Dame Emma Thompson is a highly acclaimed English actress and writer with a career spanning over 40 years. Her exceptional talent has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. In recognition of her significant contributions to the field of drama, she was honored with a Damehood (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018.
This entry provides context for Emma Thompson's contribution to the "Peter Rabbit" series. The year 1930 marked a significant point in the series' history, as it was the last year an authorized story was published before Thompson's addition.
Emma Thompson was born in London on April 1959 to actors Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law, immersing her in a creative environment from a young age.
On April 1959, Emma Thompson was born in London, England.
In 1977, Emma Thompson began her studies at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she pursued an English degree and experienced a pivotal moment that ignited her passion for feminism and performance.
In 1980, Emma Thompson served as the Vice President of the Cambridge Footlights, demonstrating her leadership and comedic talent, and co-directed the troupe's first all-female revue, "Woman's Hour".
Emma Thompson made her professional stage debut in 1982, touring in a stage production of the popular British comedy show "Not the Nine O'Clock News".
In 1982, an intruder broke into Queen Elizabeth II's bedroom, an event later dramatized in a Playhouse Presents episode starring Emma Thompson.
The death of Emma Thompson's father in 1982 at the age of 52 had a profound impact on her life and career.
Emma Thompson appeared in the comedy sketch series "Alfresco" from 1983 to 1984, marking her early foray into television comedy.
Emma Thompson made her television debut in 1983, appearing in the regional ITV comedy series "There's Nothing To Worry About!" and the BBC show "The Crystal Cube".
Emma Thompson appeared in the comedy sketch series "Alfresco" from 1983 to 1984, marking her early foray into television comedy.
Building on her success with "Me and My Girl", Emma Thompson wrote and starred in her own one-off special for Channel 4 titled "Emma Thompson: Up for Grabs" in 1985.
In 1985, Emma Thompson's career took a significant step forward when she was cast in the West End revival of the musical "Me and My Girl", starring alongside Robert Lindsay.
Emma Thompson's exceptional performances in the television miniseries "Fortunes of War" and "Tutti Frutti" in 1987 earned her the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress.
Emma Thompson's career reached new heights in 1987 with her starring roles in two acclaimed television miniseries, "Fortunes of War" and "Tutti Frutti".
Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh crossed paths in 1987 while working on the television series "Fortunes of War." This marked the beginning of their professional and personal relationship.
In 1988, Emma Thompson collaborated again with her Footlights colleagues, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, on the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series "Saturday Night Fry".
Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh tied the knot in 1989. Their union, often portrayed as a "golden couple" in the media, led to several collaborations on stage and screen.
Emma Thompson's professional and personal relationship with Kenneth Branagh blossomed in 1989 when they co-starred in a stage revival of "Look Back in Anger," directed by Judi Dench and produced by Branagh's Renaissance Theatre Company.
In 1989, Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh furthered their professional partnership by starring in both a stage revival and a televised version of John Osborne's play "Look Back in Anger".
In 1989, Emma Thompson made her first cinema appearance in the romantic comedy "The Tall Guy", where she played a nurse. She also appeared as Princess Katherine in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of "Henry V", which was critically acclaimed.
Emma Thompson continued her collaboration with Kenneth Branagh in the film "Dead Again", released in 1991.
The animated film "Beauty and the Beast" was originally released in 1991.
In 1991, Emma Thompson starred in "Impromptu" alongside Judy Davis and Hugh Grant, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination. She also appeared in "Dead Again", a noir film directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Emma Thompson starred in the comedy "Peter's Friends" in 1992, reuniting with Kenneth Branagh and other notable actors. Her performance was well-received, with critics like Desson Howe of The Washington Post highlighting her contribution to the film.
Emma Thompson won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1992 for her role in the film "Howards End," directed by James Ivory.
Emma Thompson's captivating performance in the Merchant-Ivory period drama "Howards End" in 1992 garnered her both the BAFTA Award and the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Emma Thompson's performance as the intellectual and forward-thinking Margaret Schlegel in the 1992 Merchant Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster's "Howards End" was a defining moment in her career. Her portrayal earned her widespread critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In 1992, Emma Thompson made a guest appearance as Frasier Crane's first wife in an episode of the popular sitcom "Cheers".
