Ralph Fiennes Biography: Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes born 22 December 1962 is an English actor, director, and film producer. Celebrated for his work in both theatre and film, he has earned numerous honors, including a British Academy Film Award and a Tony Award, along with nominations for three Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Ralph Fiennes Biography
Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, born on December 22, 1962, in Suffolk, England, is the eldest of six children. His mother, Jennifer Anne Mary Alleyne (Lash), was a novelist, and his father, Mark Fiennes, was a photographer. Several of his siblings also pursued careers in the arts: Martha is a director, Magnus a musician, Sophie a producer, and Joseph an actor. Fiennes has English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry. Renowned for his interpretations of Shakespeare,
Ralph Fiennes Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton Wykeham Fiennes
22 December 1962 Ipswich, Suffolk, England
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| Citizenship |
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| Alma mater | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
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| Years active | 1985–present |
| Notable work | Full list |
| Spouse |
Alex Kingston
(m. 1993; div. 1997) |
| Partner | Francesca Annis (1995–2006) |
| Parents |
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| Relatives |
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| Family | Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Ralph Fiennes Personal Life
Fiennes first gained acclaim on stage at the Royal National Theatre. He began working in television in 1990 and made his film debut in 1992, starring as Heathcliff in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights opposite Juliette Binoche. His breakthrough came in 1993. That year, he appeared in Peter Greenaway’s controversial film The Baby of Mâcon alongside Julia Ormond, although the film was not well received.
About Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes is an English actor, film producer, and director. Recognised for his work on stage and screen, has received various accolades, including a British Academy Film.
Ralph Fiennes Achievements
Born in Ipswich, Suffolk, Fiennes trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1985. A skilled interpreter of Shakespeare, he gained prominence performing at the Royal National Theatre and later with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 1995, he made his Broadway debut as Prince Hamlet in a revival of Hamlet, a performance that earned him the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play.
Ralph Fiennes Wiki
- Born: 22 December 1962 (age 62 years), Ipswich, United Kingdom
- Upcoming movies: Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
- Siblings: Joseph Fiennes, Martha Fiennes, Jacob Fiennes, Magnus Fiennes, Sophie Fiennes, Michael Emery
- Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture ·
- Spouse: Alex Kingston (m. 1993–1997)
Early Life and Education
Ralph Fiennes was born on December 22, 1962, in Ipswich, England. He is the eldest of six children born to Mark Fiennes (1933–2004), a farmer and photographer, and Jennifer Lash (1938–1993), a writer. His family has a distinguished lineage; he is the grandson of Maurice Fiennes, the great-grandson of Alberic Arthur Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, and the great-great-grandson of Frederick Benjamin Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, the 16th Baron Saye and Sele. The Fiennes surname is of Norman origin.
Ralph’s siblings have also pursued notable careers: actor Joseph Fiennes, director Martha Fiennes (Ralph starred in her film Onegin), composer Magnus Fiennes, filmmaker Sophie Fiennes, and conservationist Jacob Fiennes. He also has a foster brother, archaeologist Michael Emery. His nephew, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, portrayed the young Tom Riddle (later known as Lord Voldemort) in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Initially, Fiennes studied painting at Chelsea College of Arts before ultimately choosing to follow his passion for acting.
How Did Ralph Fiennes Get His Start?
Fiennes began his career on stage. Born in 1962 in Ipswich, England, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and joined the National Theatre in London in 1987. By 1989, he was performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company, taking on classic roles such as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet.
He transitioned to screen work in the early 1990s, gaining attention for his performance in the TV movie A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia. His first major film role came in 1992, playing the brooding romantic antihero Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. This opened the door to major projects such as Schindler’s List (1993), Quiz Show (1994), and The English Patient (1996), firmly establishing him in Hollywood.
What Did Ralph Fiennes Earn for Playing Voldemort?
