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Joseph Fiennes Movies And TV Shows - A Journey Through His Diverse Roles

Joseph Fiennes movies and TV shows highlight the impressive career of the renowned English film and stage actor. Born in Salisbury, England, Fiennes embarked on his theatrical journey with plays such as ‘The Woman in Black.’

Author:Iram Martins
Reviewer:Elisa Mueller
Jan 27, 2024
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Joseph Fiennes movies and TV showshighlight the impressive career of the renowned English film and stage actor. Born in Salisbury, England, Fiennes embarked on his theatrical journey with plays such as ‘The Woman in Black.’ His breakthrough came with the romantic comedy-drama film 'Shakespeare in Love,' where he brilliantly portrayed the iconic English playwright William Shakespeare.
Simultaneously, Fiennes gained attention for his role in the British biographical film 'Elizabeth,' loosely based on the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign. This performance earned him a nomination for the 'Screen Actors Guild Award' for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor.

Childhood And Early Life

Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes was born on May 27, 1970, in Salisbury, England, UK. His parents, Mark Fiennes and Jennifer Lash, were notable figures in their respective fields - Mark being an English photographer, illustrator, and farmer, and Jennifer a writer. Among his five successful siblings are Ralph Fiennes, Martha Fiennes, Magnus Fiennes, Sophie Fiennes, and Jacob Fiennes. Additionally, he has a foster brother, Michael Emery, who pursued a career in archaeology.
Fiennes' educational journey included attending schools like Leehurst Swan School and Bishop Wordsworth’s School. He spent a year at an art school in Suffolk before joining the Young Vic Youth Theatre. Subsequently, he underwent a three-year training at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 1993.

Career

Joseph Fiennes began his professional stage career with a role in 'The Woman in Black' before moving on to 'A Month in the Country.' His cinematic debut came in the 1996 drama 'Stealing Beauty,' a film exploring the life of a grieving teenage girl that received mixed reviews.
Fiennes gained acclaim in 1998 for his role in 'Elizabeth,' a successful film depicting the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign, earning several awards, including an Oscar. That same year, he played a key role in the immensely successful romantic comedy-drama 'Shakespeare in Love,' considered a pinnacle in his career, with 13 Oscar nominations and seven wins.
The success of 'Shakespeare in Love' elevated Fiennes' popularity and secured him significant roles in subsequent films. In 2001, he took the lead in the war film 'Enemy at the Gates,' which was commercially successful. The following year, he starred in 'Killing Me Softly.'
Over the years, Fiennes played notable roles in films like 'Merchant of Venice' (2004), 'The Darwin Awards' (2006), 'The Escapist' (2008), and 'Hercules' (2014). He also ventured into television, starring in the lead role in the ABC series 'Flashforward' (2009) and joining the second season of 'American Horror Story' in 2012. He also feature in the 2016 Biblical drama 'Risen,' where he played the lead role. The commercially successful film received mixed reviews.
Joseph Fiennes with his wife María Dolores Diéguez at an event
Joseph Fiennes with his wife María Dolores Diéguez at an event

Major Works

Joseph Fiennes played a significant role in the 1998 film 'Elizabeth,' directed by Shekhar Kapur. The movie, centered around the reign of Queen Elizabeth, was a commercial success and earned two Oscar nominations, winning one. The star-studded cast included Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Richard Attenborough, and Christopher Eccleston.
In the same year, Fiennes took on the role of the renowned English playwright William Shakespeare in the romantic comedy-drama 'Shakespeare in Love,' directed by John Madden. The film, featuring Gwenyth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, and Ben Affleck, depicted an imaginary love story between Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps. 'Shakespeare in Love' not only achieved massive commercial success but also secured seven Oscars, receiving positive reviews from critics.
Joseph Fiennes is also recognized for his part in the 2004 romantic drama film 'The Merchant of Venice,' directed by Michael Radford. Based on William Shakespeare's famous play of the same name, the film received mostly positive reviews but faced commercial disappointment.

Awards And Achievements

In 1998, Joseph Fiennes received the 'Broadcast Film Critics Association Award' for Breakthrough Artist in recognition of his performance in the film 'Elizabeth.' Additionally, his notable role in 'Shakespeare in Love' garnered him several awards, including the 'MTV Movie Award' and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in the same year.

Personal Life

Joseph Fiennes tied the knot with María Dolores Diéguez, a Swiss model of Spanish/Galician heritage, in August 2009. The couple celebrated their union in a Roman Catholic ceremony held in Tuscany. They are blessed with two daughters named Eva and Isabel. The family currently calls Mallorca, Spain, their home, residing near Palma.

