You’ll no doubt recognise Emerald Fennell as flame-haired Nurse Patsy Mount in Call the Midwife. But there's much more to this multi-talented actress than meets the eye!
Emerald Fennell's Oscar win
We're thrilled that Emerald won the best original screenplay Oscar for her debut film Promising Young Women at the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
When accepting the award, Emerald said: 'They said write a speech and I didn’t because I didn’t think this would happen, I’m going to be in trouble with Stephen Soderbergh, I’m so sorry...
'The only speech I ever wrote was when I was 10 - it mainly thanks Morris from 'Saved by the Bell'. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as much of my life as I’d hoped.
'I’m trying very hard not to cry, which is very difficult because as an English person, we don’t cry ever.'
Emerald was a strong favourite for the award from the outset, having already won the Bafta and Writers Guild award for best original screenplay.
While attending the awards, Emerald also debuted her growing baby bump. This will be her second child with partner, Chris Verno. Congratulations Emerald!
Who is Emerald Fennell?
Emerald Lilly Fennell is an English actor, author, screenwriter and director.
How old is Emerald Fennell?
Emerald was born on October 1, 1985 and is currently 34 years old.
Where is she from?
Emerald was born in London, England but she went to school in Wiltshire and then went on to study English at Oxford University.
Who are her parents?
Fame runs in the family when it comes to the Fennells! Emerald’s dad is Theo Fennell, a well-known jewellery designer. He also makes trophies for various sporting events such as the Formula One Grand Prix and FA Cup Final. Her mum, Louise Fennell, is an author. Emerald also has a sister, Coco, who is a fashion designer.
Does Emerald Fennell have a partner?
Emerald is currently pregnant with her second child with husband Chris Vernon but is eager to keep her relationship out of the limelight. She did thank him in her Oscars acceptance speech, however:
'Finally, my family, mum, dad, Coco, my husband, Chris… Come on. Our son who did not arrive until a couple of weeks after shooting, thank God, I crossed my legs all the way through. Thank God.'
Emerald's TV shows and film appearances
The award-nominated actress is best known (aside from Call the Midwife) for her role in Channel 4’s sitcom Chickens, and she’s also appeared in Trial and Retribution, New Tricks, Drifters and TV films The Lady Vanishes and Murder on the Home Front.
She also took over from the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge as header writer for the second series of the highly successful spy drama, Killing Eve.
You might also recognise her from the films Anna Karenina, The Danish Girl, Albert Nobbs or Mr Nice.
Emerald Fennell in Call the Midwife
Emerald played Nurse Patsy Mount for four series, joining in series two. Patsy is a close friend (and roommate) to Nurse Trixie, and although she attracted her fair share of male interest thanks to her gorgeous red hair, it became clear in series four that she was in a relationship with Delia Busby, in a time when it was illegal to be in a same-sex relationship.
Emerald Fennell in Victoria
Emerald also appeared in the highly popular Victoriadrama series from season two as the role of Lord Byron’s daughter, Lady Ada Lovelace.
Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker Bowles in The Crown
If you've not already seen The Crown series three, the season explores Prince Charles and Camilla's early relationship.
During an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, she said: "I think anyone who watched it would think it was fair and brilliant and beautifully done... I hope."
"I hope that it feels true. She was a young woman who fell in love with someone.
"And it's a story I think that maybe hasn't been told - the kind of story pre his marriage. So I hope that I have done a good job."
Emerald's writing career
Emerald is a woman of many talents. Much like her mum Louise, she has a great skill for writing. Her first novel was a children’s fantasy named Shiverton Hall and followed it with two sequels in 2014. It was published by Bloomsbury Children's Books in January 2013. In 2015, she went on to publish the book Monsters – an adult horror book.
Promising Young Woman
More recently, Emerald wrote, directed and co-produced the film Promising Young Woman in. 2020, her directorial debut. The American black comedy thriller starring Carey Mulligan and sees a young woman target a series of men, to show them the error of their ways following sexual assault.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in January 2020 and was due to be released in April 2020 but thanks to the coronavirus, this was pushed back. Promising Young Woman is currently available On Demand with Sky Cinema.
Is Emerald Fennell related to Joanna Lumley?
Despite their close resemblance (especially when she rocks a blonde hairdo Emerald is not related to Ab-Fab star, Joanna.
Does Emerald Fennell have Instagram?
For those of you wanting to keep up with Emerald on her social media channels, you may struggle, as Emerald currently doesn’t have an Instagram account. However, you can find her on Twitter where you're likely to see what she's been getting up to on-and-off-screen.
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