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Last updated on the 14 June 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: March 3, 1958, Southport, Lancashire, England.
Born into a non-theatrical family Miranda Richardson initially aspired to become a veterinarian, she attended the Greenbank High School for Girls in Southport before enrolling at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where she developed her acting skills alongside fellow students Daniel Day-Lewis and Jenny Seagrove.
Miranda Richardson began her acting journey in regional theatre and made her first appearance on the West End stage in 1981 with the play Moving. Her career soared in 1985 when she gained widespread recognition for portraying Ruth Ellis, the final woman to be executed in the UK, in the critically acclaimed film Dance with a Stranger.
Richardson’s career continued to flourish with her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the Blackadder series, her captivating performance in the controversial film “The Crying Game,” and her memorable role as the eccentric psychiatrist Lydia Quigley in “Damage,” for which she received an Academy Award nomination.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Richardson maintained her impressive career trajectory, appearing in a diverse range of films, including “Made in Dagenham,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Spider,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “The Young Victoria,” and “Belle.” She also garnered critical acclaim for her work on television, particularly her role as the ruthless journalist Rita Skeeter in the Harry Potter film series.
Beyond her professional achievements, Miranda Richardson is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and has actively supported various animal charities. She is also a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
Miranda Richardson has remained single and child-free, a choice that has drawn public curiosity over the years. In a 2009 interview, she expressed deep affection for her pets, which include two dogs, two cats and an axolotl, saying they’re like family.
WINNER | Film: Actress in a Supporting Role for The Crying Game (1993)
Suggested viewing
The Crying Game (1992)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
Caught in the crossfire of the Irish conflict, IRA member Fergus develops an unexpected bond with a kidnapped British soldier, Jody. Their connection deepens as they share stories and experiences, fostering a sense of humanity amidst the turmoil. Fergus’s compassionate nature clashes with his IRA allegiance, leading him to make a promise to Jody that will forever change the course of his life.
Top cast: Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Adrian Dunbar, Jim Broadbent, Ralph Brown, Tony Slattery.
Made In Dagenham (2010)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1
In 1968, a group of female sewing machinists at the Ford Dagenham car plant in England find themselves underpaid and underrepresented compared to their male counterparts. Led by the determined Rita O’Grady, they embark on a courageous strike demanding equal pay, challenging the societal norms and paving the way for a landmark legal victory that would transform the lives of women across the country.
Top cast: Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson, Geraldine James, Rosamund Pike, Andrea Risborough, Daniel May’s, Jaime Winstone, Kenneth Cranham.
Dance with a Stranger (1985)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.6
In the rigid social landscape of 1950s London, Ruth Ellis, a nightclub hostess, finds herself entangled in a passionate yet tumultuous relationship with David Blakely, a charismatic but emotionally distant man. As their affair intensifies, Ruth’s life spirals downward, marred by abuse, betrayal and the harsh realities of class inequality. Pushed to the brink of despair, Ruth makes a fateful decision that will forever alter her life and the course of British legal history.
Top cast: Miranda Richardson, Rupert Everett, Ian Holm, Matthew Carroll, Tom Chadbon, Stratford Johns, Joanne Whalley, David Troughton.
Alternative version
Churchill (2017)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.0
As D-Day approaches in June 1944, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill grapples with intense anxiety and doubts about the looming invasion of Normandy. Haunted by memories of past military failures and the potential for massive casualties, he clashes with his advisors and grapples with the weight of his decisions, all while relying on the unwavering support of his wife, Clementine.
Top cast: Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson, John Slattery, Julian Wadham, Richard Durden, Ella Purnell, James Purefoy, Danny Webb.
Blackadder II (1986)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.6
Set in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, the cunning and scheming Lord Edmund Blackadder navigates the treacherous corridors of power, seeking to curry favour with the capricious monarch while avoiding the grim fate of his predecessors. Aided by his dim-witted sidekick, Baldrick and challenged by the perpetually smarmy Lord Melchett, Blackadder’s schemes often backfire spectacularly, leading to hilarious mishaps and unexpected twists.
Top cast: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Patsy Byrne, Rik Mayall, Hugh Laurie.
After Pilkington (1987)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
Oxford don James Westgate’s tranquil life is shattered when he encounters Penelope, the wife of his crass new colleague, Derek. Recognising her as his childhood sweetheart “Patch,” he finds himself drawn into her unpredictable world, involving a missing archaeologist and a web of secrets that could jeopardise everything he holds dear.
Top cast: Bob Peck, Miranda Richardson, Reina James, Gary Waldhorn, Barry Foster.
Gideon’s Daughter (2005)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0
A successful but emotionally distant public relations professional confronts a personal crisis when his estranged daughter threatens to leave his life. As he grapples with the consequences of his past choices and the hollowness of his career, he encounters a woman struggling with her own grief. Through their interactions, he is forced to confront his regrets and attempt to rebuild his fractured relationships.
Top cast: Bill Nighy, Miranda Richardson, Emily Blunt, Robert Lindsay, Ronni Ancona, Tom Hardy, Tom Goodman-Hill, Joanna Page.
Girlfriends (2018)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.6
Three lifelong friends, all facing the challenges and complexities of midlife, find their bond tested when a shocking event throws their lives into disarray. Leaning on each other for support and laughter, they must tackle unexpected turns, personal growth and the enduring power of female friendship.
Top cast: Phyllis Logan, Miranda Richardson, Zoë Wanamaker, Philip Cumbus, Daisy Head, Adrian Rawlins, Valerie Lilley, Matthew Lewis, Anthony Head, Paula Wilcox, Wendy Craig.
