide range of skills.

Nanny McPhee and the Harry Potter Series

In the Nanny McPhee films, Thompson voiced the magical nanny who helps families¹. She also voiced characters in the Harry Potter movies, winning over fans with her voice.

Brave and Missing Link

Thompson voiced characters in Pixar’s Brave and the comedy Missing Link¹². Her voice work shows her skill in both live-action and animated films.

Her work in voice acting and animation proves she’s a talented performer¹. Fans and critics praise her for bringing animated characters to life. She’s a true master of her craft.

Award	Number of Awards
Academy Award	2
BAFTA Award	3
Golden Globe Award	2
Primetime Emmy Award	1

“Emma Thompson’s versatility extends to her ability to captivate audiences through her vocal performances, further showcasing her range as a versatile and accomplished artist.”

Thompson stepped back from Luck due to John Lasseter’s appointment¹³. Yet, her dedication to acting remains strong. Fans look forward to her future projects, knowing she’ll continue to give unforgettable performances¹²¹¹³.

Television and Stage Work

Emma Thompson has made a big impact in TV and theater, not just in movies. In 2003, she won an Emmy for her role in “Angels in America.” This was for her powerful acting as a homeless woman¹⁴.

She’s also shown her talent on stage. In 2014, she played Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd” at Lincoln Center. This role proved her amazing acting skills¹⁵.

Award	Nominations	Wins
Academy Awards	5	2
Golden Globe Awards	9	2
BAFTA Awards	7	3
Emmy Awards	6	1

Emma Thompson has won many awards for her acting. She has two Oscars, two Golden Globes, and three BAFTAs¹⁴. She’s also been nominated for six Emmys, winning one for “Angels in America”¹⁴.

Emma Thompson has always been a top actress, moving between film, TV, and theater. Her hard work and talent have won over fans and critics. She’s seen as one of the best British actresses of her time¹⁴¹⁵.

Literary Pursuits

Emma Thompson is known for her acting and screenwriting, but she also loves writing for children. She has written stories about Peter Rabbit, a character made famous by Beatrix Potter. This shows her talent as both an actress and a writer.

Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit Children’s Books

Emma Thompson got permission from Beatrix Potter’s publishers to write three children’s books with Peter Rabbit¹⁶. These books let her show off her skills as an actress and writer¹⁷. She studied English literature at Cambridge University, which helped her write these stories.

Her stories about Peter Rabbit have won over young readers with their fun and lessons¹⁷. She brings Beatrix Potter’s characters to life in a new way, getting praise from critics and new fans.

“Emma Thompson’s Peter Rabbit stories are a delightful addition to the classic tales, capturing the spirit of Beatrix Potter’s work while offering fresh perspectives and enchanting narratives.”

– Literary Critic, The New York Times

Emma Thompson’s writing proves she’s a talented artist who can do many things creatively¹⁷. From winning Oscars for screenwriting to writing children’s books, she’s making a mark in literature and storytelling.

Accolades and Recognition

Renowned British actress and writer Emma Thompson has won many top awards. These honors have made her one of the most respected actors of her time¹⁸.

She has earned two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award¹⁸. In 2018, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. This was for her outstanding work in drama¹⁸.

Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

The title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) is a top honor in the UK. It goes to people who have made big contributions in their fields¹⁹.

Emma Thompson is now part of a group of famous British people honored for their big wins and impact. This title shows her amazing acting skills and her dedication to helping others¹⁹.

“I am delighted and honored to be made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. To be counted among the distinguished women who have received this award before me is a humbling experience. I accept it on behalf of all the myriad people who have supported and encouraged my work over the years.”

– Emma Thompson

Conclusion

Emma Thompson has had a long and successful career as a British²⁰ actress and writer. She has been in the industry for over four decades, earning both critical acclaim and success²⁰. Starting with the Footlights comedy troupe at Cambridge University, she has shown her talent and versatility in many areas²⁰.

Her work has made a big mark on movies, TV, and theater both in Britain and around the world²¹. She is widely respected and celebrated as one of the top artists of her generation²¹.

