Last updated on the 17 March 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: April 15, 1959, Paddington, London, England.

Emma Thompson is a celebrated British actress, screenwriter and author. Thompson hails from a family deeply entrenched in the arts; her father, Eric Thompson, was a writer and actor, while her mother, Phyllida Law, is an actress and a renowned figure in British theatre. Growing up in a creative environment, she was exposed to the performing arts at an early age, which inevitably shaped her future career. Emma’s formative years saw her living in the vibrant cultural milieu of London, where she developed a profound appreciation for drama and storytelling.

Emma Thompson attended the prestigious Camden School for Girls, where her passion for performance blossomed. Following secondary school, she continued her education at Newnham College, Cambridge, studying English literature. It was here that Thompson’s talents truly began to shine. She became involved in the Cambridge Footlights, a theatrical club that has produced many notable comedians and actors. Her time at Cambridge led her to win a number of accolades, including the coveted Best Actress award at the Cambridge University Drama Festival.

Emma Thompson’s professional acting career took off in the late 1980s. She ventured into television with notable appearances in series like “Fortunes of War,” which garnered her critical acclaim. Her breakout role came in the film “Howards End” (1992), for which she received an Academy Award for Best Actress. This success was followed by a string of impressive performances in films such as “Sense and Sensibility” (1995), where she also served as the screenwriter, earning another Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Thompson showcased her remarkable range through diverse roles, from the enchanting yet complex characters in “The Remains of the Day” (1993) to the whimsical portrayal of Mary Poppins in “Saving Mr. Banks” (2013).

In her personal life, Emma has navigated the complexities of fame with grace. She was married to distinguished actor Kenneth Branagh from 1989 to 1995, a union that inspired collaboration on several projects. Following their divorce, Thompson found love with fellow actor Greg Wise, with whom she has a daughter, Gaia, and an adopted son, Tindyebwa Agaba. Thompson’s commitment to social issues, particularly those related to gender equality and environmental advocacy, reflects her desire to utilise her platform for positive change.

Emma Thompson’s journey through early life, education, and an illustrious career showcases her as a multi-talented artist capable of crafting meaningful narratives both on and off the screen. Her work continues to inspire audiences around the globe, solidifying her position as one of the most influential figures in contemporary cinema. With her enduring passion for storytelling and commitment to humanitarian causes, Emma Thompson remains a remarkable icon for both current and future generations.

WINNER | Television: Actress for Fortunes Of War/Tutti Frutti (1988) | Film: Actress in a Leading Role for Howards End (1993) | Film: Actress in a Leading Role for Sense and Sensibility (1996)

WINNER | Best Actress for Howards End (1993) | Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility (1996)

Suggested viewing

Howards End (1992)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4

“Howards End” is an adaptation of the novel by E.M. Forster, it explores the interwoven lives of three families in early 20th-century England. The Schlegel sisters, Margaret and Helen, encounter the wealthy Wilcox family and the working-class Basts. Through themes of social class, love, and connection to a beloved country home, the story examines the complexities of human relationships and the clash between different societal values.

Top cast: Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Joseph Bennett, Prunella Scales, Adrian Ross Magenty, Jo Kendall.

The Remains of the Day (1993)

 9.0 Bftv / IMDb 7.8

“The Remains of the Day” is based on the poignant novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. It follows the life of Stevens, an English butler, as he reflects on his years of service at Darlington Hall and his unspoken love for a housekeeper. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II England, the story explores themes of duty, regret and the consequences of suppressed emotions.

Top cast: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, James Fox, Hugh Grant, Christopher Reeve, Peter Vaughan, Ben Chaplin, Paula Jacobs, Patrick Godfrey.

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

IMDb 9.0 / IMDb 7.7

“Sense and Sensibility” is based on the novel written by Jane Austen. It tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they traverse the challenges of love and societal expectations in 19th-century England. Elinor embodies sense, while Marianne embodies sensibility. The novel delves into their contrasting approaches to romance and their journey towards finding happiness and balance in their lives.

Top cast: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones, Greg Wise, Elizabeth Spriggs, Imogen Stubbs, Harriet Walter.

Love Actually (2003)

8.5 Bftv / IMDb 7.6

“Love Actually is a romantic comedy that weaves together multiple storylines, showcasing love in various forms during the Christmas season. From unrequited crushes and forbidden affairs to unexpected connections and heartfelt gestures, the film explores the complexities and joys of love, reminding us that it can be found in the most unexpected places.

Top cast: Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Martine McCutchen, Andrew Lincoln.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

“Saving Mr. Banks” is a biographical drama based on the true story of P.L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, and her reluctant collaboration with Walt Disney to bring her beloved book to the big screen. Through a series of flashbacks, the film delves into Travers’ troubled past and her personal attachment to the story, ultimately resulting in a heartwarming journey of creativity, redemption and the power of imagination.

Top cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Ruth Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, Annie Rose Buckley, B.J. Novak.

Years and Years (2021)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3

“Years and Years” is a  television drama series that follows the Lyons family over a span of 15 years, depicting a near-future world filled with political and technological changes. The show explores themes of family, love and the impact of societal issues on individuals. It offers a thought-provoking glimpse into a possible future.

Top cast: Emma Thompson, Russell Tovey, Rory Kinnear, Jessica Hynes, Ruth Madeley, T’Nia Miller, Anne Reid.

Similar to

In the Name of the Father (1993)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

“In the Name of the Father” is a drama film directed by Jim Sheridan. Based on a true story, it follows the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of Gerry Conlon and his father, along with three others, for an IRA bombing in 1974. The film explores their fight for justice and the enduring power of familial love in the face of adversity.

Top cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Emma Thompson, John Lynch, Corin Redgrave, Beatie Edney, John Benfield, Paterson Joseph.

Tutti Frutti (1987)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.0

“The Majestics”, a rock and roll band, reunite after 25 years for a tour across Scotland in hopes of achieving the fame they’ve always desired. Despite not being as young as they once were, their love for rock and roll remains unwavering. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes when their lead singer, Eddie, passes away. Determined to keep the band alive, their manager, Eddie Clockerty, convinces Eddie’s younger brother to join the band.

Top cast: Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson, Katy Murphy, Richard Wilson, Stuart McGugan, Maurice Roëves, Jake D’Arcy, Ron Donachie.

Fortunes of War (1987)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

“Fortunes of War” is a tv adaptation of the novel by Olivia Manning set during World War II. It follows the lives of Guy and Harriet Pringle, a British couple caught in the midst of war-torn Europe. The story explores their struggles, relationships and personal growth amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the war, offering a poignant portrayal of human resilience.

Top cast: Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Robert Stephens, Rupert Graves, Ronald Pickup, Charles Kay, Alan Bennett, Ronald Hines.

Emma Thompson full filmography @ Wikipedia