Kate Winslet is a highly acclaimed English actress known for her portrayals of strong and complex female characters, especially in period dramas. Her exceptional talent has earned her prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, and five Golden Globe Awards. Her global influence was acknowledged by Time magazine, which included her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world in both 2009 and 2021. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2012.
The 1954 Parker–Hulme murder case, in which two teenage girls murdered one of their mothers, served as the basis for the film "Heavenly Creatures."
Kate Elizabeth Winslet was born in October 1975.
Kate Elizabeth Winslet was born on 5 October 1975, in Reading, Berkshire.
At 15, Kate Winslet began her acting career in the British television series "Dark Season" in 1991.
At fifteen years old, while working on the set of "Dark Season," Kate Winslet began a relationship with actor-writer Stephen Tredre, who was twelve years her senior. Their relationship would last for several years.
In 1992, Winslet appeared in the television film "Anglo-Saxon Attitudes" and landed a role in the sitcom "Get Back."
Winslet made a guest appearance on an episode of the medical drama series "Casualty" in 1993.
In 1994, Kate Winslet unsuccessfully auditioned for a role in Kenneth Branagh's film "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein." She would later work with Branagh in his 1996 adaptation of "Hamlet."
Kate Winslet transitioned to film with her role as a teenage murderess in "Heavenly Creatures" in 1994.
Kate Winslet's career took off in 1994 with her breakthrough role in "Heavenly Creatures," marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in film.
Winslet's performance in the 1994 film "Heavenly Creatures" marked a critical breakthrough in her career.
Winslet's performance as Marianne Dashwood in the 1995 film adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" earned her a BAFTA Award.
Kate Winslet's performance in the 1995 film adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" garnered her the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, recognizing her talent early in her career.
In 1995, Winslet starred in both the critically acclaimed "Sense and Sensibility" and the less successful Disney film "A Kid in King Arthur's Court."
In 1995, Kate Winslet further captivated audiences with her performance in "Sense and Sensibility," demonstrating her versatility and earning critical acclaim.
By 1995, Kate Winslet's impactful performances in film had already left a mark on the British film industry, as evidenced by the UK Film Council's recognition of her financial success and contribution to the industry.
After several years together, Kate Winslet and Stephen Tredre decided to end their relationship in 1995.
In 1996, Kate Winslet appeared in two period dramas, "Jude" and "Hamlet." In "Jude," she played Sue Bridehead, a role that showcased her acting range. In "Hamlet," she portrayed Ophelia, a challenging role that she felt pushed her intellectually.
Proving her acting prowess, Kate Winslet took on a challenging role in the 1996 film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," further establishing herself as a formidable talent.
Kate Winslet starred as Rose DeWitt Bukater in James Cameron's "Titanic" in 1997. Her performance in the film, a global blockbuster, made her an international star and earned her nominations for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Kate Winslet's performance in the 1997 blockbuster "Titanic" catapulted her to international fame, becoming a global phenomenon.
Winslet achieved global recognition for her leading role in James Cameron's blockbuster "Titanic" in 1997.
Kate Winslet married Jim Threapleton, an assistant director she met on the set of "Hideous Kinky," in November 1998. The ceremony took place at her former primary school in Reading.
Winslet's only film release in 1998 was the independent film "Hideous Kinky," a decision she made to focus on her craft rather than pursue fame after "Titanic."
In 1999, Kate Winslet chose to star in the independent film "Hideous Kinky" instead of accepting roles in the more high-profile films "Shakespeare in Love" and "Anna and the King." This decision reflected her commitment to smaller projects.
In 1999, Kate Winslet's talent for storytelling was recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children. She won for her narration of the children's audiobook "Listen to the Storyteller," showcasing her versatility and ability to captivate young audiences.
In 1999, Winslet starred in "Holy Smoke!" where she played a challenging role that required her to portray an unlikeable character and participate in explicit scenes. The same year, she also provided a voice role for the animated film "Faeries."
