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Emma Thompson

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BIO

Thompson's first successful effort on the London stage was a revival of the 1930s musical ME AND MY GIRL. After a 15-month run, Thompson was exhausted but, the role granted her a breakthrough. Her next breakthrough was in 1987 when she had leading roles in two television series: FORTUNES OR WAR and TUTTI FRUTTI. In 1989, Thompson went back to the stage with her ex-husband Kenneth Branagh for a revival of LOOK BACK IN ANGER. Later that year, the pair starred in a televised adaptation of the play.



Thompson's first big-screen performance was in 1989 when she starred in the romantic comedy THE TALL GUY. While the film was not successful in the box office, Thompson received critical acclaim for her performance. She was seen later that year as Princess Katherine in Branagh's screen adaptation of Shakespeare's HENRY V. She continued her ventures with Shakespeare when she appeared on stage in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and KING LEAR.

Emma Thompson continued expanding her career by appear ing in such films as HOWARDS END, PETER'S FRIENDS, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, and THE REMAINS OF THE DAY. These films cemented Thompson as an important British actress.

In 1994, Thompson made her Hollywood debut alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the blockbuster, JUNIOR. After her work on SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and PRIMARY COLORS, producers in Hollywood were lining up to hire Thompson. This pressure, among other things, caused her to take a year long break from the industry. And, after she became a mother in 1999, she decided to reduce her workload and only take on smaller roles instead of leads.

In the 2000s, Thompson starred in many extremely successful films including the HARRY POTTER film series, WIT, LOVE ACTUALLY, ANGELS IN AMERICA, NANNY MCPHEE, STRANGER THAN FICTION, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, MEN IN BLACK 3, and BRAVE.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
London Production, 2022
Voice

[West End]
West End, 2015
Mrs. Lovett

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1986
Sally Smith [Replacement]

[West End]
London Revival, 1985
Sally Smith


Videos

News


Twelve Days of Christmas: The Cast of CULT OF LOVE

The holidays are upon us and BroadwayWorld is continuing our favorite annual tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a Twelve Days of Christmas countdown. Day 5 features the cast of Cult of Love.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 2, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 2, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Emma Thompson-Penned NANNY MCPHEE Musical Eyes 2026 West End Run

The musical adaptation of the fantasy movie Nanny McPhee, written by Emma Thompson, is eyeing a run in London's West End in 2026.
Watch These 10 Family-Friendly Musicals After Seeing WICKED

Looking for the next musical to watch after Wicked? Whether you are a musical theatre savant or completely new to the genre, BroadwayWorld has assembled a guide of ten musicals that you and your family are encouraged to check out if you enjoyed Wicked.
Video: Renée Zellweger Stars in BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY Trailer

Peacock has just shared the first trailer for the next installment in the fan-favorite Bridget Jones franchise. Renée Zellweger returns to the role that established a romantic-comedy heroine for the ages. Watch the trailer now!
LOVE ACTUALLY? - THE MUSICAL PARODY Comes to Melbourne This Holiday Season

Melbourne will host a new Christmas Showtime Festival. The festival features a lineup of live entertainment including the Australian premiere of the Off-Broadway hit Love Actually? The Musical Parody.
Video: Danny DeVito Stars in New Clip of A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS

Just in time for cozy holiday viewing, the heartwarming new film A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS, starring Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell, Wilmer Valderrama and Lucy DeVito, will be coming to select theaters and all major digital platforms on November 7th and on DVD November 19th. Watch a new clip!
Graeae Will Host RIGHTS NOT CHARITY: A FUNDRAISER

On October 30, the UK's national theatre for Disabled people, Graeae is set to stage a celebratory fundraising night that will help finance their work with young artists, fund their upcoming productions, and expand their reach around the globe. 
Full Cast Announced for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Starring Jason Alexander at La Mirada Theatre

LA Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment announced the cast for their upcoming production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, featuring a talented ensemble ready to bring the classic musical to life.
Adeel Akhtar, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, & More Join Apple TV+ Thriller DOWN CEMETERY ROAD

Apple TV+ has revealed that BAFTA Award winner Adeel Akhtar, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Emmy Award nominee Tom Goodman-Hill, BAFTA Award winner Darren Boyd, Tom Riley, SAG Award nominee Adam Godley, Sinead Matthews, Ken Nwosu, Fehinti Balogun and Aiysha Hart are set to join the cast of “Down Cemetery Road.” 
Music Under The Stars With The Wheeling Symphony Will Return in September

The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will return to Oglebay Park for Music Under the Stars, their annual Labor Day concert, on Sunday, September 1, at 7:30 pm.
Ariana DeBose, Rachel Brosnahan, & More Join Cast of Shakespeare Film LEAR REX

A plethora of new names have joined the upcoming film adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear, including a number that will be familiar to Broadway audiences, such as Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose and Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan. 
Video: Trailer Released for MERCHANT IVORY Feat. Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, & More

Cohen Media Group has released the trailer for Merchant Ivory, the first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership of director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant. The documentary features interviews from Dame Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Grant, and more.
Theater Latté Da Presents SCOTLAND, PA At The Ritz Theater This September

Theater Latté Da brings SCOTLAND, PA to The Ritz Theater from September 18 to October 20, 2024. Enjoy this dark comedy adaptation of Shakespeare's MACBETH set in a 1970s Pennsylvania diner.
Emma Roberts Joins Stampede Ventures Thriller FOURTH WALL

The thriller centers on a former child star (Roberts) from a popular 90’s television show who is kidnapped and wakes up in a complete recreation of the show’s set with the rest of the cast. As she's forced to re-immerse herself in the iconic role she's been trying to get away from her entire career -- she must recreate the series' most memorable moments to stay alive.
Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson Among Cast in THREE BAGS FULL: A SHEEP DETECTIVE MOVIE

Multiple outlets have reported that a new live-action comedy film from animation director Kyle Balda has built a star-studded cast that includes Tony Award-winning actor Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson. The ensemble also includes Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Tosin Cole, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Conleth Hill, and Mandeep Dhillon.
Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, and Daryl McCormack Join KNIVES OUT 3

More casting has been announced for the highly anticipated third entry in the Knives Out franchise, which is set to begin production this summer. Newcomers include Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, and Daryl McCormack who join the previously announced Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Josh O'Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, and Daniel Craig, returning as fan-favorite detective Benoit Blanc.
BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY Reveals Additional Casting

According to multiple reports, the upcoming Bridget Jones film has rounded out its supporting cast. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy will see the return of several fan-favorite cast members from the previous films including Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent, Sarah Solemani, Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson, and more.
LOVE, ACTUALLY Live In Concert Announces UK Tour

Experience LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE IN CONCERT with a full orchestra on a UK-wide 13-date tour this Christmas season.
Interview: Jason Butler Harner Discusses The Big Bend, Apple TV+'s Sugar, and His Love for the Stage

Jason Butler Harner is all over our screens these days. Currently, he is appearing in a newly released independent film called The Big Bend, which follows two couples who attempt to reconnect in the midst of undisclosed struggles that rise to the surface throughout the film. Harner also appears in Sugar, the Apple TV+ series starring Colin Farrell. BroadwayWorld sat down with Harner to talk about his latest film, Sugar's major twist, and his eagerness to return to the stage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Emma Thompson been in?

Emma Thompson has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Emma Thompson been in?

Emma Thompson has appeared on London's West End in 3 shows.

What was Emma Thompson's first West End show?

Emma Thompson's first West End show was Me and My Girl which opened in 1985

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