Joseph Fiennes Biography: Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes born 27 May 1970, known professionally as Joseph Fiennes, is an English actor known for his work across film, television, and theatre. Celebrated for his versatility and affinity for period dramas, journalist Zoe Williams once noted that Fiennes “seemed to be the go-to actor for English cultural history.” His accolades include a Screen Actors Guild Award and a nomination for a British Academy Film Award.
Joseph Fiennes Biography
Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, to Jennifer Anne Mary Alleyne (Lash), a novelist, and Mark Fiennes, a photographer. One of six siblings, he comes from a highly artistic family. Among his brothers and sisters are actor Ralph Fiennes, director Martha Fiennes, musician Magnus Fiennes, and producer Sophie Fiennes.
Joseph Fiennes Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
27 May 1970 Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
|
|---|---|
| Education | Guildhall School of Music and Drama (BA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Spouse |
María Dolores Diéguez
(m. 2009) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Ralph Fiennes (brother) Martha Fiennes (sister) Magnus Fiennes (brother) Sophie Fiennes (sister) Hero Fiennes Tiffin (nephew) Ranulph Fiennes (third cousin once removed) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Joseph Fiennes Personal Life
He is of English, Irish, and Scottish descent. Raised in West Cork, Ireland, Fiennes initially pursued art school before shifting his focus to acting. He began working with the Young Vic Youth Theatre and later trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. His professional stage debut came in the West End production of The Woman in Black, followed by a role in A Month in the Country. He went on to spend two seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in productions such as Dennis Potter’s Son of Man.
About Joseph Fiennes
Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, known as Joseph Fiennes, is an English actor of film, stage, and television. Fiennes is particularly known for his versatility and period pieces. Journalist Zoe Williams observed that “he seemed to be the go-to actor for English cultural history”.
Joseph Fiennes Achievements
Fiennes is best known for portraying William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love (1998), a role that earned him BAFTA and SAG Award nominations. Other notable performances include Sir Robert Dudley in Elizabeth (1998), Commissar Danilov in Enemy at the Gates (2001), Martin Luther in Luther (2003), and Monsignor Timothy Howard in American Horror Story: Asylum (2012–2013).
Joseph Fiennes Wiki
- Born: 27 May 1970 (age 55 years), Salisbury, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Maria Dolores Dieguez (m. 2009)
- Siblings: Ralph Fiennes, Jacob Fiennes, Martha Fiennes, Magnus Fiennes, Sophie Fiennes
- Nominations: MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Kiss ·
- Parents: Mark Fiennes, Jennifer Lash
- Height: 1.83 m
Early Life, Family, and Education
Joseph Fiennes was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, in 1970, to Mark Fiennes (1933–2004), a farmer and photographer, and Jennifer Lash (1938–1993), a writer. He is of Irish and British descent. He is part of a highly artistic family. His older brother is actor Ralph Fiennes, known for playing Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. his siblings include directors Martha and Sophie Fiennes, composer Magnus Fiennes, and conservationist Jacob Fiennes, who is Joseph’s twin. His foster brother, Michael Emery, is an archaeologist, and his nephew, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, played young Tom Riddle (Voldemort) in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
He is also a cousin of famed British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Fiennes received part of his early education in the Republic of Ireland, followed by studies at Swan School for Boys and Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. After spending a year at an art school in Suffolk, he joined the Young Vic Youth Theatre. He went on to train at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, graduating in 1993.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
- Date of Birth: May 27, 1970
- Place of Birth: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
- Nationality: British
- Relationship Status: Married
- Spouse: María Dolores Diéguez (m. 2009)
- Children: Two daughters
- Net Worth: Estimated at $10 million
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Fiennes began his acting journey on stage, performing with the Young Vic Youth Theatre. His early theatrical credits include The Woman in Black and A Month in the Country. He also completed two seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in productions such as Son of Man, Les Enfants du Paradis, Troilus and Cressida, and The Herbal Bed.