Showcasing her versatility, Winslet won a Grammy Award in 1999 for her narration of a short story in the audiobook "Listen to the Storyteller."
Winslet had a supporting role as a laundress in "Quills" (2000), a film about the Marquis de Sade. Her performance was praised, and she was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton welcomed their daughter, Mia Threapleton, in 2000.
Continuing her pursuit of challenging roles, Winslet starred in the critically acclaimed period piece "Quills" in 2000.
In 2001, Winslet starred as novelist Iris Murdoch in the film "Iris." Her portrayal of Murdoch earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, including her third Oscar nomination, a BAFTA nomination, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton's marriage ended in divorce in 2001.
Winslet lent her voice to the animated film "Christmas Carol: The Movie" in 2001. She also recorded the song "What If" for the film's soundtrack, which became a commercial success.
Winslet lent her voice to the soundtrack of the animated film "Christmas Carol: The Movie" in 2001, performing the song "What If."
Further solidifying her reputation for period dramas, Winslet starred in the critically acclaimed film "Iris" in 2001.
Kate Winslet married director Sam Mendes in May 2003 on the island of Anguilla, marking the start of her second marriage.
In 2003, Kate Winslet made headlines when she publicly criticized GQ magazine for digitally altering her photographs without her consent. The British edition of the magazine had published images of her that were significantly slimmed down and made her appear taller. Winslet's bold stance against the unauthorized retouching sparked a conversation about body image and the pressure on women in Hollywood. GQ subsequently issued an apology, acknowledging their misstep.
Winslet returned to the screen in 2003 after a year-long break to star in the thriller "The Life of David Gale." She played a journalist interviewing a death row inmate, a role that she chose due to her admiration for director Alan Parker.
In 2004, Kate Winslet starred in the science fiction romance "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" as Clementine, a departure from her previous roles, showcasing her versatility. The film was a success, acclaimed as one of the 21st century's best.
The year 2004 marked a period of critical acclaim for Kate Winslet with her memorable roles in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Finding Neverland," showcasing her ability to portray complex characters and further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
Winslet's performance in the 2004 science fiction romance "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" marked a turning point in her career.
In 2005, Kate Winslet, recognized for her beauty by publications like People magazine, used her platform to challenge conventional beauty standards. She openly criticized Hollywood's narrow definition of beauty and expressed her commitment to empowering women to embrace their natural appearance. Winslet, known for her stance against Botox and plastic surgery, co-founded the British Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League with fellow actresses Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz to promote natural aging. She also took a stand against excessive photo editing, requesting that magazines and brands not digitally erase her wrinkles. Despite her significant earnings, she expressed reluctance to discuss the gender pay gap, preferring to maintain privacy about her salary. Winslet's unconventional approach to Hollywood glamour extended to her aversion towards extravagant press events, viewing them as wasteful.
In 2005, Winslet displayed her comedic timing in a guest role on "Extras," earning an Emmy nomination. She also starred in the musical "Romance & Cigarettes," showcasing her singing and dancing skills.
Kate Winslet's performance in the 2006 romantic comedy "The Holiday" further endeared her to audiences worldwide, demonstrating her range and appeal in diverse genres.
In 2006, Winslet delivered a compelling performance in the film "Little Children."
Kate Winslet showed her support for charitable causes in 2006 by becoming a patron of the Family Haven, a Gloucester-based charity, and by contributing hand-designed envelopes for a National Literacy Trust auction.
In 2006, Winslet starred in "All the King's Men" and the critically acclaimed "Little Children," portraying a complex and troubled character. Her performance earned her BAFTA and Academy Award nominations.
In 2007, Kate Winslet continued to use her platform for good by taking part in an auction to raise funds for the Afghanistan Relief Organization.
Kate Winslet's commitment to challenging unrealistic beauty standards continued in 2007 when she emerged victorious from a libel case against Grazia magazine. The magazine had falsely claimed that Winslet had visited a dietitian. Winslet, known for her outspokenness against body shaming, was awarded £10,000 in damages, which she donated to an eating disorder charity. This legal victory further solidified her position as an advocate for body positivity.
