Emma Thompson and I have three things in common.

First, she is a London girl, born on 15 April 1959 in Paddington. I arrived on the planet 10 years earlier, but, only a few miles away.

Second, we both love words and understand their power to transform the world.

As she once said:

I think books are like people; they turn up in your life when you need them most

Finally, Emma lost a parent (her father) when she was a teenager and, through the grief, found the beauty of an empty space that encouraged determination and tenacity. I lost my mum when I was very young and the experience had a similar impact on me.

Today is Emma’s 59th birthday. So, let’s take a quick look at her life and work so far and wish her a very Happy Birthday!

Emma Thompson’s Roles that We Loved

Emma is a British actress, screenwriter and author. Her acting career displayed her talent for portraying mysterious, strong women, often in period dramas and literary adaptations. She also has a presence that is perfect for matronly characters with a sense of wit.

She is known for portraying a wide range of characters including Mary Poppins, Sybil Trelawney in the Harry Potter series and Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility.

Emma Thompson also played a powerful role in one of my favorite all time movies which I’ll mention later. She made Hollywood debut playing the role of a goofy doctor alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and DeVito in the successful movie Junior.

More recently, she played the role of a hilarious straight-faced doctor in the comedy Bridget Jones’s Baby. In fact, she co-wrote the screen play for that movie as well!

Quotes on Life, Living and Kindness

Emma Thompson has a deep understanding of human emotion. She is quoted so many times I also find inspiration in her words. About having possessions, she said:

Sometimes you’ll have some things, and sometimes you’ll have other things. And you do not need it all at once; it’s not good for you.

And on kindness, she said:

It’s unfortunate and I really wish I wouldn’t have to say this, but I really like human beings who have suffered. They’re kinder.

I just love her depth.

A Woman of Principles Who Uses Her Voice

Emma is an activist in the areas of human rights and environmentalism and has received many comments for her outspokenness. But, she speaks her own truth and I respect that.

She may not share the views of every woman in our community, but she clearly believes that women should be true to their values and beliefs.

She is Why I Love “Love Actually”

Finally, one of my favorite movies is Love Actually. Well besides the fact that Hugh Grant is adorable and that it is lovely feel good holiday movie, Emma Thompson stole the show for me.

The way she handles the relationship with her adulterous husband (Alan Rickman) is just so tender, real and powerful.

Emma Thompson is a spectacular actress and we wish her a very Happy Birthday today.

Happy 59th Birthday, Emma Thompson! We wish you all the happiness in the world!

Let’s wish Emma Thompson a very happy 59th birthday! Are you an Emma Thompson fan? What is your favorite Emma Thompson film? Let’s have a chat!