‘Shakespeare in Love’ cast then and now

Gwyneth Paltrow portrayed William Shakespeare’s primary love interest, Viola De Lesseps.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s performance in “Shakespeare in Love.”

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The rich Viola De Lesseps enjoys watching Shakespeare’s plays. Viola disguises herself as Thomas Kent in order to win the role of Romeo in the first performance of “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare. She falls in love with Shakespeare while being engaged to Lord Wessex, whom she eventually marries and moves to America with.

Gwyneth Paltrow is currently a leading actress in Hollywood and the CEO of her own firm.

Gwyneth Paltrow in 2021.

Paltrow, 50, has won critical acclaim for her parts in films such as “Emma,” “Great Expectations,” and “Sliding Doors” during the course of her extended career. Additionally, she is the founder and CEO of her own lifestyle company, Goop. The corporation is estimated to be worth $250 million.

Joseph Fiennes portrayed Shakespeare as he seeks to produce the first production of “Romeo and Juliet.”

“Shakespeare in Love” by Joseph Fiennes.

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Shakespeare is striving to complete a play and is having financial and romantic difficulties when we first encounter him. After meeting Viola De Lesseps, Shakespeare draws inspiration from her and builds “Romeo and Juliet” on their developing romance.

Since then, Joseph Fiennes has had roles in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “American Horror Story.”

Joseph Fiennes attends the Season 3 Finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu on August 6, 2019.

Fiennes, 52, is arguably best known for his roles as Fred Waterford on “The Handmaid’s Tale” since 2017 and as Monsignor Timothy Howard on “American Horror Story: Asylum” since 2012.

In addition, he will co-star with Jennifer Lopez in “The Mother,” which is now in post-production and scheduled for release in May 2023.

Lord Wessex, Viola’s fiancé and Shakespeare’s greatest opponent, is portrayed by Colin Firth.

“Shakespeare in Love” co-starring Colin Firth.

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It is later discovered that he was not the one having an affair with Viola De Lesseps. However, he is the primary antagonist of the film and is initially assumed to have organized the murder of Christopher Marlowe. He continually attempts to separate Viola and Shakespeare.

He does not love Viola but is bent on marrying her so that he may use her affluent family’s money to pay off his debts and begin a new life with her in America.

Colin Firth is well-known for his appearances in “Mamma Mia,” “Love Actually,” and the “Bridget Jones’s Diary” series.

On May 3, 2022, Colin Firth attends the New York Premiere of “The Staircase” on HBO Max at the Museum of Modern Art.

In “The King’s Speech,” Firth, 62, won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his major performance as King George VI.

Firth subsequently starred in the “Kingsman” series and reprised his role as Mark Darcy in the 2016 sequel “Bridget Jones’s Baby.” In 2018, he reprised his role in “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” Recent roles include “Empire of Light,” “The Staircase,” and “Mary Poppins Returns.”

Judi Dench received an Oscar for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I.

Shakespeare in Love, with Judi Dench.

Miramax Films/HBO Max

Queen Elizabeth is portrayed as a cheeky theatrical enthusiast with a cutting sense of humor. She notifies Lord Wessex that Viola De Lesseps has been “plucked,” so letting him know about her affair with Shakespeare. She subsequently attends “Romeo and Juliet” and forgives Viola and the theater company for allowing a woman to play on stage.

Judi Dench is one of the most renowned British actors, having played iconic characters in the James Bond film series.

Judi Dench attends press day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on May 23, 2022 at The Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Dench, 87, has had important roles in period dramas such as “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) and “Jane Eyre” in addition to her performances in “Skyfall” (2012), “No Time to Die” (2021), “Quantum of Solace” (2008), and numerous more James Bond films (2011).

Imelda Staunton portrays a nurse charged with hiding Viola’s affair with William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare in Love, starring Imelda Staunton.

Miramax Films/HBO Max

She is Viola’s regular friend and confidante, and she goes to great pains to conceal the fact that Shakespeare has been entering Viola’s chambers.

Perhaps Imelda Staunton is most recognized for her performance as Dolores Umbridge in the “Harry Potter” series.

Imelda Staunton attends the international premiere of “Downton Abbey: A New Era” on April 25, 2022, at Cineworld Leicester Square.

