Geraldine Somerville facts for kids

Geraldine Margaret Agnew-Somerville (born 19 May 1967) is a talented Irish-British actress. Many people know her for playing Lily Potter in the famous Harry Potter movies. She appeared in all eight films from 2001 to 2011.

Geraldine has also starred in other popular films. These include Gosford Park (2001), My Week with Marilyn (2011), and Grace of Monaco (2014). In 1995, she was even nominated for a BAFTA Award. This was for her role as Jane Penhaligon in the TV series Cracker.

Growing Up and School

Geraldine Somerville was born in County Meath, Ireland, on 19 May 1967. She is the second of three children. When she was six, her family moved to the Isle of Man.

At eight years old, Geraldine started attending the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. This was a boarding school in Tring, Hertfordshire. She first studied ballet there. However, she soon discovered her love for acting.

When she was sixteen, she left Tring Park to continue her studies in London. Later, she earned a spot at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She graduated from there in 1988.

Acting Career Highlights

Geraldine Somerville began her acting career with small roles on TV. She appeared in shows like Poirot, Casualty, and The Bill.

Early TV and Film Roles

In 1991, she starred as Biddy Millican in The Black Velvet Gown. This was an ITV movie based on a book. It was very popular, watched by over 12 million people. The film even won an International Emmy Award for Drama. That same year, she made her first movie appearance in Close My Eyes.

In 1993, Geraldine got a big role in the crime drama Cracker. She played DS Jane "Panhandle" Penhaligon. The show was a huge success and won many awards. Geraldine herself was nominated for a Best Actress BAFTA Award in 1995.

She also appeared in the horror film Haunted in 1995. In 1996, she was in the sports drama True Blue. This movie was even shown to Queen Elizabeth II.

Becoming Lily Potter

In 1998, Geraldine starred in the romantic comedy Jilting Joe. She also played Louisa Stockbridge in Gosford Park. This movie was a comedy-drama set in the 1930s. It was a big hit, nominated for many awards, including Academy Awards. Geraldine and the cast won five awards for their teamwork, including a Screen Actors Guild award.

In 1999, she played Lady Emily Lennox in the BBC series Aristocrats. Then, in 2001, she first appeared as Lily Potter in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. She continued to play Harry's mother in all eight Harry Potter films.

Later Roles and Diverse Characters

After Harry Potter, Geraldine took on many different roles. In 2007, she played the famous writer Daphne du Maurier in the TV drama Daphne. She also appeared in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.

In 2008, she played a mother dealing with a tragedy in The Children. In 2010, she was in the sci-fi show Survivors. In 2012, she played a countess in the TV series Titanic. This series marked 100 years since the famous ship sank.

Geraldine continued to work in films and TV. In 2014, she was in three movies: The Riot Club, Automata, and Grace of Monaco. In Grace of Monaco, she played Princess Antoinette. She also appeared in the crime drama Quirke.

More recently, she was in New Tricks (2015) and Silent Witness (2016). In 2017, she played Joyce Tennison in Prime Suspect 1973. She also appeared in Goodbye Christopher Robin and The Hippopotamus. In 2019, she was in Christmas in the Highlands and The Gentlemen. Her most recent film role was in Fair Play in 2023.

Stage Performances

Geraldine Somerville also has a strong background in theatre.

Early Stage Work

She made her first professional stage appearance in 1989. She played Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie in Manchester. Critics praised her performance. In 1990, she starred in More Than One Antoinette.

In 1992, she played Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet at the Bristol Old Vic. In 1996, she performed at the National Theatre in Blue Remembered Hills. She also played Nora in A Doll’s House.

Recent Theatre Roles

In 1998, Geraldine was in I Am Yours at the Royal Court Theatre. She returned to the National Theatre in 1999 for Remember This. In 2003, she played Henriette d’Angleterre in Power at the National Theatre.

In 2010, she appeared in Serenading Louie. In 2018, she starred in Checkpoint Chana. In 2022, she returned to The Glass Menagerie, playing Amanda Wingfield. Her performance received "astonishing" reviews.

In 2024, Geraldine reprised her role as Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie. This new production toured several theatres, including the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Critics praised the "outstanding cast" and called it "a striking interpretation".

Personal Life

Geraldine Somerville married William Osbourne-Young in 1995. They have three children together.

Film and TV Roles

Here are some of Geraldine Somerville's film and television roles:

Film

Television

Video Games

Awards and Nominations

Geraldine Somerville has been recognized for her acting with several awards and nominations:

See also

In Spanish: Geraldine Somerville para niños