Naomi Watts has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved A-list celebrities from humble beginnings. Her career took off after a small role in the blockbuster hit “Mulholland Drive” catapulted her to fame, and her grounded personality, kind heart, and talent have been winning over fans ever since.
But how did an Australian actress from Down Under break into stardom? Read on to learn more about this inspirational woman’s journey toward success!
Childhood and Early Life
Naomi Watts was born on September 28, 1968, in Shoreham, Kent, England. Her mother was a costume designer, and her father was a sound engineer. When she was four, her family moved to Australia, where she spent most of her childhood. Watts attended North Sydney Girls High School and later enrolled in acting school in Sydney.
Career Beginnings
She began acting in Australia, appearing in several TV shows and films. She debuted in the 1986 Australian drama “For Love Alone.” In 1991, she moved to the United States to further her career.
Breakthrough Role
Watts’ breakthrough role came in the 2001 psychological thriller “Mulholland Drive,” directed by David Lynch. Her performance as the lead character, Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn, was critically acclaimed and earned numerous award nominations.
Other Notable Roles
Watts has appeared in numerous other notable films, including “The Ring,” “21 Grams,” “King Kong,” “The Impossible,” “Birdman,” and “Luce.” She has also had recurring roles in TV shows such as “Twin Peaks” and “Gypsy.”
Oscar Nominations
Naomi Watts has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Actress. The first was for her role in “21 Grams” in 2004, and the second was in “The Impossible” in 2013.
Humanitarian Work
In addition to her acting career, Naomi Watts is also involved in humanitarian work. She has been an ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS since 2006. She has supported various charities, including the UNICEF Tap Project and the Global Green USA organization.
Personal Life
Naomi Watts was in a long-term relationship with actor Liev Schreiber from 2005 to 2016. The couple has two children together. Watts is currently in a relationship with musician Billy Crudup.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of acting, Naomi Watts has several hobbies and interests. She enjoys practicing yoga and pilates and is also an avid photographer. She has been known to take photographs on the set of her films and has even exhibited some of her work.
British and Australian Citizenship
Despite being born in England, Naomi Watts considers herself British and Australian. She has dual citizenship in both countries.
Awards and Recognition
Naomi Watts has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in film and TV. In addition to her two Academy Awards nominations, she has won a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and several other awards and nominations.
Family Connections in the Film Industry
Watts comes from a family with connections to the film industry. Her mother was a costume designer and her father was a sound engineer, while her brother, Ben Watts, is a photographer. Her ex-partner, Liev Schreiber, is also an actor, and the couple appeared in several films together, including “The Painted Veil” and “Salt.”
Language Skills
Naomi Watts is fluent in English and also speaks some Spanish. She learned Spanish while living in Spain for a year when she was 14.