Winslet starred in the commercially successful romantic comedy "The Holiday" in 2007. She also lent her voice to the animated film "Flushed Away."
Edward Abel Smith, who would later marry Kate Winslet, legally changed his name to Ned Rocknroll in 2008.
In 2008, Kate Winslet shared publicly that she still hadn't fully processed the grief of losing Stephen Tredre, who had passed away from bone cancer some years earlier.
In 2008, Winslet reunited with "Titanic" co-star Leonardo DiCaprio in "Revolutionary Road." Her performance as a frustrated housewife earned widespread critical acclaim.
Kate Winslet's powerful performance in the 2008 film "The Reader" earned her the coveted BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Winslet's portrayal of a former Nazi camp guard in the 2008 film "The Reader" earned her both a BAFTA and an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Kate Winslet's financial success in the film industry became evident in 2009 when Forbes estimated her annual salary to be $2 million, with a large portion attributed to endorsements. That same year, the UK Film Council calculated her earnings from acting roles to be £20 million since 1995, highlighting her significant contributions to the British film industry. Furthermore, her global influence was recognized when Time magazine included her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Kate Winslet was involved in several charitable endeavors in 2009, including contributing artwork to "The Butterfly Book" to support leukaemia research and joining forces with Leonardo DiCaprio, James Cameron, and Celine Dion to financially assist Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the Titanic.
In another win against tabloid journalism, Kate Winslet successfully sued the British tabloid Daily Mail in 2009. The publication had falsely accused her of lying about her exercise regimen. Winslet's victory resulted in a public apology from the Daily Mail and a payout of £25,000, further demonstrating her willingness to fight back against misleading narratives and protect her reputation.
James Cameron's science fiction film "Avatar," in which Winslet would later star in its sequels, was released in 2009.
In 2009, Kate Winslet lent her voice to narrate the English version of "A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism," an Icelandic documentary.
In 2009, Time magazine recognized Kate Winslet's global impact by including her in their list of the 100 most influential people.
Amidst rumors circulating in the media, Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes made a public announcement in 2010, revealing their decision to separate.
In 2010, Kate Winslet lent her voice to a cause close to her heart by narrating a video for PETA exposing the cruelty involved in foie gras production. In her appeal, she urged chefs to remove the dish from their menus and encouraged consumers to boycott it, taking a stand against animal cruelty.
Inspired by the documentary she narrated, Kate Winslet partnered with Margret Ericsdottir in 2010 to establish the Golden Hat Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about autism.
Kate Winslet's status as a global icon was solidified in 2011 when Madame Tussauds in London unveiled a wax figure in her honor. This recognition cemented her place as a prominent figure in popular culture.
Winslet starred in two films in 2011: the thriller "Contagion" and the stage adaptation "Carnage," showcasing her range. She earned critical praise for both performances.
While on vacation at Richard Branson's Necker Island estate in 2011, Kate Winslet met Edward Abel Smith, Branson's nephew, during a house fire.
Winslet returned to television in 2011 with the miniseries "Mildred Pierce," delivering a powerful performance as a single mother during the Great Depression. She won an Emmy Award for her work.
In 2011, Kate Winslet, as an ambassador for the brand Lancôme, created a make-up collection, utilizing her platform to raise awareness and funds for the Golden Hat Foundation.
In 2011, Kate Winslet's exceptional performance as the title character in the HBO miniseries "Mildred Pierce" earned her her first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role in a Miniseries or Movie, marking her success in the television industry.
In 2011, Kate Winslet immersed herself in work to cope with the emotional aftermath of her divorce. This period marked a time of personal and professional transition for her.
Expanding into television, Winslet won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the HBO miniseries "Mildred Pierce" in 2011.
