Famous 20th Century British Actresses

Find out more about the greatest 20th Century British Actresses, including Cara Delevingne, Rachel Weisz, Julianne Moore, Keira Knightley and Emma Watson.
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 1 
Audrey Hepburn
(British Actress Who was Famous as a Film and Fashion Icon)
Audrey Hepburn
64
Birthdate: May 4, 1929
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Ixelles, Belgium
Died: January 20, 1993

British actress Audrey Hepburn is counted among the greatest female screen legends in Golden Age Hollywood. Rising to prominence in the 1950s, she became one of the few people to win Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards. She devoted much of her time in her later life to UNICEF and was actively involved in humanitarian work.

 2 
Rachel Weisz
(British Actress Known for Her Films: 'The Mummy', 'The Constant Gardener' and 'The Favourite')
Rachel Weisz
55
Birthdate: March 7, 1970
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: London, England

One of the most popular and decorated British-American actresses, Rachel Weisz is the recipient of many awards, such as the Academy Award. One of the most beautiful actresses, she has been featured on several magazine covers. In 2010, Rachel Weisz was named the global ambassador for L'Oréal. She has also served as fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez's muse.

 3 
Elizabeth Taylor
(One of the Best Actresses of Classic Hollywood Cinema)
Elizabeth Taylor
43
Birthdate: February 27, 1932
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hampstead, London, England
Died: March 23, 2011

Considered an incandescent beauty, Elizabeth Taylor was a very popular and successful actor and her legacy is an everlasting one. She shone in movies like A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cleopatra, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Butterfield 8 in the 1950s and 60s. Recipient of two Oscars, she married eight times.

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 4 
Julie Andrews
(English Actress, Singer and Author)
Julie Andrews
48
Birthdate: October 1, 1935
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Walton-on-Thames, England

A distinguished films, television and Broadway actress, Julie Andrews is best known for her performances in films like Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Victor/Victoria. She has also done voiceovers for animation movie like Despicable Me and Enchanted. The legendary actress has also released multiple albums and authored numerous children’s books as well as her autobiography.

 5 
Maggie Smith
(One of Britain's Most Recognizable & Prolific Actresses)
Maggie Smith
37
Birthdate: December 28, 1934
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ilford, Essex, England

Veteran English actress, Maggie Smith, has an extensive career spanning almost seven decades. One of Britain's most recognizable actresses, she has appeared in more than 60 films and over 70 plays. Making her debut as a stage actress in the 1950s, she quickly moved on to TV and cinema. She has been honored with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Legacy Award.

 6 
Helen Mirren
(The Only Performer to Have Achieved the 'Triple Crown of Acting' in Both the US and the UK)
Helen Mirren
40
Birthdate: July 26, 1945
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom

Helen Mirren is one of the most respected and decorated actresses from England. She has won several prestigious awards, including the Triple Crown of Acting. Before achieving greatness, Mirren fought drug addiction during her 20s. She has also said that she is a naturist at heart and was named by British Naturism as Naturist of the Year in 2004.

 7 
Angela Lansbury
(Actress and Singer Whose Career Spanned Over 80 Years)
Angela Lansbury
45
Birthdate: October 16, 1925
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: London, England
Died: October 11, 2022

Angela Lansbury played a key role in shaping the Golden Age of Hollywood. Recognized as one of the few stars still alive from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, Angela Lansbury has received accolades, such as an Honorary Oscar. In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

 8 
Olivia de Havilland
(One of the Leading Actresses of Golden Age of Hollywood )
Olivia de Havilland
26
Birthdate: July 1, 1916
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Died: July 26, 2020

The veteran actress of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Olivia de Havilland shot to fame with Gone With the Wind and later established her cinematic career with movies like To Each His Own and The Heiress. Her rivalry with her sister and the court battle against a powerful studio also made headlines.

 9 
Vivien Leigh
(British Actress Known for Her Roles in the Films: ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’)
Vivien Leigh
17
Birthdate: November 5, 1913
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Darjeeling, India
Died: July 8, 1967

British actress Vivien Leigh gained popularity with her award winning performance in films Gone with the Wind and A Street Car named Desire and her Musical Broadway Tovarich. The beautiful actress, who went on to feature in films like That Hamilton Woman and Ship of Fools, had a troubled personal life and suffered from physical and mental health issues.

 10 
Kate Beckinsale
(Actress and Model)
Kate Beckinsale
35
Birthdate: July 26, 1973
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: London, England

Kate Beckinsale is an English actress and model and has worked in films such as Pearl Harbor, Serendipity, The Aviator, Contraband and Total Recall and received critical acclaim for her performance in the film Love and Friendship. She has also worked in various stage and radio productions. The British Heart Foundation is one of the charities that she promotes.

