Thompson was born in London on 15 April 1959. Her mother is Scottish actress Phyllida Law, while her English father, Eric Thompson, … See more

Thompson is regarded to be among the best actresses of her generation and one of Britain's most recognisable actresses, held in high regard within Hollywood. Early in her career she was closely associated with her first husband, Kenneth Branagh. The public warmed … See more

Thompson has won two Academy Awards, for Best Actress in James Ivory's Howards End (1992) and Best Adapted Screenplay for Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility (1995). Thompson … See more

Thompson has stated that she feels Scottish, saying: "not only because I am half Scottish but also because I've spent half my life [in Scotland]". She frequently returns to Scotland … See more

Early work and breakthrough (1982–1989)
Thompson had her first professional role in 1982, touring in a stage version of Not the Nine O'Clock News. … See more

In 2012, Thompson wrote The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit as an addition to the Peter Rabbit series by Beatrix Potter to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the publication of See more

In 2014, Thompson was among a group of influential British women, which included Annie Lennox and Rita Ora, to feature in the latest iteration of British retailer Marks & Spencer's … See more