Continuing to explore different genres, Kate Winslet took on a role in the 2011 medical thriller "Contagion," captivating audiences with her performance in a suspenseful and thought-provoking film.
Kate Winslet married Edward Abel Smith, known then as Ned Rocknroll, in New York in December 2012.
Kate Winslet took a hiatus from acting in 2012 to prioritize her children. However, she lent her voice to an audiobook recording of "Thérèse Raquin" by Émile Zola. Her only on-screen appearance was in the critically panned anthology film "Movie 43."
Kate Winslet married businessman Edward Abel Smith in 2012.
In a testament to her remarkable achievements in drama, Kate Winslet was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours. This distinguished honor recognized her outstanding contributions to British arts and culture, solidifying her legacy as a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and British society.
In 2012, Simon & Schuster published Kate Winslet's book, "The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism," which aimed to shed light on the experiences of those with autism and their families.
In 2013, Kate Winslet starred in Jason Reitman's adaptation of "Labor Day," portraying Adele, a vulnerable single mother who finds solace in an escaped convict. The role was a departure from her usual strong-willed characters and earned her critical acclaim, including her tenth Golden Globe nomination.
In 2014, Kate Winslet joined the cast of the dystopian film "Divergent," expanding her repertoire with a role in a popular young adult franchise.
In 2014, Kate Winslet took on the challenging role of the antagonist Jeanine Matthews in the dystopian sci-fi film "Divergent," based on Veronica Roth's novel. The same year, she starred in the period drama "A Little Chaos," showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In 2014, Kate Winslet's contributions to the entertainment industry were immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This prestigious accolade celebrated her illustrious career and cemented her legacy in Hollywood history.
Winslet's performance as Joanna Hoffman in the 2015 biopic "Steve Jobs" garnered her another BAFTA Award.
Several publications, including Elle and Vogue, took note of Kate Winslet's public persona in 2015. Writers highlighted her ability to establish rapport, her authoritative aura, and her articulate and sophisticated demeanor. Despite her considerable fame, she was lauded for remaining down-to-earth and approachable.
Kate Winslet's presence in the film industry continued to be felt in 2015 with her appearances in the sequel "Insurgent" and the biographical drama "Steve Jobs," demonstrating her versatility and ability to embody diverse characters across different genres.
In 2015, Kate Winslet reprised her role as Jeanine Matthews in "Insurgent," the sequel to "Divergent." She also starred in "The Dressmaker," a gothic drama set in Australia, for which she won the AACTA Award for Best Actress.
In 2015, Kate Winslet actively engaged in advocacy by supporting UNICEF's World's Largest Lesson, a campaign promoting sustainable development and global citizenship among children. This year, she also became vocal against body-shaming and bullying, drawing from her personal experiences of being teased for her weight as a child. She further amplified this message by narrating "Daisy Chain", an Australian animated short film highlighting the impact of cyberbullying.
By 2015, Kate Winslet had established a home in West Wittering, Sussex, where she lived with her husband, Edward Abel Smith, and her children.
In 2016, Kate Winslet appeared in "Triple 9," a crime thriller, and "Collateral Beauty," a romantic drama. While "Triple 9" received mixed reviews, "Collateral Beauty" was met with critical disappointment.
Kate Winslet's portrayal of Joanna Hoffman in the 2016 biographical drama "Steve Jobs" earned her another BAFTA Award, this time for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, highlighting her ability to embody complex characters and make them relatable to audiences.
In 2017, Kate Winslet furthered her support for the Golden Hat Foundation by partnering with Longines, for whom she served as an ambassador, to design a watch, with proceeds going towards the foundation.
In 2017, Kate Winslet starred alongside Idris Elba in "The Mountain Between Us," a survival drama that tested her physical limits. She also took on a challenging role in Woody Allen's "Wonder Wheel."
Kate Winslet started filming two sequels to the science fiction film "Avatar" (2009) in 2017.