 11 
Keira Knightley
(English Actress Known for Her Work in Independent Films and Period Dramas)
Keira Knightley
47
Birthdate: March 26, 1985
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Teddington, England

British actress Keira Knightley’s career took a huge turn, when she appeared in Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace and Bend It Like Beckham, while she was still in her teens. Since then, she has displayed her talent in numerous period and big budget movie including Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Pride and Prejudice and Imitation Game.

 12 
Emma Thompson
(British Actress, Screenwriter and the Only Person to Win Academy Awards for Both Acting & Writing)
Emma Thompson
45
Birthdate: April 15, 1959
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Paddington, London, England

One of the most celebrated British actresses, Emma Thompson has received plaudits for her work in films, television and stage. Her film credits include Howards End, The Remains of the Day as well as Sense and Sensibility which she also wrote. Her television appearances include miniseries Angels in America. The award winning actress is also an author, activist and comedian.

 13 
Lena Headey
(Portrayed Cersei Lannister in HBO Series 'Game of Thrones' )
Lena Headey
28
Birthdate: October 3, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hamilton, Bermuda
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 14 
Naomi Watts
(Actress)
Naomi Watts
32
Birthdate: September 28, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Shoreham, England

One of the most beautiful actresses of her generation, Naomi Watts has been featured in the world's most beautiful women lists by magazines like Maxim and People. Also a well-known philanthropist, Watts is associated with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) as its goodwill ambassador. She uses her fame to help people suffering from AIDS.

 15 
Joan Fontaine
(One of the Leading Actresses of the Hollywood During the 'Golden Age')
Joan Fontaine
11
Birthdate: October 22, 1917
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Died: December 15, 2013

Joan Fontaine was a prominent Hollywood actress during the Golden Age. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, she won an Academy Award, becoming the only actor to win the award for a Hitchcock film - Suspicion. Apart from working as an actress, Joan Fontaine was also a licensed pilot, Cordon Bleu-level chef, and well-known interior decorator.

 16 
Jodie Comer
(Best Known for Her Role in TV Series 'Killing Eve')
Jodie Comer
20
Birthdate: March 11, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 17 
Judi Dench
(English Actress Who is Regarded as One of the Britain's Best Actresses)
Judi Dench
24
Birthdate: December 9, 1934
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Heworth, York, United Kingdom

Judi Dench is one of the most respected and decorated English actresses of all time. Counted among the most influential people in the United Kingdom, Dame Judi Dench is a patron of more than 180 charities, such as York Against Cancer. Since 1985, she has been serving as the president of Questors Theatre.

 18 
Tilda Swinton
(British Actress Who is Known for Her Roles in Independent Films and Blockbusters)
Tilda Swinton
33
Birthdate: November 5, 1960
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: London, England

One of the most popular Scottish actresses of her generation, Tilda Swinton is known for portraying negative roles in both blockbusters and independent arthouse films. An Academy Award-winning actress, Tilda is also known for her impressive fashion sense; she was named by The Guardian as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50 in 2013.

 19 
Elizabeth Hurley
(Best Known for Her Role ‘Vanessa Kensington’ in ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’)
Elizabeth Hurley
20
Birthdate: June 10, 1965
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Basingstoke, Hampshire, England

Best known for her roles in the Austin Powers franchise, Bedazzled, and The Royals, Elizabeth Hurley began her career as an Estee Lauder model. A trained ballerina, she has also been in the news for her relationship with Hugh Grant and her marriage to textile magnate Arun Nayar.

 20 
Helen McCrory
(Actress)
Helen McCrory
14
Birthdate: August 17, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Paddington, London, England
Died: April 16, 2021

Helen McCrory is a British actress known for playing real-life characters in films. In the 2017 New Year Honours, McCrory was appointed OBE for services to drama. Apart from being an actress, she also works closely with the London-based children's charity Scene & Heard, contributing as one of its honorary patrons.

 21 
Kelly Reilly
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Mary Watson’ in ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Film Series)
Kelly Reilly
12
Birthdate: July 18, 1977
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Surrey, England

Kelly Reilly began her career as a stage artist and then graduated to acting in television series, some of which became very popular. Considered a natural actress, she has worked in acclaimed projects like The London Cuckolds, Above Suspicion, True Detective, Britannia and Yellowstone. She did some notable films too like A Single Shot, Sherlock Holmes, Orson Welles and Calvary.

 22 
Olivia Colman
(Known for Her Comedic, Dramatic Roles in Film and Television)
Olivia Colman
23
Birthdate: January 30, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK

Olivia Colman is a British actress best known for her dramatic and comedic roles in film and television. One of the most decorated actresses of her generation, Colman has received many prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Awards, and BAFTA TV Awards. Olivia Colman is also known for her philanthropic efforts.