His screen debut came in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Stealing Beauty (1996). Just two years later, he shot to international fame with his portrayal of William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love (1998). The film was a major critical and box-office success, earning him a Screen Actors Guild Award and a BAFTA nomination. That same year, he portrayed Sir Robert Dudley in Elizabeth, solidifying his position as a leading actor in period dramas.
Notable Roles and Achievements
In the early 2000s, Fiennes continued to diversify his filmography. He starred in Enemy at the Gates (2001) as Commissar Danilov and played the title role in Luther (2003), bringing Martin Luther’s story to life. He also portrayed Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice (2004), showcasing his command of Shakespearean dialogue on screen.
His television work has also drawn acclaim. Fiennes played Monsignor Timothy Howard in American Horror Story: Asylum (2012–2013). From 2017 to 2021, he starred as Commander Fred Waterford in The Handmaid’s Tale, a role that earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Recent Work and Current Projects
As of early 2025, Joseph Fiennes remains an active and respected figure in film, television, and theatre. Most recently, he portrayed England football manager Gareth Southgate in the National Theatre’s production of Dear England, a performance that earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor. His commitment to emotionally complex and socially relevant roles continues to define his career.
Personal Life
In August 2009, Fiennes married Swiss model María Dolores Diéguez in a Roman Catholic ceremony in Tuscany. The couple has two daughters and lives near Palma, on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Fiennes keeps a low public profile and values his family life and privacy. Joseph Fiennes’ career reflects a dedication to craft and a talent for bringing layered, human characters to life—whether in period epics, modern thrillers, or thought-provoking stage productions.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Twin Brother: Joseph has a twin, Jacob Fiennes, who works as a conservationist.
- Creative Family: He hails from an exceptionally artistic family, with siblings active in acting, directing, music, and filmmaking.
- Theatrical Roots: Fiennes began his acting journey in the theatre and was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company early in his career.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Joseph Fiennes has supported various charitable causes throughout his career. He has contributed to the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, including designing and signing auctioned greeting cards to raise funds for the charity. His engagement in philanthropy reflects a dedication to using his public platform to support meaningful causes.
Future Endeavors and Cultural Influence
Looking to the future, Fiennes continues to pursue roles that challenge him artistically and expand his impact in the arts. His seamless transition between stage and screen, along with his nuanced character portrayals, has earned him a reputation as a thoughtful and transformative performer. His influence extends beyond performance—inspiring the next generation of actors with his commitment to storytelling, depth of craft, and ability to bring historical and fictional characters vividly to life. Whether on stage in productions like Dear England or on screen in The Handmaid’s Tale, Fiennes’ work continues to leave a lasting cultural mark.
Legacy
Joseph Fiennes’ legacy is defined by dedication to excellence, artistic integrity, and versatility. Through his powerful performances in both classical theatre and contemporary film and television, he has established himself not only as a distinguished actor but also as a cultural figure whose work resonates across generations.
Joseph Fiennes Net Worth 2025
Joseph Fiennes has an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million, built through a successful and enduring career in film, television, and theatre. His earnings primarily stem from his roles in major productions across these platforms. Fiennes resides in Mallorca, Spain, where he enjoys a peaceful lifestyle that allows him to balance a demanding career with quality family time in a tranquil setting.
FAQs
Who is Joseph Fiennes’ wife?
Personal life. In August 2009 Fiennes married María Dolores Diéguez, a Swiss model of Spanish/Galician origin, in a Roman Catholic ceremony in Tuscany. They have two daughters named Eva and Isabel.
What happened to Joseph Fiennes’ lip?
Fiennes says there was a reason for the camera angles: during the Australian shoot of the movie, he cut his lip open while surfing on the Gold Coast. ‘I was pulling fibreglass out of my mouth for a month afterwards,’ he says.
Is Joseph Fiennes religious?
I was baptised a Catholic and, although I’m not a churchgoer now, I do have a strong sense of the integrity of doing what you believe to be true.