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Emma Thompson

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.

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Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
London Production, 2022
Voice


[West End]
West End, 2015
Mrs. Lovett


[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1986
Sally Smith [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[West End]
London Revival, 1985


Videos

News


Sindhu Vee, George Fouracres & Marcus Brigstocke Join LEAGUE OF IMPROV at The Phoenix
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 24, 2026

The League of Improv today has revealed a a Summer season of bright, sharp, and ridiculously funny comedy, with three shows, each featuring a high profile stand-up star as Special Guest. 
Joanna Pickering Will Be Directed by BAFTA-Winner Philip John at Hay Festival
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026

Joanna Pickering will bring her solo play DON'T HARM THE ANIMALS to Hay Festival, directed by BAFTA winner Philip John. The piece addresses PTSD and sexual assault and will be staged in the Bookshop Garden Marquee.
Photos: Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster & More Attend THE SHEEP DETECTIVES New York Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 20, 2026

On Sunday, April 19, the green carpet was rolled out at Jazz at Lincoln Center for the New York Premiere of The Sheep Detectives, the comedic mystery film starring Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman.
Bryony Kimmings Will Bring BOG WITCH to Storyhouse on UK & Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2026

Bryony Kimmings will bring her new live autobiographical show Bog Witch to Storyhouse this summer as part of a major tour of UK and Ireland. Learn more here!
Benedict Cumberbatch, Ian McKellen, and More Join as Guest Sheriffs For WHODUNNIT [UNREHEARSED] 4
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2026

Park Theatre announced the final wave of celebrity guest sheriffs for WHODUNNIT [UNREHEARSED] 4, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Simon Pegg, and Jodie Whittaker, for its Wild West immersive run.
Video: Watch a New Featurette for THE SHEEP DETECTIVES with Hugh Jackman
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 15, 2026

The game is afoot is a new first look at The Sheep Detectives, the comedic mystery film starring Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman. Watch the newly released featurette, in which the filmmakers and starry cast speak about the unique project.
Video: Hugh Jackman Stars in New Trailer for THE SHEEP DETECTIVES
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 24, 2026

Check out a new trailer for The Sheep Detectives, the comedic mystery film starring Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman. The movie will arrive in theaters on May 8, 2026.
North Coast Repertory Theatre to Host 44th Spotlight Gala Featuring Rita Rudner
by Stephi Wild - Mar 23, 2026

North Coast Repertory Theatre announced its 44th Spotlight Gala, 'An Evening of Laughter with Rita Rudner', set to entertain attendees with a night of comedy.
Park Theatre Unveils New Celebrity Guest Sheriffs For WHODUNNIT [UNREHEARSED] 4
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 27, 2026

Park Theatre has announced a new wave of celebrity guest sheriffs for WHODUNNIT [UNREHEARSED] 4, the fourth instalment of its fundraising comedy event, running May 11 through June 27, 2026.
WHODUNNIT [UNREHEARSED] 4 Returns with Celebrity Sheriffs at Park Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 9, 2026

Artistic Director Jez Bond, Executive Director Catherine McKinney, and the whole team at Park Theatre have announced further details of Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] 4, the next instalment of its hugely popular fundraising comedy spectacular.
Glasgow Film Festival 2026 Announces Full Programme
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Jan 21, 2026

The festival runs from 25 February to 8 March in Glasgow.
UK Premiere of Scottish Documentary Everybody To Kenmure Street To Open Glasgow Film Festival 2026
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Jan 7, 2026

BAFTA-winner Felipe Bustos Sierra’s documentary about one of Scotland’s most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open the festival’s 22nd edition on 25th February
Video: Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson Star in THE SHEEP DETECTIVES Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 18, 2025

Everyone is a suspect in the first trailer for the comedic mystery film The Sheep Detectives. Check out the trailer, featuring Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson, Molly Gordon, and more.
DOWN CEMETERY ROAD Renewed for Season 2 at Apple TV
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 15, 2025

Following the first season finale, Apple TV has renewed the thriller series Down Cemetery Road for a second season. The show stars Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson.
Meet the Cast of ALL OUT: COMEDY ABOUT AMBITION, Now in Previews on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2025

The world premiere of All Out: Comedy About Ambition by Simon Rich, with direction by Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers, begins performances on December 12 at the Nederlander Theatre. Meet the cast of All Out here!
Matt Willis and Katie Hall Will Lead CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB in London
by Stephi Wild - Dec 10, 2025

New casting has been announced for the West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB. From 26 January 2026, West End star Katie Hall will play Sally Bowles and actor, presenter and Brit Award winner Matt Willis will play Emcee.
Video: Apple Shares DOWN CEMETERY ROAD Finale Sneak Peek Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 5, 2025

Apple TV has released a sneak peek clip from the finale of “Down Cemetery Road.' In the episode, everything Sarah has fought for hangs in the balance. Watch the clip now.
Video: Watch a Sneak Peek From the Penultimate Episode of DOWN CEMETERY ROAD
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 1, 2025

Apple TV has released a sneak peek clip from the penultimate episode of “Down Cemetery Road.' In the episode, Downey and Amos converge as the race to find Dinah reaches a breaking point and Sarah must take a leap of faith. Check it out now.
Broadway Streaming Guide: Holidays 2025 - Where to Watch A VERY JONES CHRISTMAS MOVE & More
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 29, 2025

From the new Jonas Brothers Christmas special to musical classics like White Christmas, take a look here to find out which holiday streaming titles will bring a Broadway fan some extra joy this year.
Video: Apple Previews DOWN CEMETERY ROAD Episode 6 in New Sneak Peek Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 20, 2025

Apple TV has released a sneak peek clip from the sixth episode of “Down Cemetery Road,” featuring Emma Thompson. Episode 6 will premiere on Wednesday, November 26. Check out the new clip now.

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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