In 1993, Emma Thompson starred as Beatrice in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". The film and her performance, particularly her chemistry with Branagh, garnered critical praise.
In 1993, Emma Thompson starred in "The Remains of the Day", a critically acclaimed period drama directed by James Ivory and based on Kazuo Ishiguro's novel. Her performance as a housekeeper earned her a second Best Actress Oscar nomination.
Emma Thompson received two Academy Award nominations in 1993 - Best Actress for "The Remains of the Day" and Best Supporting Actress for "In the Name of the Father" - a rare feat in the industry.
In 1993, Emma Thompson received two Oscar nominations in the same year: Best Actress for "The Remains of the Day" and Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gareth Peirce in "In the Name of the Father". This achievement marked her as the eighth performer in history to achieve this distinction.
Emma Thompson achieved the distinction of receiving two Academy Award nominations in the same year - Best Actress for "The Remains of the Day" and Best Supporting Actress for "In the Name of the Father" in 1993.
In 1994, Emma Thompson made her Hollywood debut in the comedy "Junior", starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. She also starred in the independent film "Carrington", portraying the artist Dora Carrington.
Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh announced their separation in September 1995. While initially citing work schedules as the reason, it later came to light that Branagh was involved with actress Helena Bonham Carter.
Emma Thompson received the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1995 for her work on the film "Sense and Sensibility," directed by Ang Lee.
In 1995, Emma Thompson achieved a milestone by becoming the only person to win an Oscar for both acting and screenwriting. She won Best Adapted Screenplay for "Sense and Sensibility", an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, in which she also starred, earning a Best Actress nomination.
In 1995, Emma Thompson made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Sense and Sensibility", making her the only person ever to win Oscars for both acting and writing.
In 1995, during the filming of "Sense and Sensibility," Emma Thompson embarked on a relationship with her co-star, Greg Wise. Thompson credits both Wise and her work with helping her overcome a period of depression following her separation from Branagh.
Emma Thompson took a break from appearing on screen in 1996.
In 1997, Emma Thompson returned to acting, appearing in Alan Rickman's directorial debut "The Winter Guest". She also guest-starred in an episode of the sitcom "Ellen", for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
Emma Thompson's performance in the film "Primary Colors" in 1998 was met with critical acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented actress.
In 1998, Emma Thompson starred in two Hollywood films: "Primary Colors" alongside John Travolta, playing a character inspired by Hillary Clinton, and the thriller "Judas Kiss" with Alan Rickman. While "Primary Colors" was well-received critically, "Judas Kiss" did not fare as well.
Emma Thompson became a mother in 1999, leading her to prioritize family life and take on fewer acting roles.
In 2000, Thompson made a brief return to the screen in the British comedy "Maybe Baby," directed by her friend Ben Elton.
Emma Thompson showcased her dramatic skills in the television film "Wit", released in 2001.
In 2001, Emma Thompson starred in the HBO film "Wit," portraying a Harvard professor facing a cancer diagnosis. Her performance received critical acclaim and earned her award nominations.
Emma Thompson lent her voice to the character of Captain Amelia in Disney's animated film "Treasure Planet" in 2002.
Emma Thompson and Greg Wise married in 2003 in Dunoon. That same year, the couple made the decision to informally adopt Tindyebwa Agaba, a Rwandan orphan and former child soldier they met through the Refugee Council.
Emma Thompson demonstrated her acting versatility in the miniseries "Angels in America", released in 2003.
Emma Thompson starred in the romantic comedy "Love Actually" in 2003, which became a beloved holiday film and further showcased her range as an actress.
Gregory Murphy claimed he submitted his play "The Countess" to Emma Thompson in 2003 for consideration in a film adaptation.
Emma Thompson joined the cast of the "Harry Potter" film series, appearing as Professor Sybill Trelawney in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", released in 2004.
Emma Thompson took on the role of Professor Sybill Trelawney in the third "Harry Potter" film, "Prisoner of Azkaban," released in 2004.
"Nanny McPhee," a children's film written by and starring Emma Thompson, was released in 2005. The film, a passion project for Thompson, garnered both critical and commercial success.
