Emma Thompson – Biography, Movies, Age and Net Worth 2025

Dame Emma Thompson is a British actress, screenwriter, and author who has built a career spanning more than four decades. Born in London on 15 April 1959, she is now 67 years old and remains one of the most decorated performers of her generation. From her early days at Cambridge to starring in blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter and Cruella, Thompson’s work has earned her two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and a Primetime Emmy, among many other honours.

Her career path is unusual: she is one of the few entertainers to have won an Oscar for both acting and screenwriting. That combination of on‑screen presence and behind‑the‑camera skill has made her a respected figure in the film industry. This article brings together verified facts about her life, filmography, family, and financial standing, drawing on authoritative sources such as Wikipedia, Britannica, IMDb, and official university records.

What Are Emma Thompson’s Best Movies and Most Famous Roles?

Key Insights

• Emma Thompson is one of the few entertainers to have won an Oscar for both acting and screenwriting.
• Her portrayal of Sybill Trelawney in Harry Potter remains one of her most recognized roles despite limited screen time.
• Thompson and her husband Greg Wise have been married since 2003 and have two children.
• Her net worth is estimated at $50 million as of 2025, driven by film royalties and screenwriting fees.

Snapshot Facts

Emma Thompson’s Role in Harry Potter: Sybill Trelawney

Thompson portrayed the eccentric Divination professor Sybill Trelawney in the Harry Potter film series. She first appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) and returned for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). The character is known for her dramatic predictions and clouded crystal ball, and the role remains one of Thompson’s most widely recognised. According to Wikipedia, her performance contributed to the series’ enduring popularity.

Emma Thompson as the Baroness in Cruella (2021)

In Disney’s Cruella, Thompson played the Baroness, a ruthless fashion designer and the antagonist to Emma Stone’s Cruella de Vil. The film was released in 2021 and received positive reviews for its costume design and performances. Tribute.ca notes that Thompson appeared opposite Emma Stone, bringing a cold, commanding presence to the screen.

Top-Rated Emma Thompson Movies According to Critics

Thompson’s filmography includes numerous critically acclaimed films. Howards End (1992) earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The Remains of the Day (1993) and Sense and Sensibility (1995) – for which she also wrote the screenplay and won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay – are widely regarded as masterpieces. Other well‑reviewed performances include Love Actually (2003), Stranger Than Fiction (2006), and Saving Mr. Banks (2013). A full list of her films is available on IMDb. For readers interested in similar profiles, see our list of Best British Actresses of All Time.

Who Is Emma Thompson Married To? Does She Have Children?

Emma Thompson’s Husband: Greg Wise

Emma Thompson has been married to actor Greg Wise since 2003. The couple met while filming Sense and Sensibility (1995), where Wise played John Willoughby. Before that, Thompson was married to director and actor Kenneth Branagh from 1989 until their divorce. Both marriages are well documented; Britannica confirms the dates and partners.

Emma Thompson’s Children: Gaia and a Son

Gaia Romilly Wise was born in 1999. The couple also adopted a son, Tindyebwa Agaba Wise, in 2003. While some sources, such as IMDb’s English biography, mention only one child, the majority of reliable records list two. The uncertainty is noted, but the best‑supported reading is that Thompson and Wise have two children.

How Old Is Emma Thompson and What Is Her Net Worth?

Emma Thompson’s Age and Early Life

Emma Thompson was born on 15 April 1959 in London, England. She is currently 67 years old (as of 2026). She studied English Literature at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she graduated in 1980 and performed with the Footlights comedy troupe. Her early career included BBC radio and touring comedy before she gained acclaim in the TV miniseries Fortunes of War (1987). Her education is confirmed by Newnham College, Cambridge.

Emma Thompson Net Worth in 2025

Estimates of Emma Thompson’s net worth vary. The most commonly cited figure is $50 million, attributed to her film royalties, screenwriting fees, and endorsements. However, this number is not officially confirmed. A lower estimate of $40 million appears in some non‑authoritative sources. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the $50 million figure is widely reported but should be treated with moderate certainty. No official financial disclosure exists.

What Is the Timeline of Emma Thompson’s Career and Life?

1. 1959 – Born in London to actors Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law.
2. 1980–1982 – Studied English at Newnham College, Cambridge; performed with Footlights.
3. 1992 – Won Academy Award for Best Actress for Howards End.
4. 1995 – Won Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility.
5. 2003 – Married actor Greg Wise; adopted son later that year.
6. 2004–2011 – Played Sybill Trelawney in the Harry Potter film series.
7. 2021 – Starred as the Baroness in Disney’s Cruella.
8. 2024–2025 – Continues to work in film, television, and activism; reported net worth of $50M.

What Is Known and What Is Uncertain About Emma Thompson’s Life?

What Is the Broader Context of Emma Thompson’s Career?

Emma Thompson’s career spans over four decades, marked by versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her dual Oscars (acting and writing) place her in a rare category of multi‑threat talents. She has also been an outspoken advocate for gender equality and climate change. Recent roles in Cruella and upcoming projects demonstrate her continued relevance. This content provides a consolidated resource for users seeking quick facts, filmography, and personal life details that are often scattered across multiple pages.

What Are the Most Reliable Sources on Emma Thompson?

The following sources were used to compile this article:

• Wikipedia – Emma Thompson – comprehensive biographical data and citations.
• Newnham College, Cambridge – Emma Thompson profile – official university page confirming education.
• IMDb – Emma Thompson – filmography and award listings.
• The Guardian – Emma Thompson articles – primary source for quotes and life insights.
• Britannica – Emma Thompson – authoritative biographical overview.

What Is the Key Takeaway About Emma Thompson?

Emma Thompson remains one of the most accomplished and versatile figures in British entertainment. Her achievements in both acting and screenwriting, along with a stable family life, have made her a respected public figure. For readers interested in similar profiles, see our list of Academy Award Winners – Screenwriting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emma Thompson