Born into an acting dynasty and Central School-trained, Vanessa Redgrave is one of Britain's most accomplished actors.

The eventual winner of an Emmy; an Oscars, and two  BAFTAs, Vanessa Redgrave's began her acting career in 1958, where she took to the London stage and also debut in her first film – playing the daughter to her real-life father, Michael Redgrave.

She became a key figure in the 1960s revolution in British film, appearing for New Wave directors, Karel Reisz and Tony Richardson, the latter of the two she later married.

From the 60s onward she starred in a steady stream of critically acclaimed movies - the gravitas of her performances growing ever more impressive as the years progressed – see, for example her recent performances in, Mrs Dalloway, Byron, Venus and Atonement.

Her marriage to Richardson ended in divorce, but produced actress daughters Joely and Natasha Richardson.

Her political views - pro-Palestinian; the Workers' Revolutionary Party - have also brought her to public notice.