Emma Thompson starred in and wrote the screenplay for the fantasy comedy film "Nanny McPhee", which was released in 2005.
Gregory Murphy's play "The Countess" was staged in London's West End in 2005.
Emma Thompson appeared in the critically acclaimed film "Stranger than Fiction" in 2006, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In a 2007 interview, Emma Thompson discussed the profound impact of the book "The Madwoman in the Attic" on her life, crediting it with shaping her feminist views and influencing her career path.
Emma Thompson returned as Professor Sybill Trelawney in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth installment in the film series, released in 2007.
Emma Thompson had an uncredited role in the post-apocalyptic film "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith, in 2007.
Despite mixed reviews for the film adaptation of "Brideshead Revisited" in 2008, Emma Thompson's performance as Lady Marchmain was singled out for praise.
Emma Thompson starred alongside Dustin Hoffman in the romantic drama "Last Chance Harvey" in 2008. The film and their performances earned critical acclaim and Golden Globe nominations.
In 2008, Emma Thompson announced she was working on a screenplay about John Ruskin with her husband, Greg Wise.
Renowned film critic Roger Ebert, in 2008, lauded Emma Thompson's performance in the 2001 film "Wit" as her finest work.
By 2008, Emma Thompson had cemented her place as one of Britain's most respected actresses. Journalists and critics alike praised her talent, with many highlighting her ability to embody characters authentically and captivate audiences.
In January 2009, Emma Thompson joined three other Greenpeace members in purchasing land near Sipson. Their goal was to obstruct the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport as part of her campaign against climate change.
Emma Thompson appeared in the coming-of-age drama "An Education" in 2009, further showcasing her acting range.
Emma Thompson made brief appearances in two films set in 1960s England in 2009: the drama "An Education" and Richard Curtis's comedy "The Boat That Rocked."
Emma Thompson was recognized for her advocacy work in 2009 when Time magazine named her a "European Hero" for her efforts in raising awareness about the plight of AIDS sufferers in Africa.
Tindyebwa Agaba, informally adopted by Emma Thompson and Greg Wise, became a British citizen in 2009.
Emma Thompson appeared in the television film "The Song of Lunch" in 2010.
Emma Thompson reprised her role as Nanny McPhee in the sequel "Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang," released in 2010, which she also wrote. The film was a critical and commercial success.
In 2010, during a talk at her former school, Emma Thompson expressed concerns about the use of what she perceived as "sloppy language" among young people, urging them to use proper grammar and articulate their thoughts clearly.
In 2010, during an appearance on the BBC's "Andrew Marr Show," Emma Thompson revealed her longstanding membership in the Labour Party, emphasizing her political stance.
On November 29, 2011, Emma Thompson submitted the second revised screenplay for "Effie Gray" as part of a copyright lawsuit.
Emma Thompson reprised her role as Professor Sybill Trelawney in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2", marking the end of her involvement in the beloved film franchise, in 2011.
Emma Thompson made her final appearance as Professor Trelawney in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2," released in 2011.
In 2012, Emma Thompson added to Beatrix Potter's beloved "Peter Rabbit" series with her book, "The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit." The book marked the first authorized addition to the series since 1930.
In 2012, Emma Thompson appeared in the film "Men in Black 3" as the head Agent and voiced Elinor in the Pixar film "Brave".
In 2012, Emma Thompson lent her voice to the animated film "Brave" and reprised her role as Agent O in "Men in Black 3".
In March 2013, a District Court judge ruled that Emma Thompson's screenplay for "Effie Gray" did not infringe on Gregory Murphy's play, but highlighted similarities between the two works.
The premiere of "Effie Gray" at the Cannes Film Festival was canceled in May 2013.
In October 2013, "Effie Gray" was withdrawn from the Mill Valley Film Festival due to unforeseen circumstances.
In December 2013, Emma Thompson expressed doubts about the future of the unreleased film "Effie Gray," comparing it to another unrealized project.
Emma Thompson continued her contributions to the "Peter Rabbit" series with "The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit," released in 2013.
Emma Thompson's performance in "Saving Mr. Banks" in 2013, where she portrayed P.L. Travers, earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations.
