Joseph Fiennes is a well-known English film and stage actor. Born in Salisbury, England, he began his career on the stage with plays such as ‘The Woman in Black’. He gained prominence after his role in the romantic comedy drama film 'Shakespeare in Love' where he portrayed the famous English playwright William Shakespeare. At around the same time he also gained attention for his role in the British biographical film 'Elizabeth', which was loosely based on the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign. His role won him a nomination for 'Screen Actors Guild Award' for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor. Over the years he appeared in several films, such as 'Enemy at the Gates', an American war film where he portrayed Commissar Danilov, one of the main characters, and 'Merchant of Venice' a film based on Shakespeare's play of the same name, where he portrayed the character Basanio. He has also made few appearances on TV. He played an important role in the second season of the popular horror anthology series 'American Horror Story'. His most recent work on television is 'The Handmaid's Tale' where he plays one of the main roles
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Birth Place
Salisbury, United Kingdom
Also Known As
Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Spouse(s)
Maria Dolores Dieguez (m. 2009)
Siblings
Jacob Fiennes, Magnus Fiennes, Martha Fiennes, Michael Emery, Ralph Fiennes, Sophie Fiennes
Relative(s)
Hero Fiennes-Tiffin (nephew) Ralph Fiennes (brother) Jacob Fiennes (twin brother) Martha Fiennes (sister) Magnus Fiennes (brother) Sophie Fiennes (sister) Sir Ranulph Fiennes (cousin)