Emily Mortimer

Biography

Emily Mortimer is a talented British actress, screenwriter, and director, widely admired for her intelligence, grace, and versatility on screen. Born on December 1, 1971, in Hammersmith, London, England, she is the daughter of renowned writer and barrister Sir John Mortimer and novelist Penelope Gollop. Growing up in a literary and artistic household, Emily developed a passion for storytelling and performance from an early age.

Mortimer studied English and Russian at Oxford University, where she also began performing in stage productions, sparking her interest in acting as a career. After graduating, she started working in British television and theater before transitioning to film.

Her early film roles included appearances in Notting Hill (1999) and Scream 3 (2000), but her breakthrough came with Lovely & Amazing (2001), a role that earned her critical acclaim and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female. Over the years, Mortimer has built an impressive filmography, featuring standout performances in Match Point (2005), Lars and the Real Girl (2007), Shutter Island (2010), and Mary Poppins Returns (2018).

In addition to her acting career, Emily Mortimer has expanded into writing and directing. She co-created and starred in the television series Doll & Em (2014–2015), a semi-autobiographical comedy about friendship and fame. In 2021, she made her directorial debut with The Pursuit of Love, a television adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s classic novel, which was praised for its wit, charm, and emotional depth.