The legacy of Emma Thompson is as unique as it is impactful.
This self-proclaimed card-carrying feminist has earned the reputation of being one of the most revered and respected actresses in Hollywood .
She deserves to be celebrated! What better way to do so than with these 10+ random facts about Emma Thompson that fans didn’t know.
1. Emma is a big fan of Jane Austin.
Fans of Emma’s will no doubt recall her incredible role as Elinor Dashwood in the film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility .
What many don’t realize is that Emma was the one who wrote the screenplay!
The film was such an incredible success, that Emma took home the Oscar for Best Writing!
This was Emma’s first attempt at crafting a screenplay.
It’s also the only nomination Emma has ever received for writing — at least so far.
2. Her husband is a baking champion!
Emma is married to Greg Wise. A few years back, Greg competed and was crowned champion on The Great Celebrity Bake Off .
After an evening of libations and fun, Emma arrived home and began eating Greg’s champion cake the night before his competition!
3. She used to date Hugh Laurie!
Most of us will remember Hugh from his career-defining role as Dr. Gregory House on the aptly titled medical-drama, House .
Emma and Hugh first met while they were away at University . They both attended Newnham College.
4. That’s Dame Emma Thompson, to you.
Emma was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire by her Majesty the Queen. She joked with Seth Meyers that the only reason why she accepted the honor in the first place was because of the fancy badge
5. She has a talent for charades.
Emma is what you call a hustler. She lures you into a false sense of security and then pounces when you least expect it!
I know who I’d want on my team in a game of celebrity charades!
6. Emma’s father has a famous voice.
Emma’s father was a man by the name of Eric Thompson . He created and narrated the incredibly popular BBC children’s series, The Magic Roundabout .
Think Mr. Dressup meets Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood . I would have been all over this as a kid.
7. She had an incredibly embarrassing moment in the buff!
There’s a small pond located not too far from Emma’s house. She uses it to relax and enjoy the occasional swim.
In summer months, Emma’s been known to make the trek from house to pond in the nude .
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One evening, Emma received a knock at her door from the police.
The officer informed her that there’d been reports of an intruder roaming through Emma’s sheep field. The person was described as a 52-year-old naked man.
Needless to say, Emma didn’t press charges.
8. Emma once had her own series on the BBC.
Emma’s variety show was simply called, Thompson . It featured Emma’s then-boyfriend, Kenneth Branagh ( Thor , Hamlet ), as well as an array of musical and comedic guest stars.
The series was canceled after only six episodes.
9. She was nearly kicked-out of her house — by her own family!
For her role in The Children Act , Emma had to become incredibly proficient at the piano . This required her to practice for literally hours on end.
It got so bad, that her own family forced her to practice out of the house!
10. She has strong ties to YA lit culture.
Emma has appeared in two Harry Potter sequels as the flighty mistress of Divination, Professor Sybill Trelawney.
She also starred in/wrote the screenplays for both of the Nanny McPhee films, which are based on the “Nurse Matilda” book series.
11. Emma could have been the First Lady.
During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , Emma spilled the tea about how she’d once been propositioned by Donald J. Trump!
He somehow got Emma’s number while she was filming Primary Colors and asked her on a date!
12. You need to hear the story of Emma’s adoptive son.
Tindy was a refugee who came to the UK after the Rwandan genocide in the early ’90s.
By the time he was 13, Tindy had already been forced into becoming a child soldier.
Tindy met Emma and Greg at the annual refugee Christmas party, hosted by Emma.
There was an instant connection between the three of them. Emma and Greg quickly grew to love Tindy as if he was their own son.
Shortly after his 16th birthday, Emma and Greg adopted Tindy.
