History of Ralph Fiennes in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 5, 2025

Ralph Fiennes is a highly acclaimed English actor, producer, and director known for his diverse and compelling performances. He has garnered numerous awards, including a BAFTA and a Tony Award, alongside multiple nominations for Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and a Primetime Emmy. His career showcases a range of roles in both film and theatre, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1953: Operation Ajax

In 1953's Operation Ajax, a joint MI6-CIA military coup that overthrew democracy in Iran.

1993: Co-authored Operation Ajax

In 1953's Operation Ajax, Norman Darbyshire who died in 1993, was the co-author.

1993: Married Alex Kingston

In 1993, Ralph Fiennes married English actress Alex Kingston after dating for ten years.

1997: Divorced Alex Kingston

In 1997, Ralph Fiennes and Alex Kingston divorced following his affair with Francesca Annis.

2002: 28 Days Later

28 Days Later came out in 2002.

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February 2006: Separated from Francesca Annis

On 7 February 2006, Ralph Fiennes and Francesca Annis separated after 11 years together, described as "acrimonious", following rumours of an affair with Cornelia Crișan.

2007: Involved in Qantas flight scandal

In 2007, Ralph Fiennes was embroiled in scandal after having sex with a Qantas flight attendant on a flight from Darwin to Mumbai. The incident was referenced in the TV show Comedy Inc.

2015: Starred in A Bigger Splash

In 2015, Ralph Fiennes starred in Luca Guadagnino's thriller, A Bigger Splash, alongside Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton.

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2016: Appeared in Hail, Caesar! and voiced Raiden in Kubo and the Two Strings

In 2016, Ralph Fiennes appeared in the Coen brothers' comedy film Hail, Caesar!, playing Laurence Laurentz. That same year, he voiced Raiden the Moon King in the animated film Kubo and the Two Strings.

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2016: Expressed opposition to Brexit

In 2016, following the EU membership referendum, Ralph Fiennes stated his strong opposition to the UK leaving the European Union (Brexit).

September 2017: Granted Serbian citizenship

On 7 September 2017, Ralph Fiennes was granted Serbian citizenship, signed by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić.

2017: Voiced Alfred Pennyworth in The Lego Batman Movie

In 2017, Ralph Fiennes voiced the character Alfred Pennyworth in The Lego Batman Movie.

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2018: Directed and starred in The White Crow

In 2018, Ralph Fiennes directed and starred in The White Crow, a biographical drama about Rudolf Nureyev. He also received the Special Achievement Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival for directing the film.

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2019: Reprised Alfred Pennyworth and played Norman Darbyshire

In 2019, Ralph Fiennes reprised his role as Alfred Pennyworth in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part and played MI6 agent Norman Darbyshire in the documentary Coup 53.

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2020: Voiced a tiger in Dolittle and appeared in Beat the Devil

In 2020, Ralph Fiennes voiced a tiger in the movie Dolittle and appeared in the play Beat the Devil at the Bridge Theatre in London.

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March 2021: Voiced support for J.K. Rowling

In March 2021, Ralph Fiennes voiced his support for J.K. Rowling following backlash against her views on transgender people.

2021: Returned to stage in Straight Line Crazy

In 2021, Ralph Fiennes starred in David Hare's play Straight Line Crazy at the Bridge Theatre in London, portraying Robert Moses. His performance received rave reviews.

2021: Starred in The Dig, The King's Man, and No Time to Die

In 2021, Ralph Fiennes starred in the film The Dig, and also appeared in The King's Man and No Time to Die.

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2022: Starred in The Menu and translated Four Quartets to screen

In 2022, Ralph Fiennes starred in The Menu and collaborated with his sister to translate his performance of T. S. Eliot's Four Quartets to film. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for The Menu.

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2023: Reunited with Wes Anderson and starred as Macbeth

In 2023, Ralph Fiennes reunited with Wes Anderson for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More and starred as Macbeth in Simon Godwin's touring production.

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