Biography
Who is Emily Watson?
Early life and education
Emily Watson Margaret Watson was born on January 14, 1967, in Islington, United Kingdom. Her father worked as an architect, and her mother taught at a girls school in west London. She grew up with an older sister named Harriet and attended St James Independent Schools before studying English at the University of Bristol.
After graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in 1988, Emily trained at Drama Studio London. She later received an honorary master of arts from Bristol University in 2003. During her early years, she was a member of the School of Economic Science until leaving the organisation in 1996.
Stage and breakthrough roles
Emily began her professional career on the stage, performing in productions such as The Children's Hour at the Royal National Theatre. In 1992, she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she appeared in plays including The Taming of the Shrew and The Changeling. She also performed at the Donmar Warehouse in Twelfth Night and Uncle Vanya.
Her film career took off when director Lars von Trier cast her in the 1996 drama Breaking the Waves. Her performance as Bess McNeill earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She followed this with another Oscar nomination for playing cellist Jacqueline du Pre in the 1998 biographical film Hilary and Jackie.
Film and television career
Throughout her career, Emily has appeared in a wide variety of cinematic projects. Her film credits include Angela's Ashes, Gosford Park, Punch-Drunk Love, Red Dragon, War Horse, and The Theory of Everything. She also portrayed Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in A Royal Night Out and appeared in the science fiction series Dune: Prophecy.
On television, she won a British Academy Television Award for her work in the biographical film Appropriate Adult. She also received nominations for her performances in the television miniseries Chernobyl and Apple Tree Yard. Her contributions to drama led to her appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2015.
Personal life
Emily married Jack Waters in 1995 after meeting him while working at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her husband is a former actor who now works as a potter. The couple has two children, a daughter born in 2005 and a son born in 2009, and they reside in Greenwich, London.
Outside of acting, Emily supports the children's charity NSPCC. She campaigned successfully to establish a Children's Commissioner for England, and the society inducted her into its hall of fame in 2004 for her advocacy work.
Birthday and age
Emily Watson was born on January 14, 1967, which makes Emily 59 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Emily shares the date with 28 other famous people.
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