In 2013, Emma Thompson shared that her role in the 2003 film "Love Actually," particularly the scene where her character breaks down, resonated deeply with audiences and was often cited by fans.
In 2013, Emma Thompson starred in the fantasy romance film "Beautiful Creatures", which received poor reviews.
In 2013, Emma Thompson starred in the romantic comedy film "The Love Punch".
In March 2014, Emma Thompson made her New York stage debut in a production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", receiving critical acclaim for her performance as Mrs. Lovett.
In August 2014, Emma Thompson, accompanied by her daughter Gaia, embarked on the Greenpeace "Save the Arctic" expedition to highlight the environmental risks associated with oil drilling in the Arctic region.
The film "Effie Gray", written by and starring Emma Thompson, was released in October 2014 to mixed reviews.
Emma Thompson took on the role of Mrs. Lovett in a Lincoln Center production of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" in 2014.
In 2014, Emma Thompson released "The Spectacular Tale of Peter Rabbit," her third addition to the "Peter Rabbit" series.
In 2014, Emma Thompson joined other prominent British women, such as Annie Lennox and Rita Ora, for Marks & Spencer's "Leading Ladies" marketing campaign.
Emma Thompson actively supported Jeremy Corbyn's campaign during the 2015 Labour Party leadership election.
In 2015, Emma Thompson starred in two films: "A Walk in the Woods" with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, and "The Legend of Barney Thomson", where she played a memorable role as a Glaswegian former prostitute.
Emma Thompson provided narration for "The Doubt Machine: Inside the Koch Brothers' War on Climate Science," a documentary short released on October 31, 2016, exposing Koch Industries' attempts to discredit climate change research.
Emma Thompson maintained her support for Jeremy Corbyn in the 2016 Labour Party leadership election, reaffirming her political alignment.
In 2016, Emma Thompson starred in the World War II drama "Alone in Berlin" and co-wrote and appeared in "Bridget Jones's Baby".
Emma Thompson provided the voice for Mrs. Potts in the live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast", released in 2017.
In 2017, Emma Thompson appeared in supporting roles in "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Meyerowitz Stories" and starred in the drama "The Children Act".
In 2017, Emma Thompson showed her support for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British charity worker imprisoned in Iran, by participating in a march for her release.
In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon Emma Thompson the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in recognition of her significant contributions to the dramatic arts.
In 2018, Emma Thompson was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to drama.
In 2018, Emma Thompson shared her interest in exploring themes related to the human experience in her writing, suggesting a potential shift in her literary focus.
Emma Thompson showcased her acting prowess in the television film adaptation of Shakespeare's "King Lear" in 2018.
Emma Thompson starred in two notable films in 2019, "Late Night" and "Men in Black: International", showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.
In 2019, Emma Thompson participated in the London Extinction Rebellion rally, demonstrating her support for action against climate change. However, her attendance attracted criticism due to her air travel to the event, sparking a debate about the carbon footprint of such actions.
In 2019, Emma Thompson starred in several films, including "Late Night," "Missing Link," "Men in Black: International," and "Last Christmas." Her performance in "Late Night" earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
Emma Thompson and Greg Wise were granted honorary citizenship of Venice in February 2020. With the purchase of a house in Venice, the couple expressed their intention to make Italy their primary residence while maintaining their home in London.
May 2021 saw the release of Disney's "Cruella," starring Emma Thompson as the villainous Baroness. The film, a live-action adaptation of "101 Dalmations," received positive reviews, with Thompson's performance being particularly praised.
Emma Thompson took on the role of the formidable Baroness von Hellman in the live-action Disney film "Cruella", released in 2021.
"Matilda the Musical," featuring Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull, premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2022. Critics lauded Thompson's performance, highlighting her portrayal of the tyrannical headmistress.
Emma Thompson appeared in the film adaptation of "Matilda the Musical", released in 2022.
Emma Thompson starred in the sex comedy-drama "Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" in 2022, sharing the screen with Daryl McCormack.
Emma Thompson's performances in "Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" and "Matilda the Musical" in 2022 garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her continued excellence in acting.
In 2022, the romantic comedy "What's Love Got to Do with It?" was released, featuring Emma Thompson alongside Lily James and Sajal Aly.