Who was Emma Thompson Married to? Who is Emma Thompson?
by Aishwarya
Updated Mar 07, 2024
Who was Emma Thompson Married to?
Emma Thompson's first husband was actor and director Kenneth Branagh. They crossed paths in 1987 while working on the television series Fortunes of War and subsequently tied the knot in 1989. The couple became known as a "golden couple" in the eyes of the British press, gaining significant media attention due to their shared professional collaborations and on-screen chemistry.
Despite attempts to keep their relationship private by avoiding interviews and joint photographs, the public eye remained keenly focused on them. However, in September 1995, Thompson and Branagh announced their separation, attributing it initially to their demanding work schedules. Later revelations pointed to Branagh's affair with actress Helena Bonham Carter as a contributing factor to the breakdown of their marriage.
As their relationship unraveled, Thompson found herself living alone, and the emotional toll took a toll on her well-being, leading to a period of depression. The publicized challenges in her personal life contrasted with the professional successes of both Thompson and Branagh, marking a significant chapter in the actress's life.
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Who is Emma Thompson?
Emma Thompson, a distinguished British actress and screenwriter, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with a career that spans over four decades. Renowned for her exceptional talent, she has garnered an impressive collection of accolades, including two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. This recognition is a testament to her versatility and skill, as she has excelled in both dramatic and comedic roles, captivating audiences worldwide.
In 2018, Emma Thompson received one of the highest honors in the United Kingdom when she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. This prestigious title was bestowed upon her in acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions to the world of drama. Thompson's legacy extends beyond her award-winning performances, as she continues to inspire and shape the landscape of the entertainment industry, solidifying her status as a revered figure in British and global cinema.
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Specifications |
Details |
|---|---|
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Name |
Emma Thompson |
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Born |
15 April 1959 (age 64) |
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Born Place |
London, England |
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Age |
64 |
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Alma mater |
Newnham College, Cambridge |
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Occupations |
Actress, Screenwriter, Author |
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Years active |
1982–present |
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Spouses |
Kenneth Branagh (m. 1989; div. 1995) and Greg Wise (m. 2003) |
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Children |
2 |
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Parents |
Phyllida Law and Eric Thompson |
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Siblings |
Sophie Thompson (sister) |
Emma Thompson Current Husband
Emma Thompson's current husband is Greg Wise, with whom she began a relationship while filming "Sense and Sensibility" in 1995. Wise played a crucial role in helping Thompson overcome the depression she experienced during the challenging period following her separation from Kenneth Branagh. In her own words, Thompson expressed gratitude for Wise's support, stating, "Work saved me and Greg saved me. He picked up the pieces and put them together again."
Thompson and Wise eventually got married in Dunoon in 2003. Their family's permanent residence is located in West Hampstead, London, on the same road as Thompson's childhood home. In a significant move, on 28 February 2020, the couple was sworn in as honorary citizens of Venice and became legal residents of Italy. This decision coincided with their purchase of a house in the city, signaling their intention to make Italy their permanent home. Despite the move, they still retain a residence in West Hampstead.
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Emma Thompson Children
Emma Thompson and Greg Wise are parents to two children, showcasing a unique and diverse family dynamic. Their biological daughter, Gaia, was conceived through in vitro fertilization when Thompson was 39 years old. Additionally, in 2003, the couple informally adopted a Rwandan orphan and former child soldier named Tindyebwa Agaba. The remarkable story of their adoption unfolded after meeting Agaba at a Refugee Council event when he was just sixteen.
Thompson and Wise's relationship with Agaba deepened over the years, with Thompson describing how he gradually became a "sort of permanent fixture" in their lives. He not only spent Christmas at their home but also joined them on family holidays to Scotland, ultimately becoming an integral part of the family. In 2009, Tindyebwa Agaba became a British citizen, solidifying his place within the Thompson-Wise family and illustrating their commitment to compassion and inclusivity.
Emma Thompson Family and Early Life
Emma Thompson was born on April 15, 1959, in London, to parents deeply rooted in the world of arts. Her mother, Phyllida Law, is a Scottish actress, while her father, Eric Thompson, achieved fame as the writer-narrator of the beloved children's TV series, The Magic Roundabout. Growing up in the West Hampstead district of London with her younger sister Sophie, also an actress, Thompson's early life was immersed in a creative and culturally rich environment. Her godfather, Ronald Eyre, was a director and writer, further influencing her exposure to the world of entertainment.
