Did Emma Thompson Always Want to Be an Actor?
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Synopsis
Emma Thompson shares her unexpected journey into acting, revealing her initial reluctance and how her career took shape. Discover her latest role in 'Dead of Winter' alongside her daughter and her thoughts on diverse roles for older actresses.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Thompson never intended to pursue acting.
- She transitioned from comedy to acting by chance.
- 'Dead of Winter' presented significant physical challenges.
- Filming in Finland was particularly demanding due to extreme cold.
- Thompson sees improved opportunities for older actresses.
Los Angeles, Oct 15 (NationPress) Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson has disclosed that she never envisioned a career in acting, perceiving it as a rather uncertain profession.
The 66-year-old star, who clinched the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1992 film Howards End, shared with HELLO! magazine: "I didn't grow up wanting to be an actor at all. It always seemed like a rather precarious job to me – and it is! I remember wanting to be a hospital administrator at one point."
"But then, somehow, I became a comedian. Acting came to me from that, rather by chance. I never intended to pursue this as a career, but it has turned out quite well," said the actress, whose parents Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law are both actors.
The actress's most recent film role is alongside her daughter Gaia, 25, whom she shares with husband Greg Wise, in the action thriller Dead of Winter, which she described as physically demanding.
She mentioned: "I had to exercise and get in shape. There was a lot of running around, which I’m really not accustomed to. It was physically challenging, to the point that I must have strained nearly every muscle in my body at some time – but I loved it!"
Thompson elaborated that the physical challenge was intensified by the fact that the film was shot in extremely cold conditions in Finland.
She reported: "It was -27C at times. Being English, I thought I was used to the cold, but you have never experienced cold like that."
The “Love Actually” actress recounted a particularly challenging underwater scene with co-star Judy Greer.
Thompson reflected: "We trained for weeks with an incredible man named Kirk Krack (a freediver). It was tough initially, but by the end of those weeks, we could hold our breath underwater for three to four minutes."
Thompson believes her role in “Dead of Winter” highlights the variety of roles available to older female actors.
When asked if mature actresses are receiving improved roles, she responded: "I think so. I wouldn’t say it’s dramatically more. It’s not like: ‘Oh my God, thank goodness!’ But I’ve always been a character actor, so I’m not pressured to conform to any specific ideals of beauty or physique. I think that can be burdensome. I’ve encountered more compelling roles in my sixties than at any other point in my career."
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the evolving landscape of roles for older actresses, as exemplified by Emma Thompson. Her journey reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where diverse, meaningful roles are becoming increasingly available for mature talent. Thompson's insights on her career transition and her recent experiences on set provide a valuable perspective on the changing dynamics of representation in Hollywood.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Emma Thompson to act?
Emma Thompson initially did not aspire to be an actor, viewing it as a precarious profession. Her journey into acting began accidentally after she became a comedian.
What is Emma Thompson's latest film?
Emma Thompson's latest film is 'Dead of Winter', where she stars alongside her daughter, Gaia.
How did Thompson prepare for her role in 'Dead of Winter'?
Thompson prepared for her role by exercising and getting fit, as the film required a lot of physical activity.
What challenges did Thompson face while filming in Finland?
Thompson faced extreme cold while filming in Finland, with temperatures dropping to -27C, which intensified the physical demands of her role.
Does Emma Thompson believe older actresses are getting better roles?
Thompson believes that while the opportunities for older actresses are improving, it's not a dramatic change. She feels fortunate to have more interesting roles in her sixties.
