Emma Thompson Young is a well-known British actress, screenwriter, and author. She has won hearts all over the world with her amazing talent and flexibility. Born on April 15, 1959, in Paddington, London1, she grew up in a family full of creatives. Her mother was a Scottish actress, and her father was an English actor and writer.
From a young age, Emma was drawn to the arts and stories. She credits her father for this interest1. After studying English literature at the University of Cambridge, she started her career in the 1980s. She first appeared in TV shows and comedy sketches before making it big in movies.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Thompson is a versatile British actress, screenwriter, and author known for her impressive career spanning television, film, and literary adaptations.
- She comes from a creative family background, which influenced her early passion for storytelling and the arts.
- Thompson’s breakthrough came in the 1980s, as she transitioned from television and comedy sketches to starring in acclaimed films.
- Her exceptional talent and versatility have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards and an Emmy Award.
- Thompson’s personal life, including her marriages and family relationships, has also been a subject of public interest over the years.
Early Life and Upbringing
Emma Thompson, a famous actress, screenwriter, and producer, was born on April 15, 1959, in London, England23. Her mother, Phyllida Law, and father, Eric Thompson, were both actors. Her godfather was the famous director and writer Ronald Eyre. Thompson grew up in London’s West Hampstead and often visited Scotland.
Born in London to Artistic Parents
Emma Thompson was surrounded by the arts from a young age. Her father, Eric Thompson, created “The Magic Roundabout,” a children’s TV series. This sparked her interest in language and literature3. This early exposure helped shape her future in the entertainment world.
Childhood Passion for Storytelling
Thompson loved words and their power to engage people. She shared her father’s love for language and literature, a key part of her career2. Her early years were filled with a growing love for storytelling. This passion led her to become a celebrated actor and screenwriter.
“I was always very interested in words and how they worked. I was the kind of kid who would spend hours poring over the dictionary, just to find interesting words.”
– Emma Thompson
University Days at Cambridge
Emma Thompson started her journey at Newnham College, Cambridge, in 19774. She was studying English literature after completing her A-levels in English, French, and Latin. At Cambridge, Thompson found her passion for feminism and acting5.
She became the first female member of the Cambridge Footlights troupe. There, she worked with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to improve her comedic skills4.
Discovering Feminism and Acting
Thompson’s time at Cambridge was filled with her growing interest in feminism and acting. She shared stories of her “wild times,” like having a “shag in the toilets of Newnham” and stealing an ashtray5. She also talked about growing weed in her garden5.
Thompson mentioned being in a mosh pit during a festival. She was sick for two weeks after5.
First Female Member of Footlights
Thompson’s involvement with the Footlights Dramatic Club was a highlight. She was the first female member, contributing to the first all-female Footlights Revue4. She found this experience invaluable for her career5.