Joely Richardson

Joely Richardson is a British actress whose career spans more than four decades across film, television, and theater. A member of the Redgrave acting family, she is the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson. Richardson studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company before beginning a screen career that includes British art-house cinema and major Hollywood productions. She appeared in the lead role in Peter Greenaway's film "Drowning by Numbers," which won the Award for Best Artistic Contribution at the Cannes Film Festival.

Richardson built her career through the 1990s with a series of roles in film and television. She starred in the BBC's "Lady Chatterley" opposite Sean Bean and played fashion designer Anita Campbell-Green in the Disney live-action remake of "101 Dalmatians." Her film credits also include the science fiction thriller "Event Horizon" and the Revolutionary War epic "The Patriot."

Richardson gained international recognition for her role as Julia McNamara in the FX drama series "Nip/Tuck," for which she received two Golden Globe nominations. She appeared in 72 episodes as the wife of a plastic surgeon, with her character serving as a moral anchor amid the show's exploration of cosmetic surgery, body image, and interpersonal relationships. Her performance earned nominations from the Golden Globe Awards and the Satellite Awards. During her career, Richardson experienced the loss of her sister, actress Natasha Richardson. She continued her work, portraying Queen Katherine Parr on "The Tudors" and co-starring in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

Richardson has continued to take on varied roles across film and television. Her film credits include "Anonymous," "Endless Love," "Red Sparrow," and "The Turning." She portrayed Ethel Cripps in Netflix's fantasy series "The Sandman," an adaptation of Neil Gaiman's comic book series. She also starred as the matriarch Mama in the indie thriller "Little Bone Lodge."

Richardson has remained active in prestige television, appearing as Lady Sabrina in the Netflix series "The Gentlemen" and as Lady Eularia Moggerhanger in "Renegade Nell." She joined the cast of "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" as a new character. Beyond her screen work, Richardson is an ambassador for The Children's Trust, a UK charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability, as well as Save the Children. With a career defined by a commitment to complex roles in drama, thriller, and historical productions, Richardson is recognized for her versatility and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.