Emma Thompson stands out as a multi-talented talent in acting and screenwriting. With two Oscars and a lifelong commitment to drama, she inspires audiences worldwide. Discover little-known facts about her career, activism, and iconic roles that highlight her unique presence in Hollywood and British theatre.
Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson is the only person to win Academy Awards for both acting and screenwriting.
She wrote the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility (1995) in just six weeks, which won her an Oscar.
Her two Oscars were presented by her frequent co-star Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Emma’s parents were actors Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law, giving her a theatrical upbringing.
She is a skilled member of the Cambridge Footlights, where she honed her comedy early in her career.
In the late 1980s, she gained attention for her performances in the BBC series Tutti Frutti and Fortunes of War.
Emma declined an offer to star in James Bond films multiple times, preferring to focus on dramatic roles.
She won a BAFTA for Best Actress for her role in Howards End (1992), a role that solidified her film career.
Emma Thompson famously reprised her role as Professor McGonagall in multiple Harry Potter films, becoming a favorite among fans.
She has a distinct voice and narrated the film Nanny McPhee (2005) while also starring in it.
Emma’s environmental activism includes voicing strong support for climate change initiatives and sustainable living.
She adapted and starred in the dark comedy Nanny McPhee based on a children’s book by Christianna Brand.
Emma Thompson won an Emmy for her guest role on Ellen in 1998, a rare comedic foray for the dramatic actress.
She has played roles in multiple Shakespearean films, including Much Ado About Nothing and Love Actually.
In 2018, Emma was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire for her contributions to drama.
Anne Hathaway has captivated audiences for decades with her versatile acting skills. You likely know her from The Devil Wears Prada or her Oscar-winning role in Les Misérables. However, her path to stardom contained many unexpected twists and turns. She faced rejection, dangerous accidents, and even a cancelled superhero movie. Furthermore, her personal life holds some strange historical coincidences. Let's explore the lesser-known stories about this talented Hollywood icon.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway originally wanted to become a nun during her childhood. However, she abandoned this specific path after her older brother came out as gay.
Her parents named her after the wife of the famous playwright William Shakespeare. Strangely, fans often note that her husband bears a striking resemblance to the poet.
She was actually the ninth choice for her iconic role in The Devil Wears Prada. Rachel McAdams turned down the part three times before the studio hired her.
During the filming of Interstellar, her space suit leaked in the cold water. She almost developed hypothermia after spending hours submerged in the freezing tank.
The funny scene where she falls off the bleachers in The Princess Diaries was real. The director liked the genuine accident and kept it in the final movie.
She famously lied to director Ang Lee about her ability to ride a horse. Consequently, she struggled during filming for Brokeback Mountain in front of 300 extras.
Anne Hathaway was officially cast as Black Cat in the cancelled movie Spider-Man 4. Unfortunately, the studio scrapped the project before she could ever wear the costume.
She turned down the lead female role in the hit comedy Knocked Up. She felt uncomfortable with the director’s plan to show a graphic birth scene.
For her role in Les Misérables, she ate dried oatmeal paste to lose weight. She lost a total of 25 pounds (11 kg) for the difficult part.
A dangerous riptide almost drowned her while she was swimming in Hawaii. Luckily, a surfer saw her struggle and brought her safely back to the shore.
Her very first acting role was in the television series Get Real. She missed her first semester of college to film The Princess Diaries shortly after.
She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her voice-over work on television. She provided the voice for Princess Penelope in an episode of The Simpsons.
She has a deep passion for physics and watches videos about it daily. Additionally, she holds a strong interest in interior design and home decor.
Anne Hathaway trained extensively in martial arts for The Dark Knight Rises. She learned to fight in high heels to play the character Catwoman perfectly.
She once broke her arm after falling off a bicycle in New York. Despite the injury, she continued to make public appearances with her arm in a sling.
Dame Judi Dench is far more than a legendary actress—she’s a fearless spirit with humor, grace, and endless creativity. From surprising tattoos to royal roles and unstoppable energy, Judi Dench continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Here’s what you didn’t know about her remarkable journey.
Judi Dench
Judi Dench made her professional debut in 1957 at the Old Vic Theatre as Ophelia in Hamlet.
She initially wanted to be a set designer before discovering her love for performance.
Dench earned an Oscar for just eight minutes of screen time in Shakespeare in Love.
She has portrayed Queen Victoria twice—first in Mrs. Brown and later in Victoria & Abdul.
Dench became globally famous as “M” in the James Bond films, starting with GoldenEye (1995).
She holds over 50 major acting awards across theatre, film, and television.
Her eyesight has deteriorated due to macular degeneration, yet she continues to work.
Dench once tattooed “Carpe Diem” on her wrist for her 81st birthday.
She is known for being remarkably down-to-earth and humorous off-camera.
Judi Dench is an expert gardener and spends hours pruning and planting at home.
She’s part of the British royal honours list as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
She has voiced characters in animated films like Nine and Cats Don’t Dance.
Dench starred in the same film, The Importance of Being Earnest, twice—decades apart.
She acted on stage well into her eighties, defying retirement expectations.
Judi Dench reportedly keeps stuffed toys of all her film characters at home as keepsakes.
