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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


Full Cast Set for THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY at Chichester Festival Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025

The full company has been revealed for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her own multi-million-selling novel in the UK. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Rosie Day's (THIS IS NOT A) HAPPY ROOM Will Run at Theatre Royal Windsor Following Run at King's Head Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 14, 2025

(This is not a) Happy Room, written by Rosie Day, will run at Theatre Royal Windsor following its premiere at King's Head Theatre on 31 March. Learn more about the show here!
Minor Bird Receives 2025 Charles M. Getchell New Play Award from Southeastern Theatre Conference 
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2025

The Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) has awarded the 2025 Charles M. Getchell New  Play Award to Douglas Chang for his play Minor Bird. The Award will be presented at SETC's 76th Annual Convention in Baltimore, March 19-22. 
Broadway Streaming Guide: February 2025 - Where to Watch WAITRESS, THE LION KING Concert, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 11, 2025

This February, there are plenty of new things for Broadway fans to stream across our favorite streaming services, including Sara Bareilles' Waitress, The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, and more!
Review: SEVEN ASSASSINS WALK INTO A BAR at Main Street Theater
by Brett Cullum - Feb 10, 2025

SEVEN ASSASSINS WALK INTO A BAR aims for the pop culture jugular and hits it quite well. Audiences are going to have a blast watching this collection of “badasses” compare notes on a misspent life. Dain Geist has an ear for dialogue and a knack for characters.
Meet the Cast of REDWOOD, Now on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jan 24, 2025

Redwood on Broadway, starring Idina Menzel is now playing on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre. The production also stars De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon. Meet the cast here!
(THIS IS NOT A) HAPPY ROOM Comes to the King's Head Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

Amanda Abbington and Rosie Day will reunite to lead the company for the world première of (This is not a) Happy Room at King’s Head Theatre, which Day has also written. 
Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg Vied for WICKED Film Rights In the 1990s
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2024

A new deep dive on the origins of Wicked has revealed a number of revelations about the story's journey from the page to the stage to the screen.
Waterbury's Palace Theater and The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra To Celebrate Broadway Scores
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2024

On Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm join the Palace Theater and the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for an exciting night of beautiful music and fond memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals at the Palace Theater!
Twelve Days of Christmas: The Cast of CULT OF LOVE
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 17, 2024

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
by - Dec 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
by Stephi Wild - Nov 29, 2024

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
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2024

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
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 12, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2024

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
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2024

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
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 28, 2024

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
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 28, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Aug 27, 2024

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.

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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