Fiennes is widely recognized for his portrayal of Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series. While there are eight films in total, Fiennes appeared in four: Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, and both parts of Deathly Hallows. He did not appear in Half-Blood Prince, which featured a younger version of Voldemort—played by his real-life nephew, Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Though Fiennes’ exact salary for the Harry Potter films hasn’t been publicly disclosed, it’s known that the franchise’s main stars earned substantial sums.
For instance, Daniel Radcliffe earned $1 million for the first film, with his earnings climbing to $25 million for Deathly Hallows: Part 2, totaling over $95 million across all eight films. Even supporting actors like Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) reportedly made around $18 million. Based on these figures, it’s likely that Fiennes earned several million dollars for his role as Voldemort.
What Did Ralph Fiennes Make for Conclave?
While Ralph Fiennes’ exact salary for Conclave hasn’t been disclosed, it’s safe to say he still earned more than the Pope—who doesn’t take a salary at all. Recent Popes, including Pope Francis, have taken vows of poverty, relying instead on the Church for essentials like food, housing, and security. Conclave was produced on a $20 million budget—typical for prestige dramas aiming for awards recognition. In fact, Axios reports that over 60% of Best Picture winners in the past 50 years were made for under $50 million. The 2023 Oscar winner, Everything Everywhere All at Once, had a similar budget of around $25 million.
Given that, Fiennes likely accepted a modest paycheck for the lead role—probably just a few million dollars, especially compared to what he might earn in a major studio blockbuster. But for Fiennes, the appeal of a role often outweighs the financial incentive. In a CBS News interview, he explained.
What Did Ralph Fiennes Earn for Schindler’s List?
Fiennes probably didn’t make a large sum for his Academy Award–nominated role as Nazi SS officer Amon Göth in Schindler’s List (1993). Although already an acclaimed stage actor, he was relatively new to film, with just two movie credits before Spielberg cast him. With a production budget of only $22 million, the film wasn’t offering big salaries, but it launched Fiennes’ international film career and earned him a BAFTA and several other awards.
What Did Ralph Fiennes Earn for The Menu?
The Menu had a production budget of around $30 million and featured a large, well-known cast, which likely meant more modest individual salaries. Fiennes is estimated to have made one to two million dollars for his role as the intense, morally-driven chef. Despite the smaller paycheck, the film brought him renewed acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
Has Ralph Fiennes Ever Won an Oscar?
Ralph Fiennes has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has yet to win. His first nomination came in 1994 for Best Supporting Actor for Schindler’s List. He received a Best Actor nomination in 1997 for The English Patient, and again in 2024 for Conclave. Though the Oscar has eluded him, Fiennes has earned numerous other honors, including a Tony Award for his performance in the 1995 Broadway production of Hamlet.
What Is Ralph Fiennes’ Net Worth 2025?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ralph Fiennes has an estimated net worth of $50 million. His wealth largely stems from his prolific film career, with lead roles in both critically acclaimed and commercially successful productions. He has also remained active in the theater, performing in both London and New York. Most recently, he starred in a new adaptation of Macbeth in 2023.
FAQs
How rich is Ralph Fiennes?
What is Ralph Fiennes’ net worth? Ralph Fiennes has an estimated net worth of $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The bulk of this fortune comes from his work as a lead actor in critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies.
How many Oscars does Ralph Fiennes have?
Well, Fiennes has never won an Oscar despite being nominated twice in the past for 1993’s Schindler’s List (Best Supporting Actor) and 1996’s The English Patient (Best Actor).
Is Ralph Fiennes a royal?
This star may be the king of dark roles, like his starring turns in “Schindler’s List” and the “Harry Potter” series, but he also has significant bloodlines. He is an eighth cousin to Prince Charles, stemming from a shared ancestry with King James II of Scotland.
How much did Ralph Fiennes get paid for the conclave?
As expected, Ralph Fiennes has established himself as the highest-paid member of the cast. The actor, also known for portraying Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter saga, is reported to have received a salary of $10 million for his role as Cardinal Lawrence, according to the celebrity news site Showbiz Galore.