Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Imelda Staunton Biography

Birth Name:Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton

Birth Place:London, England, United Kingdom

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Was awarded the O․B․E․ in 2006 for her services to drama
Graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Born to Joseph, a road-worker, and Bridie, a hairdresser and musician
Has a daughter, Bessie, who acted with her and her husband Jim in the show "Cranford․"
Married actor Jim Carter in 1983
Her elocution teacher at La Sainte Union Convent School noticed her acting potential and encouraged her to participate in school plays, which she did by starring in a production of "The Beggar's Opera․"
Quote: "We actors are like children - all you have to do is feed and encourage us, and we'll be fine․"
Known for her versatility, some of her most recognizable characters are in "Vera Drake" and in the "Harry Potter" film series
Played many roles early in her career that would have been considered mundane if she hadn't incorporated such complexity into them
In May 1987, she participated in the National Theatre 80th birthday tribute to Lord Olivier in the play "Happy Birthday, Sir Larry․"
Looks up to Bette Davis, Vivien Leigh and Maya Angelou
Released an album in 2014 titled "Centenary: Words and Music of the Great War․"
Thinks it's silly that celebrities get free gifts at awards shows, and has stated that because of the practice, she will never have to buy moisturizer again
Voiced the role of Izzy Comyn in the BBC Radio drama series "Julie Enfield Investigates․"

Awards

1999Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast: winner
2000IFTA Award-Best Actress: nominated
2004ACCA-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
2004British Independent Film Award-Best Actress: winner
2004CFCA Award-Best Actress: winner
2004European Film Award-European Actress: winner
2004LAFCA Award-Best Actress: winner
2004NYFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
2004NYFCO Award-Best Actress: winner
2004SDFCS Award-Best Actress: winner
2004Seattle Film Critics Award-Best Actress: winner
2004SEFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
2004TFCA Award-Best Performance, Female: winner
2004UFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
2004Volpi Cup-Best Actress: winner
2004VVFP Award-Best Performance: winner
2004WAFCA Award-Best Actress: winner
2004WFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
2005Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
2005Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
2005BAFTA Film Award-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: winner
2005Chlotrudis Award-Best Actress: winner
2005Critics Choice Award-Best Actress: nominated
2005DFWFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
2005Empire Award-Best British Actress: nominated
2005Evening Standard British Film Award-Best Actress: winner
2005Gold Derby Film Award-Lead Actress: nominated
2005Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
2005INOCA-Best Actress: nominated
2005IFC Award-Best Actress: winner
2005IOMA-Best Actress (Miglior attrice protagonista): nominated
2005ALFS Award-Actress of the Year: winner
2005NSFC Award-Best Actress: winner
2005OFTA Film Award-Best Actress: nominated
2005OFCS Award-Best Actress: nominated
2005Golden Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: nominated
2005VFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
2006Emmy-Best Performance by an Actress: nominated
2006Audience Award-Best Foreign Actress (Melhor Atriz Estrangeira): winner
2007Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie: Villain: nominated
2008Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2008ALFS Award-British Supporting Actress of the Year: nominated
2009Audience Award-Best Actress - Comedy: winner
2010Movies for Grownups Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2010Movies for Grownups Award-Best Grownup Love Story: nominated
2010BAFTA TV Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2010OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
2010SDFCS Award-Best Ensemble Performance: nominated
2013Annie-Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production: nominated
2013BAFTA TV Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2013BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Female Vocal Performance in a Feature Film: nominated
2013BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film: nominated
2013Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries: nominated
2013OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
2013Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
2014British Independent Film Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
2015BAFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2015Chlotrudis Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2015CinEuphoria-Best Supporting Actress - International Competition: nominated
2015National Film Award-Best Actress: nominated
2020CinEuphoria-Best Ensemble - International Competition: nominated
2020Fright Meter Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2023Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2023BAFTA TV Award-Leading Actress: nominated
2023Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama: nominated
2023OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
2024Movies for Grownups Award-Best Actress - Television: nominated
2024Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2024Astra TV Award-Best Actress in a Streaming Drama Series: nominated
2024Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Actress: nominated
2024Golden Globe-Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama: nominated
2024OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a Drama Series: winner
2024Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
2024Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Series, Drama or Genre: nominated
2025Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Series, Drama or Genre: nominated