 23 
Rebecca Hall
(Actress)
Rebecca Hall
13
Birthdate: May 3, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England, UK
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 24 
Sienna Rose Miller
15
Birthdate: December 28, 1981
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States

Sienna Rose Miller is a British-American actress. From being a photography model, who posed topless for Pirelli calendar, to becoming a prominent actress in the American film and TV industry, Miller's journey has been quite inspirational so far. Also known for her charity work, Miller touched the lives of many when she traveled to Haiti after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

 25 
Jessica Tandy
(British-American Actress Who Became the Oldest Actress to Win an Oscar for Best Actress)
Jessica Tandy
5
Birthdate: June 7, 1909
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Died: September 11, 1994

Jessica Tandy was an English-American actress who completed the triple crown of acting in 1990 after winning Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and Primetime Emmy Award. She is also the oldest actress to win an Oscar. Also known for her good looks, Tandy was named in People magazine's list of 50 Most Beautiful People at the peak of her career.

 26 
Minnie Driver
(Actress and Singer)
Minnie Driver
15
Birthdate: January 31, 1970
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: London, England
Minnie Driver is best known for her Academy Award-nominated role of Skylar in Good Will Hunting. She is also known for her supporting roles in the films Circle of Friends and Take and the series Speechless, About a Boy, and Will & Grace. She is a jazz musician, too. 
 27 
Thandie Newton
(English Actress Known for Her Films: ‘Beloved’, ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ and ‘Shade’)
Thandie Newton
16
Birthdate: November 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom

A critically acclaimed and award-winning actress, Thandie Newton is also an activist—she led a flash mob in 2013 for gender equality and justice. An actress with an affinity for Buddhism, Thandie was named Sexiest Vegan of 2014 by PETA. During the 2019 New Year Honours, she was appointed OBE for services to charity and film.

 28 
Naomi Campbell
26
Birthdate: May 22, 1970
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Streatham
Naomi Campbell is one of the “Big Six” supermodels of the 1980s and the 1990s, who has graced both the ramp and print. She has also released a music album, been part of a fashion reality show, started a web series, and founded charitable organizations such as Fashion for Relief.
 29 
Jane Seymour
(Known for Her Role as ‘Emma Callon’ in the TV Series ‘The Onedin Line’)
Jane Seymour
12
Birthdate: May 15, 1951
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hayes, Middlesex, England

Jane Seymour is a British-American actress who was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for service to drama. Over the years, Seymour has also played a major role as a celebrity ambassador for a national non-profit organization called Childhelp, which works towards helping victims of child abuse and neglect.

 30 
Joan Collins
(Actress)
Joan Collins
16
Birthdate: May 23, 1933
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Paddington, London, England
Joan Collins, sister of renowned author Jackie Collins, is best known for her Golden Globe-winning role of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, an iconic soap of the 1980s. She has also written several books, including beauty books, memoirs, and novels. A seasoned theater actor, she also received the DBE and OBE.
 31 
Kim Cattrall
(British and Canadian Actress Known for Her Role as ‘Samantha Jones’ in the Series ‘Sex and the City’)
Kim Cattrall
18
Birthdate: August 21, 1956
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

Popular as Samantha Jones from the hit series Sex and the City, Golden Globe-winning actor Kim Cattrall found it difficult to recreate the same magic on screen, barring her performance in the 2014 comedy Sensitive Skin. Her comeback with the Fox series Filthy Rich in 2020 was commendable.

 32 
Diana Rigg
(British Actress Known for Her Roles in 'The Avengers', 'Game of Thrones', 'Medea')
Diana Rigg
16
Birthdate: July 20, 1938
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died: September 10, 2020

English actress Diana Rigg had a wide-ranging career in films, television and theatre that spanned over six decades. Memorable roles of Diana include Emma Peel in television series The Avengers, which made her a sex-symbol; Mrs. Danvers in television drama Rebecca that won her an Emmy Award; and title role in the play Medea that won her a Tony Award.

 33 
Olivia Newton-John
(One of the Best-selling Artists, Who Starred in the Musical 'Grease')
Olivia Newton-John
11
Birthdate: September 26, 1948
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Cambridge, England, US
Died: August 8, 2022

Olivia Newton-John's breathy voice and stunning beauty made her one of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s. She charmed generations of movie viewers in the blockbuster film Grease. Following a string of country and soft-rock hits, Newton-John starred opposite John Travolta in the 1978  blockbuster Grease, considered as one the most popular movie musicals of all time.

