theOscarSite Facts:
Birth Name:
  • Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton
Birth Date:
  • 9 January 1956
Birthplace:
  • London, England, UK
Personal Quote:
  • "I am a character actress, well, let's say, I am a leading character actress who does interesting, odd parts."
Factoids:
  • She has said that her idols are Bette Davis, Vivien Leigh and Maya Angelou.
  • Awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2006 New Year's Honours List for her services to drama
Claims to Fame:
  • Won the Olivier Award and London Critics Circle Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for A Chorus of Disapproval and The Corn Is Green (1986).
  • Won Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Guys and Dolls (1997).
Education:
  • Attended La Sainte Union Convent, London
  • Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London.
Significant Other:
  • Husband: Jim Carter, actor (c. 1985 - present)
Family:
  • Daughter: Bessie, b. 1993.
Feature Film
Credits:
  • 2009: A BUNCH OF AMATEURS
  • 2008: THREE AND OUT
  • 2007: WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL YOUR LIFE?, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, HOW ABOUT YOU, FREEDOM WRITERS
  • 2005: NANNY McPHEE
  • 2004: VERA DRAKE
  • 2003: I'LL BE THERE, BLACKBALL, BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS, THE VIRGIN OF LIVERPOOL
  • 2002: READY
  • 2001: CRUSH, ANOTHER LIFE
  • 2000: RAT, CHICKEN RUN (voice)
  • 1998: SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
  • 1997: REMEMBER ME?
  • 1996: TWELFTH NIGHT OR WHAT YOU WILL
  • 1995: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
  • 1993: DEADLY ADVICE, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
  • 1992: PETER'S FRIENDS
  • 1991: ANTONIA AND JANE
  • 1990: THEY NEVER SLEPT
Academy Awards®:
  •  Nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 2004: VERA DRAKE

  • 1 nomination