Naomi Watts

Biography

Naomi Watts was born on September 28, 1968, in Shoreham, Kent, England, to parents Myfanwy Edwards, a Welsh antiques dealer, and Peter Watts, an English sound engineer. Tragically, Watts’ father passed away when she was just seven years old, a loss that had a profound effect on her early life. After his death, her family relocated to Australia, where she spent much of her childhood. Growing up in a supportive yet modest household, Watts was drawn to the world of acting from an early age. 

She attended Mosman High School in Sydney and later studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, further honing her craft.

Her early experiences in Australia shaped her ambitions, and Watts began working in television and film in the early 1990s. However, it wasn’t until later in her career that she would achieve international recognition.

Early Career

Watts’ early years in the entertainment industry were marked by a series of small roles in Australian television shows and films. She appeared in several Australian soap operas and commercials, which helped her gain some visibility. One of her first notable roles was in the Australian TV series Home and Away, where she appeared in a guest role. However, she soon realized that she needed to expand her horizons to truly make a name for herself.

In the mid-1990s, Watts moved to the United States, where she continued to struggle to land significant roles. Her early career was filled with bit parts in television series and films, often going unnoticed in Hollywood. It was during this time that Watts formed a lasting bond with fellow actress Nicole Kidman, who would become both a friend and an important figure in Watts' career development.

Breakthrough Role: Mulholland Drive (2001)

Naomi Watts’ big break came in 2001 with David Lynch’s critically acclaimed film Mulholland Drive. Watts starred as Betty Elms, an amnesiac woman who becomes entangled in a mysterious and surreal story in Los Angeles. The film received widespread praise for its enigmatic storytelling and the powerful performances of its cast, especially Watts. Her portrayal of Betty, a character who must navigate a strange and often disturbing world, won her recognition for her exceptional acting ability. Mulholland Drive quickly became a cult classic, and Watts’ role in the film earned her widespread acclaim in Hollywood.

This performance not only earned Watts her first Golden Globe nomination but also opened the door to more significant roles in the years that followed.

Rise to Prominence: The Ring (2002) and 21 Grams (2003)

Following her success in Mulholland Drive, Watts' career took a dramatic turn with a series of prominent roles that showcased her range as an actress. In 2002, she starred in The Ring, a horror film directed by Gore Verbinski. Playing the role of Rachel Keller, a journalist who investigates a cursed videotape, Watts brought a level of emotional depth to the genre, elevating the film’s tension and emotional stakes. The film was a commercial success and solidified Watts as a bankable leading lady in Hollywood.

In 2003, Watts delivered another standout performance in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 21 Grams. In this drama, she portrayed a grieving woman whose life is irreversibly changed after a tragic accident. The film was widely praised for its complex narrative structure and emotional performances, and Watts’ role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This recognition further established her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Versatility in Film: The International (2009), You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010), and The Impossible (2012)

Over the following years, Naomi Watts demonstrated her versatility by taking on a variety of roles across different genres. In 2009, she starred in The International, a political thriller that saw her playing an ambitious prosecutor trying to take down a corrupt bank involved in international crimes. Although the film was met with mixed reviews, Watts’ performance was highlighted as one of its strongest points.

In 2010, she appeared in You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, directed by Woody Allen. The film was a comedy-drama exploring themes of love and loss, and Watts’ role as a woman struggling with personal and professional challenges was praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Perhaps one of her most significant and challenging roles came in 2012 with The Impossible, where she portrayed a mother caught in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. 

The film was both a commercial and critical success, and Watts’ performance as a woman fighting to survive and reunite with her family in the aftermath of the disaster earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal of such an intense and harrowing experience was lauded for its emotional complexity and physical stamina.

Later Career and Notable Works

In the years following The Impossible, Naomi Watts continued to expand her body of work with both high-profile projects and more intimate indie films. She starred in St. Vincent (2014), alongside Bill Murray, playing the role of a single mother who enlists the help of an eccentric war veteran (Murray) to look after her son. The film received positive reviews, and Watts’ performance was once again praised for her ability to balance humor and heart.

She also appeared in The Glass Castle (2017), based on the memoir by Jeannette Walls, where she portrayed a mother who struggles with poverty and addiction. Her performance added a layer of compassion to a character who is often seen as unsympathetic in the book.

In recent years, Watts has also made waves on the small screen with her role in The Loudest Voice (2019), a miniseries about the rise and fall of Fox News founder Roger Ailes, where she played the role of Ailes’ wife, Beth. Her performance was highly praised, marking a successful transition from film to television.

Personal Life

Naomi Watts has long been a fixture of the public eye, both for her acting talent and her personal life. She was in a long-term relationship with actor Liev Schreiber, with whom she has two children. The couple, who were together for over a decade, split in 2016, but remain on good terms for the sake of their children. Watts has since been involved in various humanitarian causes and continues to advocate for environmental and social issues.