The year 2017 saw Kate Winslet collaborating with Leonardo DiCaprio on two significant fundraising initiatives. They joined forces for a fundraiser supporting DiCaprio's environmental foundation's efforts to combat global warming. In a display of their shared commitment to philanthropy, they also auctioned off a private dinner with themselves, with the proceeds going towards the cancer treatment of a British woman.
In 2018, Kate Winslet partnered with Lancôme and the National Literacy Trust to launch an impactful programme aimed at empowering underprivileged women in the UK through education. This initiative reflects Winslet's commitment to social causes and her belief in the transformative power of education.
The filming for the Avatar sequels, which had begun in 2017, continued into 2018.
In 2019, Kate Winslet ventured into voice acting with the animated series "Moominvalley." She also starred in "Blackbird," a remake of a Danish film, which received mixed reviews.
Ned Rocknroll, known legally as Edward Abel Smith and husband to Kate Winslet, reverted to using his legal name in 2019.
In 2020, Kate Winslet delivered a critically acclaimed performance as paleontologist Mary Anning in the romantic drama "Ammonite." She also lent her voice to the titular character in the film adaptation of "Black Beauty."
As the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world in 2020, Kate Winslet used her platform to support vulnerable children. She participated in the "Save with Stories" initiative, reading a bedtime story to raise funds for Save the Children's Emergency Coronavirus Appeal, demonstrating her empathy and willingness to contribute to crisis relief.
Further solidifying her influence, Kate Winslet was again named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2021.
In 2021, Kate Winslet captivated audiences on the small screen with her compelling performance in the HBO miniseries "Mare of Easttown." Her portrayal of a detective investigating a murder in a small town earned widespread critical acclaim and demonstrated her versatility as an actress across different mediums.
In 2021, Kate Winslet starred in and executive produced the HBO miniseries "Mare of Easttown." Her performance as a detective investigating a murder case earned her widespread critical acclaim, including Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards.
In 2021, Kate Winslet was once again recognized for her enduring influence, earning a place on Time magazine's prestigious list of the 100 most influential people in the world. This accolade underscored her continued impact on both the entertainment industry and society as a whole.
Kate Winslet narrated the documentary "Eleven Days in May" in 2021, which centered on the events of the 2021 bombing of Gaza by Israel.
Kate Winslet shed light on a sensitive issue within the entertainment industry in 2021 when she openly addressed homophobia in Hollywood. Expressing concern for her peers, she revealed knowing actors who lived in fear of their sexuality being revealed, impacting their ability to secure straight roles. Her candidness brought attention to the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry.
Kate Winslet's captivating performance as Detective Mare Sheehan in the 2021 HBO miniseries "Mare of Easttown" earned her her second Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented actress across different mediums.
Winslet received another Primetime Emmy Award in 2021 for her role in the HBO miniseries "Mare of Easttown."
In 2022, Kate Winslet made a highly anticipated return to the big screen in the long-awaited sequel "Avatar: The Way of Water," further solidifying her status as a major force in the film industry.
In 2022, Kate Winslet was recognized for her talent and contributions to the film industry when Empire magazine's readers' poll voted her as one of the 50 greatest actors of all time.
In 2022, Winslet won two BAFTA TV Awards for her work on the drama "I Am Ruth," which she starred in and produced. She also appeared in James Cameron's "Avatar: The Way of Water."
In 2022, the long-awaited sequel to Avatar (2009), "Avatar: The Way of Water," was released, becoming a box office hit and marking Winslet's second film to surpass $2 billion in earnings. The same year, Winslet also narrated the documentary "Eleven Days in May" and starred alongside her daughter in an episode of the anthology series "I Am..." titled "I Am Ruth."
In 2023, "Lee," a biopic about Lee Miller, was released, starring and produced by Winslet. During filming, Winslet sustained an injury leading to three haematomas on her spine but continued working despite the pain.
Winslet is set to appear in the HBO miniseries "The Regime," a satire about a fictional authoritarian country, in 2024. She serves as both the executive producer and star of the series.