Joseph Fiennes

Born in 1970, Joseph Fiennes (full name Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes) is an English film, stage, and television actor. He plays Gareth Southgate in National Theatre’s Dear England at the Prince Edward Theatre.

After growing up in West Cork, Ireland, and initially studying fine art in Suffolk, Fiennes decided his interests lay in theatre. He joined the Young Vic Youth Theatre and then trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for three years before graduating in 1983.

His first professional stage appearance was the 1993 West End production of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, where he played the Actor. Following this role, Fiennes starred alongside Helen Mirrin in A Month in the Country and then joined the Royal Shakespeare Company for two seasons.

In 1998 he experienced a significant breakthrough in his film career by appearing in two award-winning movies. One of these was the Academy Award-winning film Elizabeth, where he portrayed Robert Dudley alongside Cate Blanchett and Richard Attenborough. Additionally, he took on the lead role in Shakespeare in Love, a performance that garnered him extensive praise from critics. This acclaim translated into nominations for prestigious awards such as BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild. His filmography also boasts notable works like "Luther," "The Merchant of Venice," and "American Horror Story".

In addition to his remarkable achievements in television and film, Joseph Fiennes has also established an outstanding reputation within the realm of theatre. He has appeared in several critically acclaimed productions, including, Othello, Edward II, and Love’s Labour Lost These performances have taken place in renowned theatres across the United Kingdom, including the West End, Sheffield, Chichester, and beyond. Fiennes' multifaceted talent and dedication have solidified his position as a revered figure in the performing arts world.