Olivia Williams is an English actress, who is most notable for the portrayal in the TV series called, Miss Austen Regrets in year 2008 as well as in Joss Whedon’s Doll House. Williams was born on July 26, 1968 in Camden Town, London, England. Her mother and father were both barristers. In addition, Williams entered the South Hampstead High School, which is said to be an independent school for girls and is located in Hampstead in North London. She subsequently attended the Newnham College at the University of Cambridge, where she graduated having a degree in English literature. She also attended drama at the Bristol Old Vic Theater School for two years. She then spent her three years at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
After her graduation, Williams had worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company in both Stratford-upon-Avon and London. In the year 1995, she traveled the United States in a production of Shakespeare’s Richard III which also includes the star of Ian McKelle. On the following year, Williams portrayed the role of Jane Fairfax in the British TV film called, Emma, which was initially based on the 1816 book of Jane Austen. In year 1997, she made her first film portrayal in the 1997 film entitled, the postman, where she portrayed the role of Abby. She then earned the lead role of Rosemary Cross in Wes Aanderson’s comedy drama film of Rushmore in year 1998.
On the other hand, Williams starred together with Bruce Willis in the 1999 box office hit film of The Sixth Sense. In addition, she has appeared in various British films such as the 2001 film of Lucky Break and the 2002 the Heart of Me, where she earned the British Independent film award for the category for the Best Actress. In year 2009, Williams portrayed the role of Miss Stubbs in the coming-of-age drama film entitled, An Education, which starred Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaad. The film was initially based on an autobiographical article in Granta. Williams also portrayed the role of Mrs. Darling in the newest film adaptation of Peter Pan. Moreover, Williams did not receive any credits for her portrayal of Dr. Moira MacTaggert in the 200 film of X-Men: the Last Stand.
On her TV appearances, Williams portrayed the lead role of Jane Austen in the BBC drama film called, Miss Austen Regrets in year 2008. She was also included in the casts of Joss Whedon’s science fiction TV series of Dollhouse, where she portrayed the role of Adel DeWitt. The series aired on Fox network from year 2009 up to the year 2010. Williams received an acclaim for her portrayal of Ruth Lang in the in Roman Polanski’s The Ghost Writer. In year 2011, she portrayed the role of Hanna in the action thriller film of Hannah, which starred Saorise Ronan and Eric Bana as well as Cate Blanchett.
