Ralph Fiennes is a beloved English actor, known for his passionate portrayal of wizards, romantic interests, spies, Nazis, and everything in between. Everyone from Harry Potter fans, to serious drama buffs appreciates the 60-year-old star, who was born December 22, 1962, in the town of Ipswich in Suffolk, England.
While the Harry Potter villain is certainly quite the talent, did you know Ralph comes from a whole family of actors, artists, and creative people? His siblings, Joseph Fiennes, Jacob Fiennes, Martha Fiennes, Magnus Fiennes, Sophie Fiennes and Michael Emery, all found ways to work with their imaginations as grown-ups, even if they’re not all in the entertainment business.
The Fiennes parents raised their big brood to appreciate the arts. Father Mark Fiennes (1933–2004) was a farmer and photographer while mother Jennifer “Jini” Lash (1938–1993) was a writer and painter. The kids ended up embracing a whole host of creative roles, from actors to filmmakers, composers, and even an archeologist!
Want to learn more about the Fiennes family? Find out everything and then some, right here.
Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, born May 27, 1970, is an actor just like older brother Ralph. And just like his brother, he has become beloved for his dramatic performances.
He dove into period pieces in the late 90s, starring as William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love (1998). Historically-inspired roles in Elizabeth (1998), Enemy at the Gates (2001), and Luther (2003) followed.
Joseph turned to TV in the 2010s, where he would really find his footing. After a run on the second season of American Horror Story (2012–2013), he was cast as Commander Fred Waterford in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–2021.) For the role, he earned a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2018.