 34 
Catherine Bell
(Actress Known for Her Roles in the TV Series 'JAG', 'Army Wives' and 'The Good Witch')
Catherine Bell
9
Birthdate: August 14, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: London, England

Catherine Bell is an actress, producer, and model. She is best known for her roles in the TV series JAG and Army Wives. As a young woman, she enrolled at UCLA but dropped out to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She struggled for a few years but was eventually able to establish herself as a versatile actress. 

 35 
Nathalie Emmanuel
(Actress)
Nathalie Emmanuel
9
Birthdate: March 2, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 36 
Vanessa Redgrave
(Is an English Actress, Activist)
Vanessa Redgrave
13
Birthdate: January 30, 1937
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 37 
Michelle Dockery
(Actress)
Michelle Dockery
7
Birthdate: December 15, 1981
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Barking, Essex, England, UK
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 38 
Amanda Holden
(Actress)
Amanda Holden
15
Birthdate: February 16, 1971
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Amanda Holden is an English actress, TV personality, author, and musician. Her autobiography book No Holding Back was ranked first on the Sunday Times bestseller list. Apart from being a media personality, Amanda Holden is also known for her charity work; in 2018, she posed as a mermaid underwater as part of a PETA awareness campaign against the SeaWorld.

 39 
Naomie Harris
(English Actress Best Known for Her Role as ‘Paula’ in the Film ‘Moonlight’)
Naomie Harris
12
Birthdate: September 6, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: London, England

Naomie Harris went on to establish herself as a prominent actress after starting her career as a child star. In the 2017 New Year Honours, she was appointed an OBE for services to drama by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2019, she was named in Powerlist's 100 most influential Black Britons list.

 40 
Joanna Lumley
(Actress)
Joanna Lumley
11
Birthdate: May 1, 1946
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Srinagar

Joanna Lumley is a British actress and prolific activist. In recognition of her work as part of the Gurkha Justice Campaign, Joanna is fondly called as the daughter of Nepal in Nepal. Also known for supporting various other charity organizations and animal welfare groups, Joanna Lumley was appointed an OBE in the 1995 New Year Honours by the queen.

 41 
Letitia Wright
(Actress)
Letitia Wright
13
Birthdate: October 31, 1993
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Georgetown, Guyana
 42 
Geri Halliwell
15
Birthdate: August 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Watford

Geri Halliwell is a British singer-songwriter who achieved international fame as part of the popular girl group, The Spice Girls, which has sold more than 85 million records worldwide. Also a well-known philanthropist, Geri Halliwell has worked closely with the United Nations Population Fund, becoming its goodwill ambassador in 1998. She is widely regarded as a girl power icon.

 43 
Ruth Wilson
(Actress)
Ruth Wilson
11
Birthdate: January 13, 1982
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ashford, Surrey, England
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 44 
Natascha McElhone
(Actress)
Natascha McElhone
8
Birthdate: December 14, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Surrey, England, UK
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 45 
Hayley Mills
(Actress)
Hayley Mills
9
Birthdate: April 18, 1946
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Marylebone, United Kingdom
Hayley Mills, daughter of actors Sir John Mills and Mary Hayley Bell, is best known for her dual role as a child actor in the 1961 film The Parent Trap. Her debut role in Tiger Bay won her a BAFTA. A Disney regular, she won a Disney Legend Award, too. 
 46 
Claire Forlani
(Actress)
Claire Forlani
7
Birthdate: July 1, 1971
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Twickenham, London, England
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 47 
Greer Garson
(English-American Actress and Singer)
Greer Garson
3
Birthdate: September 29, 1904
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Manor Park, London, United Kingdom
Died: April 6, 1996
Greer Garson was an MGM star and remains the fourth-most-nominated lady for the Academy Award for the Best Actress, with her seven nominations and her win with the film Mrs. Miniver. She is also remembered for her Golden Globe-winning role in Sunrise at Campobello. She also received the CBE honor.
 48 
Joely Richardson
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Julia McNamara’ in the TV Series ‘Nip/Tuck’)
Joely Richardson
6
Birthdate: January 9, 1965
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Marylebone, London, England

Joely Richardson is an English actress whose decision to turn towards acting after giving up on her ambition of becoming a tennis player has proved fruitful. Apart from being an actress, Joely Richardson is also a humanitarian; she serves as an ambassador for UK's principal charity for kids with brain injury, The Children's Trust.

 49 
Keeley Hawes
(Actress)
Keeley Hawes
11
Birthdate: February 10, 1976
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Paddington, London, England
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 50 
Frances Fisher
7
Birthdate: May 11, 1952
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hampshire, England
Frances Fisher began as a theater actor before gaining fame with her portrayal of Deborah 'Red' Saxon in the soap The Edge of Night. She has played significant roles in movies such as Titanic, The Host, and True Crime, and has also starred in the series Resurrection and Watchmen.