Vanessa Redgrave

Vanessa Redgrave
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Vanessa Redgrave recently starred opposite James Earl Jones in Much Ado About Nothing at The Old Vic Theatre in London. Previously, Vanessa starred in The Revisionist alongside the play’s author, Jesse Eisenberg, at the Cherry Lane Theatre. Vanessa also played opposite James Earl Jones and Boyd Gaines in Driving Miss Daisy at the John Golden Theatre and at the Wyndham’s Theatre London. The play enjoyed a record-breaking sell-out run on Broadway, and Vanessa received a Tony Award nomination.

Vanessa was most recently seen onscreen in The Butler, directed by Lee Daniels. Previously she was seen in the comedic drama Song for Marion, written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams, for which she was nominated for a 2012 BIFA award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2011, she starred in Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut, Coriolanus, for which she received the BIFA Best Supporting Actress Award. Her other film credits include Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment; Camelot; Isadora; Mary, Queen of Scots; Julia; The Bostonians; Wetherby; Prick Up Your Ears; Howards End; A Month by The Lake; Mrs. Dalloway; Atonement; Evening; Cars 2; Miral; Letters to Juliet; The Whistleblower; and Anonymous. She recently completed filming Foxcatcher, directed by Bennett Miller, and The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh. Her recent television credits include Nip/Tuck; Call the Midwife; Playhouse Presents, The Call Out; and The Thirteenth Tale.

Vanessa worked with UNICEF-UK as a Special Representative from 1993–1995, and has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1995. Her continued work with UNICEF has led to her involvement with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in many countries and with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). She is a member and supporter of Memorial and Za Prava Cheloveka, the two principal Russian human rights foundations, and is also a supporter of Amnesty International and Liberty, which together comprise the leading human rights organizations in Britain. Vanessa is also a longtime and steadfast supporter of amfAR, carrying on the legacy of her daughter, the late Natasha Richardson, who was a much loved amfAR Trustee.