Imelda Staunton is an English actress, who is most notable for the portrayal of Dolores Jane Umbridge in the film series of Harry Potter. She was born on January 9, 1956 in Archway, North London. She is the daughter of Bridie and Joseph Staunton, a hairdresser and a road-worker as well as a labourer. In addition, Staunton was baptized with the real name of Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton and has entered the La Sainte Union Convent School, which is said to be an exclusive school for girls. Her talent has been noticed by her elocution teacher named Jacqueline Stoker, prior to her portrayal on the role of Polly Peachum in one of the school productions entitled, The Beggar’s opera. Staunton also entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

At the young age of 18, Staunton attended the Royal Academy of Art together with her fellow actors and actress like Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall and Juliet Stevenson. After she graduated from RADA, Staunton entered the English Repertory, which also includes a time at the Northcott Theatre, Exeter, where she had the lead role in Shaw’s Saint Joan in year 1979. Subsequently, Staunton joined the ensemble of the Royal Shakespeare Company and later moved to the National Theater. On the other hand, Staunton also earned much attention when she portrayed the role of Dorothy in the well-known Wizard of Oz for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Moreover, Staunton’s initial film was in the film of Bill Douglas in year 1986 entitled, Comrades. She was then included in the casts of the 1992 comedy-drama film called, Peter’s Friends. On the following year, she appeared in the film of Much Ado About Nothing, where she portrayed the role of Margaret together with Kenneth Branagh and Keanu Reeves as well as Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington.

In year 1996, Staunton also includes in the film of Twefth Night, which also starred Imogen Stubbs and Steven Mackintosh as well as Nicholas Farrell. She then appeared as a nurse in the comedy film entitled, Shakespeare in Love in year 1988. On the following year, Staunton appeared in the TV series of Midsomer Murders, where she portrayed the role of Christine Cooper. In year 2000, Staunton starred in the comedy film called, Rat, portraying the role of Conchita. On the same year, she appeared in the show of Victoria Wood with All The Trimmings. In year 2001, she appeared in the TV series of Another Life as well as in the film of Crush, where she portrayed the lead role of Janine. In year 2005, Staunton starred together with Emma Thompson and Colin Firth in the fantasy film called, Nanny McPhee. In year 2010, she reprised her role as Dolores Jane Umbridge in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In addition, Staunton is set to play the role of Mrs. Santa in the upcoming animated film of Arthur Christmas.

Imelda Staunton Photo Gallery