Highest rated as cast or director
Anne with an E
2017 · 3 Seasons
45 Years
2015
Little Britain USA
2008 · 1 Season
Beast
2018
Made in Dagenham
2010
Northanger Abbey
2007
Biography
Geraldine James, OBE (born 6 July 1950), is an English film, television, and stage actress. Born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, she trained at the Drama Centre London and began her professional acting career in the 1970s. She gained recognition for her performances in the television drama Dummy (1977) and the miniseries The Jewel in the Crown (1984). Her performance alongside Peggy Ashcroft in She’s Been Away (1989) earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. Her film credits include Gandhi (1982), Calendar Girls (2003), Sherlock Holmes (2009), Alice in Wonderland (2010), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), and 45 Years (2015). She portrayed Mrs. Hudson in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes films and Queen Mary in Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). James is also known for her television roles in Band of Gold (1995), Utopia (2013-2014), Anne with an E (2017-2019), and Silo (2023). Her portrayal of Marilla Cuthbert in Anne with an E brought her widespread international recognition. Throughout her career, she has received four BAFTA Television Award nominations and has performed extensively in theater, including a Broadway production of The Merchant of Venice opposite Dustin Hoffman. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003 for her services to drama.
Acted in 116
2020s
- 2026
The Cage
Nancy Packer · 5 episodes
- 2025
Creditors
Tekla
Tank Boy
Movie
- 2024
- 2023
The Trap
Movie
- 2021
The Beast Must Die
Joy · 5 episodes
2010s
- 2019
Back to Life
Caroline Matteson · 12 episodes
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Uncle
Jane · 1 episode
- 2013
Legacy
Martha
Dr. Easy
Voice of Dr. Easy
The Genius of Marie Curie: The Woman Who Lit up the World
Maria Skłodowska-Curie's letters read by
- 2012
13 Steps Down
Gwendolen Chawcer · 2 episodes
- 2011
- 2010
2000s
- 2009
- 2008
Caught in a Trap
Joyce Perkins
The Last Enemy
Barbara Turney · 5 episodes
Phoo Action
Dr Evelyne Conan-Bell · 1 episode
City of Vice
Nell · 1 episode
- 2007
The Time of Your Life
Eileen
The Time of Your Life
Eileen · 6 episodes
- 2006
A Harlot's Progress
Mother Needham
The Amazing Mrs Pritchard
Hilary Rees-Benson · 6 episodes
Jane Hall
Lorraine Hall · 6 episodes
- 2004
He Knew He Was Right
Lady Rowley · 3 episodes
- 2003
Hearts of Gold
Elizabeth Powell
State of Play
Yvonne Shaps · 2 episodes
- 2002
White Teeth
Joyce Malfen · 4 episodes
White Teeth
Joyce Malfen
Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairytale
Hans's Mother · 2 episodes
Crime and Punishment
Pulcheria · 2 episodes
Tom & Thomas
Miss Tromp
An Angel For May
Susan Higgins · 4 episodes
- 2001
- 2000
The Sins
Gloria Green · 7 episodes
The Luzhin Defence
Vera, Natalia's Mother
1990s
- 1998
Seesaw
Val Price · 3 episodes
- 1997
Drovers' Gold
Ruth Jones · 5 episodes
Rebecca
Beatrice · 2 episodes
- 1996
- 1995
Band of Gold
Rose Garrity · 18 episodes
- 1994
Doggin' Around
Sarah Williams
Words Upon the Window Pane
Mrs. Henderson
The Healer
Dr. Mercedes Honeysett
No Worries
Anne O'Dwyer
- 1992
A Doll's House
Kristine Linde
Losing Track
Mrs. Dewey
The Bridge
Mrs. Todd
- 1991
Stanley and the Women
Dr Trish Collings · 4 episodes
Ex
Alice
1980s
- 1989
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
Gertrude Brisket
She's Been Away
Harriet Ambrose
- 1988
Wall of Tyranny
Krista Donner
- 1987
- 1985
Blott on the Landscape
Movie
Blott on the Landscape
Lady Maud Lynchwood · 6 episodes
- 1984
- 1982
Chains
Janine
I Remember Nelson
Lady Emma Hamilton · 4 episodes
- 1981
The History Man
Barbara Kirk · 4 episodes
- 1980
Sweet William
Pamela
Bloody Kids
Ritchie's Wife
Hesther for Example
Hesther
1970s
- 1979
The Dumb Waiter
Sally
General Studies
Barbara Kirk · 1 episode
Who's Who
Miss Hunt
- 1977
Dummy
Sandra
- 1975
- 1974
- 1972
- 1970
No release date
Now & Then
Laura
Appearances10
2020s
- 2023
Eiffel Tower: Building the Impossible
Self - Narrator (voice)
- 2020
A Very Royal Christmas: Sandringham Secrets
Self - Narrator (voice)
2010s
- 2015
Hidden India
Herself - Narrator · 3 episodes
- 2014
Richard Attenborough: A Life in Film
Self
- 2011
Planet of the Apemen: Battle for Earth
Narrator · 2 episodes
2000s
- 2007
Ocean Voyagers
Narrator (voice)
The 50 Greatest Television Dramas
Self
1980s
- 1983
1970s
- 1978