Lia Toby/Getty Photographs

Staunton, 66, will replace Claire Foy and Olivia Colman in the character of Queen Elizabeth on “The Crown,” which she will assume in the near future. Staunton is also well-known for her role as Maud Bagshaw on “Downton Abbey,” an iconic British drama series.

Geoffrey Rush portrays Philip Henslowe, the proprietor of the Rose Theatre, in the drama.

“Shakespeare in Love” with Geoffrey Rush.

Miramax Films/HBO Max

In the film, Henslowe is perpetually pressuring William Shakespeare to write a popular play so that he can return his debts.

Geoffrey Rush is currently active as an actor and has portrayed numerous memorable characters throughout his illustrious career.

On July 9, 2022, Geoffrey Rush attends the 56th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Rush, 71, is best recognized for his roles as Captain Hector Barbossa in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, Hans Hubermann in “The Book Thief” (2013), and Lionel Logue in “The King’s Speech” (2010). In addition, he won the Academy Award for best actor for his performance in the 1996 film “Shine.”

Rush is also one of 24 individuals who have earned the “Triple Crown of Acting” by receiving an Oscar, a Primetime Emmy, and a Tony Award.

Tom Wilkinson portrays Hugh Fennyman, the Rose’s financial benefactor.

Tom Wilkinson in “Shakespeare in Love,” starring Tom Wilkinson.

Miramax Films/HBO Max

He is thrilled when Shakespeare offers him the part of the Apothecary in his production of “Romeo and Juliet.”

Tom Wilkinson continues to act as well.

On February 17, 2020, Tom Wilkinson attends the “Belgravia” photocall at the Soho Hotel.

Wilkinson, 74, has won numerous awards for his acting career, including two nominations for the Academy Award. Recent roles include “Belgravia” (2020), “Watership Down” (2018), and “The Kennedys” (2011).

Martin Clunes portrays the famed actor and proprietor of the rival Curtain Theatre, Richard Burbage.

Shakespeare in Love, starring Martin Clunes.

Miramax Films/HBO Max

Additionally, he is the spouse of Rosaline, who is associated with William Shakespeare at the beginning of the film. When he discovers their affair, he tries to murder Shakespeare.

However, their feud is resolved. Will is offered the Curtain for his portrayal of “Romeo and Juliet” after Viola’s exposure as a woman onstage forces the theater to close for indecency.

Martin Clunes is most recognized for his roles as Martin Ellingham and Gary Strang in “Doc Martin” and “British Men Behaving Badly,” respectively.

Martin Clunes will perform on September 18, 2019.

Clunes, 60, is a well-known British actor best recognized for his appearances in “Manhunt” (2019-2021), “Warren” (2019), and “Vanity Fair” (2018).

Ben Affleck portrays the “Romeo and Juliet” actor Ned Allen.

Ben Affleck portrayed Shakespeare in “Shakespeare in Love.”

Miramax Films/HBO Max

He takes his part as Mercutio very seriously and is dubious of the relationship between Shakespeare and Thomas Kent.

Ben Affleck remains one of Hollywood’s finest performers, yet he is now also a respected producer.

Ben Affleck.

Affleck, 50, went on to star in films such as “Deep Water” (2022), “The Accountant” (2016), and “Gone Girl” after “Shakespeare in Love” (2014).

Affleck and his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez started dating rumors in May 2021, following her high-profile split from Alex Rodriguez. By April 2022, the couple was engaged, and they exchanged their wedding vows three months later.

Rupert Everett portrays Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary writer, in a small role.

Rupert Everett in “Shakespeare in Love.”

Miramax Films/HBO Max

In “Shakespeare in Love,” it is indicated that Marlowe provides his friend William Shakespeare the story concept for “Romeo and Juliet.” Shakespeare believes he is responsible for his friend’s death since he told Lord Wessex that Marlowe and Viola were having an affair. He dies in a bar fight.

Rupert Everett’s portrayal of George Downes in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” is still widely recognized.

Rupert Everett attends the screening of “My Policeman” during the Toronto International Film Festival of 2022.

Alongside his “Shakespeare in Love” co-star Colin Firth, the British actor also appeared in “The Happy Prince” (2018), which documented the life of poet and playwright Oscar Wild. In addition to writing and directing the picture, he won a Satellite Award for best first feature.

Everett, 63, will also participate in the upcoming thriller “My Policeman,” starring Harry Styles and Emma Corrin.