Ralph Fiennes

Last updated on the 5 April 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: December 22, 1962, Ipswich, England.

Ralph Fiennes grew up in a creative and intellectual family. His father, Mark Fiennes, was a farmer and photographer, while his mother, Jennifer Lash, was a novelist. Ralph was the eldest of six siblings, many of whom also pursued artistic careers, including his brother Joseph Fiennes, a fellow actor. The family moved frequently, and Ralph’s early education included homeschooling before attending Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. He later studied painting at Chelsea College of Art but ultimately decided to pursue acting, enrolling at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he graduated in 1985.

Fiennes began his career on stage, gaining recognition for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. His transition to film was marked by his debut as Heathcliff in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1992). However, it was his chilling portrayal of Amon Göth in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993) that catapulted him to international fame, earning him an Academy Award nomination.

He continued to deliver powerful performances in films like The English Patient (1996), The Constant Gardener (2005), and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). Fiennes is also widely recognised for his role as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and as M in the James Bond franchise.

In his personal life, Fiennes has been known for his privacy. He was married to actress Alex Kingston from 1993 to 1997 and later had a long-term relationship with actress Francesca Annis. Beyond acting, he has been an ambassador for UNICEF UK since 1999, reflecting his commitment to humanitarian causes. Fiennes’ career and life exemplify a blend of artistic excellence and thoughtful engagement with the world.

WINNER|Film: Actor in a Supporting Role for Schindler’s List 1994

Suggested viewing

The English Patient (1996)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4

“The English Patient” is a romantic and tragic epic set in World War II. It revolves around the lives of four individuals in an Italian monastery. The story unfolds as the mysterious identity of a severely burned patient is revealed through his memories, intertwining love, betrayal and the devastating consequences of war.

Top cast: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas, Naveen Andrews, Colin Firth, Julian Wadham, Torri Higginson, Jürgen Prochnow.

The Constant Gardener (2005)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

“The Constant Gardener” is a gripping political thriller that follows a British diplomat named Justin Quayle. After his wife, Tessa, is killed in Kenya under suspicious circumstances, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her murder. The film explores corruption, pharmaceutical conspiracies and the personal journey of justice and redemption.

Top cast: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite, Richard McCabe, Donald Sumpter, Juliet Aubrey, Hubert Koundé.

Skyfall (2019)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8

“Skyfall” is a captivating James Bond film that delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by the iconic MI6 spy. Bond’s loyalty to M is tested when a cyberterrorist targets her and the agency itself. As he confronts his past, Bond must stop the threat and protect those he cares about.

Top cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Albert Finney, Judi Dench.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7

During a prestigious competition between magical schools, Harry Potter finds himself chosen as a surprise competitor. He faces dangerous tasks and mounting suspicion as a dark force he thought vanquished returns, threatening not only the competition but the entire wizarding world.

Top cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eric Sykes, Timothy Spall, David Tennant, Mark Williams, Ralph Fiennes.

The Reader (2008)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

A forbidden romance blossoms between a teenager and an older woman in post-war Germany. Years later, the young man, now a law student, is forced to confront his past when his former lover becomes a defendant in a war crimes trial, revealing a shocking secret that shatters his world.

Top cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Lena Olin, Bruno Ganz, Jeanette Hain, Hannah Herzsprung, Karoline Herfurth, Volker Bruch.

The Duchess (2008)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9

“The Duchess” is an engaging period drama based on the life of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire. Set in 18th-century England, it depicts her tumultuous marriage, political influence and struggles with societal expectations. The film explores themes of love, betrayal and the limitations faced by women in that era.

Top cast: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell, Simon McBurney, Aidan McArdle, John Shrapnel, Alistair Petrie.

Page Eight (2011)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.8

“Page Eight” is a British spy thriller film directed by David Hare. The story revolves around Johnny Worricker, a long-serving MI5 officer, who uncovers a secret document that could potentially change the course of British politics. As he navigates through a web of deception and betrayal, he must decide where his loyalties lie.

Top cast: Bill Nighy, Rachel Weisz, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Felicity Jones, Tom Hughes, Judy Davis, Rakhee Thakrar, Saskia Reeves.

The Dig (2021)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1

“The Dig” is a historical drama film based on a true story. Set in 1939, it follows the excavation of an ancient burial site at Sutton Hoo, England. As archaeologist Basil Brown and landowner Edith Pretty unearth remarkable artifacts, tensions arise between professional and personal interests, revealing the power of discovery and the fragility of human connections.

Top cast: Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan, Ken Stott, Ben Chaplin, Johnny Flynn, Lily James, Monica Dolan, Archie Barnes, Eamon Farren.

The Menu (2022)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2

Margot and Tyler, a young couple, venture to a secluded island with the intention of dining at Hawthorne, an upscale restaurant managed by renowned chef Slowik. At Hawthorne, Slowik presents an extravagant molecular gastronomy menu that treats food as a form of conceptual art. However, the couple soon discovers that Slowik’s unique culinary style holds unexpected and startling surprises for the affluent patrons of the restaurant.

Top cast: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Paul Adelstein, John Leguizamo, Aimee Carrero.

Schindler’s List (1993)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.0

“Schindler’s List” is a gripping and poignant tale set during World War II. It depicts the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saves over a thousand Jewish lives by employing them in his factories. The film explores the atrocities of the Holocaust and Schindler’s transformation from opportunist to humanitarian.

Top cast: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz, Malgorzata Gebel, Shmuel Levy, Mark Ivanir.

Related to

Ralph Fiennes full filmography @ Wikipedia