Thompson's formative years were spent in Scotland, frequently visiting Ardentinny, where her grandparents and uncle resided. In her youth, she developed a passion for language and literature, inherited from her father, who shared her love for words. Educated at Camden School for Girls, Thompson pursued her fascination with language at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she studied English after earning a scholarship.
The university years marked a pivotal period in her life, as she joined the Cambridge Footlights, becoming its first female member. This prestigious sketch comedy troupe included notable figures like Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. Thompson's time at Cambridge also sparked her interest in feminism, leading her to take up performing after a transformative encounter with the book "The Madwoman in the Attic."
Tragically, Thompson's father passed away in 1982 at the age of 52, leaving a profound impact on her and the family. Despite the emotional challenges, she acknowledges that his absence created the space and courage for her to pursue her chosen path. This period of loss and self-discovery laid the foundation for Emma Thompson's remarkable career in the world of entertainment, where her talents would shine on stage, screen, and in the literary realm.
Emma Thompson Career
Emma Thompson's illustrious career is marked by a rich tapestry of achievements across film, television, and stage. Her journey began at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she joined the Footlights troupe and showcased her comedic talents in the sketch series Alfresco (1983–1984). A breakthrough came in 1985 with her starring role in the West End revival of the musical Me and My Girl. Thompson's early prominence continued in 1987 with acclaimed performances in BBC TV series Tutti Frutti and Fortunes of War, earning her the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress.
In the early 1990s, Thompson collaborated with her then-husband Kenneth Branagh in notable films like Henry V (1989), Dead Again (1991), and Much Ado About Nothing (1993). Her outstanding performance in the Merchant-Ivory period drama Howards End (1992) brought her the BAFTA Award and the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Thompson made history by winning Oscars for both acting and writing with Sense and Sensibility (1995), a film she wrote and starred in. Her diverse filmography includes critically acclaimed roles in Primary Colors (1998), Love Actually (2003), Saving Mr. Banks (2013), and recent hits like Late Night (2019) and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022).
Beyond cinema, Thompson has graced television screens in productions such as Wit (2001), Angels in America (2003), and King Lear (2018). Her stage presence shines through as she portrayed Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2014). Thompson's talents extend to the literary world, having written three Peter Rabbit children's books authorized by the publishers of Beatrix Potter. With a remarkable career spanning genres and mediums, Emma Thompson stands as a multifaceted and celebrated figure in the world of entertainment.
Emma Thompson Net Worth
Emma Thompson Net Worth is $40 million. Her primary source of income stems from her prolific career in the entertainment industry. With a successful trajectory spanning over four decades, Thompson has earned substantial income through her work as an actress, screenwriter, and author.
Her acclaimed performances in a wide array of films, from period dramas like "Howards End" (1992) to beloved comedies like "Love Actually" (2003), have not only solidified her status as a versatile talent but also contributed significantly to her financial success. Thompson's ability to seamlessly transition between genres and deliver compelling characters has made her a sought-after figure in the film industry, securing lucrative roles and substantial paychecks.
In addition to her acting endeavors, Emma Thompson has garnered income through her ventures as a screenwriter and author. Notably, she received accolades for her adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" (1995), winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Her literary contributions extend to the world of children's books, having authored three Peter Rabbit books authorized by the publishers of Beatrix Potter.
Who was Emma Thompson Married to - FAQs
Emma Thompson's first husband was actor and director Kenneth Branagh. They met in 1987 while filming the television series Fortunes of War and got married in 1989.
Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh announced their separation in September 1995. Initially citing work schedules as the reason, it later emerged that Branagh was having an affair with actress Helena Bonham Carter.
Emma Thompson is currently married to Greg Wise. They began their relationship while filming Sense and Sensibility in 1995 and got married in 2003.
Emma Thompson has two children. She has a biological daughter named Gaia, conceived via in vitro fertilization, and informally adopted a Rwandan orphan and former child soldier named Tindyebwa Agaba.
Emma Thompson and Greg Wise's permanent residence is in West Hampstead, London, on the same road as Thompson's childhood home. Additionally, in 2020, they were sworn in as honorary citizens of Venice, Italy, indicating their intention to relocate there permanently.