Movies And TV Shows

Joseph Fiennes has had a diverse and accomplished career in film, participating in various genres and earning recognition for his performances. Here is a glimpse of some of the movies in which he has been involved:
  • "Stealing Beauty" (1996):Fiennes made his film debut in this drama, which explores the life of a teenage girl coping with the recent loss of her mother. The film received mixed reviews from critics.
  • "Elizabeth" (1998):Fiennes portrayed a significant role in this historical drama based on the early years of Queen Elizabeth I's reign. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning several awards, including an Oscar.
  • "Shakespeare in Love" (1998):In this romantic comedy-drama, Fiennes played the iconic English playwright William Shakespeare. The film was a massive success, winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture.
  • "Enemy at the Gates" (2001):Fiennes took on the lead role in this war film set during the Battle of Stalingrad. The movie was commercially successful.
  • "Killing Me Softly" (2002):Fiennes played a main role in this romantic thriller, adding diversity to his filmography.
  • "The Merchant of Venice" (2004):In this romantic drama based on William Shakespeare's play, Fiennes showcased his versatility as an actor. Although it received positive reviews, the film faced commercial challenges.
  • "The Darwin Awards" (2006):Fiennes was part of the cast in this dark comedy exploring the concept of the Darwin Awards, which humorously commemorates those who contribute to human evolution by removing themselves from the gene pool.
  • "The Escapist" (2008):Fiennes took on a significant role in this British-Irish thriller film centered around a prison break.
  • "Hercules" (2014):Fiennes appeared in this action-adventure film based on the mythical hero Hercules, showcasing his involvement in the fantasy genre.
  • "Risen" (2016):Fiennes played the lead role in this Biblical drama, depicting a Roman military tribune investigating the resurrection of Jesus. The film performed well commercially, despite mixed reviews.
  • "Running with Scissors" (2006):Fiennes had a supporting role in this dark comedy-drama film, which is based on Augusten Burroughs' memoir of the same name.
  • "The Red Baron" (2008):Fiennes starred in this German-British biographical action film, portraying the World War I flying ace Manfred von Richthofen.
  • "Flashforward" (2009-2010):While not a movie, Fiennes played the lead role in this television series. He portrayed FBI Special Agent Mark Benford in this science fiction series that explores a global blackout and the visions of the future that people experience during it.
  • "Camelot" (2011):Fiennes played the role of Merlin in this historical-fantasy drama television series that reimagines the Arthurian legend.
  • "American Horror Story: Asylum" (2012-2013):In the second season of the popular horror anthology series, Fiennes joined the cast, portraying the Monsignor Timothy Howard.
  • "Hercules" (2014):Fiennes appeared in this action-adventure film, playing the role of King Eurystheus.
  • "Shakespeare's Sonnets" (2016):Fiennes lent his voice to this documentary that explores William Shakespeare's sonnets and features a diverse cast of readers.
  • "The Handmaid's Tale" (2017):Fiennes joined the cast of this acclaimed television series in its second season, playing the role of Commander Fred Waterford.
  • "The Last Race" (2018):Fiennes appeared in this documentary film that explores the culture of stock car racing on Long Island.
  • "The Great Hack" (2019):Fiennes narrated this documentary that delves into the influence of big data on modern political and social landscapes.
Joseph Fiennes wearing a black suit on a white shirt and black bow tie
Joseph Fiennes wearing a black suit on a white shirt and black bow tie

Joseph Fiennes Net Worth

As of early 2020, Joseph Fiennes is estimated to have a net worth of $10 million, a wealth accumulated through his thriving acting career. He earned a significant portion of his income by portraying diverse characters in a series of successful films.
One of his notable films, "Shakespeare in Love," proved to be a box office hit, generating $289.3 million worldwide against a $25 million budget. It ranked as the 9th highest-grossing film of 1998.
His subsequent film, "Elizabeth," also contributed to his financial success, grossing $82.1 million. Fiennes' ability to take on compelling roles in commercially successful projects has undoubtedly played a key role in building his substantial net worth.

Joseph Fiennes Movies And TV Shows

What Was Joseph Fiennes' Film Debut?

Joseph Fiennes made his film debut in the 1996 drama "Stealing Beauty," marking the beginning of his cinematic career.

Which Award Did Joseph Fiennes Win?

Joseph Fiennes earned the 'Broadcast Film Critics Association Award' for Breakthrough Artist for his compelling performance in "Elizabeth," marking a significant acknowledgment of his rising talent in the film industry.

Who Did Joseph Fiennes Portray In Shakespeare In Love?

Joseph Fiennes portrayed the iconic English playwright William Shakespeare in "Shakespeare in Love," a role that significantly contributed to his career success and popularity in the industry.

What Additional Role Did Joseph Fiennes Take On?

In addition to his acting prowess, Joseph Fiennes lent his voice to the documentary "Shakespeare's Sonnets" (2016), providing narration that enriched the exploration of William Shakespeare's poetic works.

Summary

In conclusion, our venture through Joseph Fiennes's movies and TV shows provides a glimpse into the breadth of his talent and the rich tapestry of characters he has brought to life. From breakthrough moments to blockbuster hits, Fiennes' journey in the world of entertainment has been nothing short of remarkable, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his cinematic story.
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Iram Martins

Iram Martins

Author
Iram Martins is a seasoned travel writer and explorer with over a decade of experience in uncovering the world's hidden gems. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management from the University of Lisbon, Iram's credentials highlight his authority in the realm of travel. As an author of numerous travel guides and articles for top travel publications, his writing is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and practical insights. Iram’s passion for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path adventures shines through in his work, captivating readers and inspiring wanderlust. Outside of his writing pursuits, Iram enjoys learning new languages, reviewing films and TV shows, writing about celebrity lifestyles, and attending cultural festivals.
Elisa Mueller

Elisa Mueller

Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film. She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide. With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth. Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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