Emma Thompson has won two Oscars, including one for “Sense and Sensibility,”²⁰ which was a huge hit²¹. She has also received three BAFTA Awards and several Golden Globe Awards²⁰. These honors prove her status as a British entertainment icon²⁰.

She has given memorable performances in “Sense and Sensibility” and “Saving Mr. Banks”²¹. Her comedic roles in “Love Actually” and “Late Night”²¹ show her wide range. Emma Thompson has also voiced characters in animated films and the “Harry Potter” series²⁰.

Throughout her career, Thompson has always been dedicated to her craft and passionate about storytelling²⁰. She has won the hearts of audiences all over the world with her talent and hard work.

FAQ

When was Emma Thompson born?

Emma Thompson was born on April 15, 1959, in London, England.

Where did Emma Thompson study?

Emma Thompson studied English Literature at Newnham College, Cambridge University. She was also part of the Footlights comedy troupe.

What were some of Emma Thompson’s early television roles?

Emma Thompson started on BBC radio and the comedy sketch program Alfresco (1983-1984). She worked with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

What were some of Emma Thompson’s major acting awards and honors?

Emma Thompson has won two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2018, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.

What were some of Emma Thompson’s acclaimed screenwriting achievements?

Emma Thompson won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Sense and Sensibility” in 1995. She’s the only person to win Oscars for acting and writing.

What types of roles has Emma Thompson excelled in?

Emma Thompson has shown her range in films like “Love Actually,” “Late Night,” and “Saving Mr. Banks.” She’s moved easily between drama and comedy.

What other creative pursuits has Emma Thompson undertaken?

Emma Thompson has also written children’s books featuring Peter Rabbit. This adds to her diverse creative work.

Source Links

Emma Thompson – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Thompson
Emma Thompson | Actress, Writer, Producer – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000668/
Emma Thompson | Biography, Movies, & Facts – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emma-Thompson
Emma Thompson Sanctuary: Background: Biography – https://muldermedia.com/emma/background/biography.html
Emma Thompson’s Third Act – https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/14/emma-thompsons-third-act
Emma Thompson Reflects on Life, Loss, and Resilience – https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/emma-thompson-life-loss-resilience
Emma Thompson – Hollywood Walk of Fame – https://walkoffame.com/emma-thompson/
Author Search Results – https://catalog.library.tamu.edu/Author/Home?author=”Thompson, Emma”&type=Author&page=2
Did You Know Emma Thompson Wrote These Movies? | Anglophenia | BBC America – https://www.bbcamerica.com/blogs/did-you-know-emma-thompson-wrote-these-movies–1012865
Emma Thompson’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked – https://screenrant.com/emma-thompson-movies-ranked/
Emma Thompson’s 10 best films – https://onthepulsenews.com/emma-thompsons-10-best-films/
Emma Thompson Exits Skydance Animation Movie ‘Luck’ Over John Lasseter Hire – https://variety.com/2019/film/news/emma-thompson-exits-skydance-movie-john-lasseter-1203142773/
Emma Thompson On Exiting Skydance’s ‘Luck’ Because Of John Lasseter: “I Can Only Do What Feels Right” – https://deadline.com/2019/02/emma-thompson-john-lasseter-letter-luck-movie-exit-skydance-1202565430/
Emma Thompson on screen and stage – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Thompson_on_screen_and_stage
Emma Thompson: Credits, Bio, News & More | Broadway World – https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Emma-Thompson/
Emma Thompson movies: 18 greatest films ranked worst to best – https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/emma-thompson-movies-ranked-worst-to-best/
30 Best Emma Thompson Quotes With Image | Bookey – https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/emma-thompson
List of accolades received by Sense and Sensibility (film) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accolades_received_by_Sense_and_Sensibility_(film)
Emma Thompson | Keynote Speaker | AAE Speakers Bureau – https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/emma-thompson
Emma Thompson: A Multifaceted Talent In Film And Literature – https://pro-emprego.bigua.sc.gov.br/hollywoodwhispers/emma-thompson-and.html
One For Them, One For Me – Emma Thompson’s 1994-95 – Blog – The Film Experience – http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2022/6/4/one-for-them-one-for-me-emma-thompsons-1994-95.html