Emily Watson

'Emily Watson' (qv) was born and raised in London, the daughter of Katharine (Venables), an English teacher, and Richard Watson, an architect. After a self-described sheltered upbringing, Watson attended university for three years in Bristol, studying English literature. She applied to drama school and was rejected on her first attempt.After three years of working in clerical and waitress jobs she was finally accepted. In 1992, she took a position with the Royal Shakespeare Company where she met her future husband, 'Jack Waters' (qv). Continuing stage work, Watson landed her first screen role as Bess McNeill in _Breaking the Waves (1996)_ (qv) after 'Helena Bonham Carter' (qv) pulled out of the role. For this initial foray into movies, Watson was nominated for an Academy Award. She continued to gain success in Britain in the leading roles in _Metroland (1997)_ (qv) and _The Mill on the Floss (1997)_ (qv), but her first popular film in the United States came in 1997 when she played 'Daniel Day-Lewis' (qv)'s long-suffering love interest in _The Boxer (1997)_ (qv).In the next two years she won critical acclaim for her portrayal of cellist 'Jacqueline du Pré' (qv) in _Hilary and Jackie (1998)_ (qv) and landed a small part in the ensemble cast of 'Tim Robbins' (qv)'s _Cradle Will Rock (1999)_ (qv). Critical acclaim and North American success came together for Watson in 1999 with the release of _Angela's Ashes (1999)_ (qv), the film adaptation of 'Frank McCourt' (qv)'s bestselling book of the same name. She achieved top billing as Angela McCourt, the hardworking mother of several children and wife of a drunken husband in depression-era Ireland. After less-celebrated roles in 2000's _Trixie (2000)_ (qv) and _The Luzhin Defence (2000)_ (qv), Watson again returned to an ensemble cast in 'Robert Altman' (qv)'s _Gosford Park (2001)_ (qv).Watson's status as a leading actress in major Hollywood productions was cemented in 2002 with her roles in _Red Dragon (2002)_ (qv), the third installment of Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lechter series; the futuristic _Equilibrium (2002)_ (qv); and, most notably, in 'Paul Thomas Anderson' (qv)'s _Punch-Drunk Love (2002)_ (qv), playing opposite 'Adam Sandler' (qv). While returning to the stage in 2002 and 2003 on both sides of the Atlantic, Watson has expressed interest in again working with Anderson. 'Emily Watson' (qv) lives in London, England, UK, with her husband, 'Jack Waters' (qv).::Anonymous