The Best English Actresses of All Time
When it comes to the best English actresses of all time, there will likely be a heated debate. Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, and Audrey Hepburn immediately come to mind, but when you really start thinking, there are tons of fantastic actresses from England who have, throughout film history, made their marks as truly some of the greats.
Who are the all-time top English actresses in history? Dames like Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are certainly great English actresses, but so are some of the women on this list who have passed on. Fantastic actresses like Vivien Leigh and Deborah Kerr earned their rightful spots in film history by turning in classic film performances and making many great movies.
Emily Blunt and Helena Bonham Carter are a few more of the famous British actresses you will find on this list. There are also great older British actresses, like Angela Lansbury of Murder, She Wrote and Beauty and the Beast. Julie Walters is another of the beloved old English actresses. Who could forget her appearances in Mamma Mia!, Paddington, the Harry Potter series, and Calendar Girls?
Now, who, of the greatest English actresses of all time is truly the best? Below you'll find the wonderful actresses as well as their major film and television award wins and nominations. Vote up your favorite English actresses below, and then check back to see if they topped our list!
- 1Ilford, London, United Kingdom
- Credits (Film): The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Travels with My Aunt, Gosford Park
Maggie Smith is an iconic figure in the world of acting. With her sharp wit and impeccable timing, she has brought to life unforgettable characters such as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
- 2Heworth, United Kingdom
- Credits (Film): Notes on a Scandal, Philomena, Shakespeare in Love
Judi Dench is renowned for her powerful performances on stage and screen. Her extensive career includes roles such as M in the James Bond franchise and Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown, showcasing her incredible range as an actress.
- 3Paddington, London, United Kingdom
- Credits (Film): Sense and Sensibility, Howards End, The Remains of the Day
Emma Thompson is a versatile actress, writer, and comedian, known for her ability to portray complex characters with depth and humor. Her memorable roles include Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility and Karen in Love Actually.
- 4Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England
- Credits (Film): Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Victor Victoria
Julie Andrews is a beloved actress and singer, best known for her iconic roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Her enchanting voice and graceful presence have made her a timeless star of stage and screen.
- 5Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
- Credits (Film): The Queen, The Last Station, Gosford Park
Helen Mirren, a distinguished actress, has captivated audiences with her strong, intelligent, and sensual characters. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen earned her an Academy Award, solidifying her status as acting royalty.
- 6Reading, United Kingdom
- Credits (Film): The Reader, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Titanic
Kate Winslet, an accomplished actress, has demonstrated her extraordinary talent in a variety of genres. From her heartbreaking performance as Rose in Titanic to her complex portrayal of Hanna Schmitz in The Reader, she consistently delivers powerful performances.
