Dame Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton DBE is an English actress and singer. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Staunton began her career in repertory theatre in 1976 and appeared in various theatre productions in the United Kingdom. Over her career, she has received several awards including a British Academy Film Award, and four Laurence Olivier Awards as well as nominations for an Academy Award, three British Academy Television Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Known for her numerous roles on the West End stage, Staunton has received thirteen Laurence Olivier Award nominations winning Best Supporting Role in a Play for her work in both A Chorus of Disapproval / The Corn Is Green followed by three wins for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles in the musicals Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and Gypsy. She was also Olivier-nominated for The Beggar's Opera, The Wizard of Oz, Uncle Vanya, Guys and Dolls, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Good People, and Follies.
On film, Staunton took early roles in films such as Peter's Friends, Much Ado About Nothing, Sense and Sensibility, and Shakespeare in Love.