Last updated on the 6 August 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 31 July 1974, Hammersmith, London.

Emilia Fox comes from an illustrious acting family that includes her mother Joanna David and uncles James and Edward Fox. Growing up in such a creatively rich environment, it was almost inevitable that Emilia would follow in her family’s footsteps.

Fox’s early education took place at the independent Bryanston School in Dorset, where she not only excelled academically but also showcased her musical talents by playing the cello. She later attended St Catherine’s College, Oxford, where she read English. Her time at Oxford was marked by a deepening of her love for literature and the arts, laying a solid foundation for her future career in acting.

Fox’s acting career began with a notable role as Georgiana Darcy in the 1995 television adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice”. This was followed by her portrayal of the second Mrs. de Winter in the 1997 adaptation of “Rebecca”. Her film debut came in 2002 with Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist,” where she played a supporting role.

Over the years, Fox has built an impressive portfolio of work in both film and television. Some of her notable film appearances include “The Soul Keeper” (2002), for which she won the Flaiano Film Award for Best Actress, “Keeping Mum” (2005), “Dorian Gray” (2009), and “Ways to Live Forever” (2010).

In television, Fox has been a part of several acclaimed series. She starred in the BBC drama “Silent Witness” as Dr. Nikki Alexander, a role she has held since 2004, making her the longest-serving cast member. Other significant television roles include appearances in “Gunpowder, Treason & Plot” (2004), “The Virgin Queen” (2005), “Merlin” (2009-2012), and “Delicious” (2016-2019).

Emilia Fox’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She was married to actor Jared Harris from 2005 to 2010.Following their separation, she had a relationship with actor Jeremy Gilley, with whom she has a daughter, born in November 20101. Emilia has also been linked to chef Marco Pierre White and Luc Chaudhary. In February 2023, she married British TV producer Jonathan Stadlen.

Emilia Fox is also a committed humanitarian. She has dedicated a significant portion of her time and energy to various charitable causes including ActionAid, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the Butterfly World Project. 

Suggested viewing

Silent Witness (1996)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9

“Silent Witness” follows a team of forensic pathologists at The Lyell Centre, a leading forensic pathology unit in London, as they investigate a wide range of complex and often disturbing crimes. The team, led by the brilliant and dedicated Dr. Sam Ryan, uses their expertise in forensic science to unravel the mysteries behind the bodies they examine, bringing justice to the victims and their families.

Top cast: Emilia Fox, William Gaminara, David Caves, Tom Ward, Liz Carr, Richard Intern, Amanda Burton, Alastair Michael, Aki Omoshaybi.

Signora Volpe (2022)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

“Signora Volpe” is a spy turned detective who starts a new life in the beautiful heart of Italy. When her niece’s fiancé goes missing, Sylvia uses her spy skills to solve the mystery and decides to stay in Italy, where she finds a new home and purpose.

Top cast: Emilia Fox, Giovanni Cirfiera, Enrique Arce, Tara Fitzgerald, Matteo Carlomagno, Imma Piro, Marianne Leoni, Francesca Alice Antonini, Paolo Saverio Fantoni.

The Tunnel (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8

In the crime drama miniseries “The Tunnel”, Detective Karl Roebuck of the Channel Tunnel Police investigates a series of seemingly unrelated murders, while French detective Elise Florent investigates on the French side. As the body count rises, they realise the cases are connected and must work together to catch the killer.

Top cast: Stephen Dillane, Clémence Poésy, Thibault de Montalembert, Cédric Vieira, Angel Coulby, William Ash, Tobi Bakare, Joseph Mawle, Tom Bateman, Emilia Fox (S2).

Rebecca (1997)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3

Based on Daphne du Maurier’s novel, Rebecca tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves into his grand estate, Manderley. However, the woman finds herself haunted by the memory of the widower’s first wife, Rebecca, who casts a long shadow over their lives.

Top cast: Charles Dance, Emilia Fox, Diana Rigg, Faye Dunaway, Jonathan Cake, Tom Chadbon, Geraldine James, Lucy Cohu.

Alternative versions

Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.6

A hapless private eye finds his world turned upside down when his murdered partner returns as a ghost, forcing an unlikely partnership. Together, they grapple with the complexities of the living and the dead, solving crimes with a blend of humour and mystery, all while the ghost tries to understand his afterlife predicament and the living partner struggles to maintain his sanity.

Top cast: Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Emilia Fox, Charlie Higson, Tom Baker, Melissa Knatchbull, Jessica Hynes, Hugh Laurie, Charles Dance, Peter Bowles, Paul Whitehouse, Derek Jacobi, George Baker.

Emilia Fox full filmography @ Wikipedia