Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, director, and producer. He is best known for playing Lord Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" series and the Nazi officer Amon Goeth in "Schindler's List." Fiennes also played M in the James Bond films "Skyfall," "Spectre," and "No Time to Die." He is famous for his work in both movies and theater, winning a Tony Award for his role in "Hamlet" on Broadway.
Ralph Fiennes, was born on December 22, 1962, in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. He is the eldest of six children born to Mark Fiennes, a photographer and farmer, and Jennifer Lash, a writer. Fiennes hails from a distinguished lineage, being the grandson of Maurice Fiennes and the great-grandson of the 16th Baron Saye and Sele. His siblings are all involved in the arts: actor Joseph Fiennes, director Martha Fiennes, composer Magnus Fiennes, filmmaker Sophie Fiennes, and conservationist Jacob Fiennes. His foster brother, Michael Emery, is an archaeologist. Fiennes' nephew, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, played young Tom Riddle, the future Lord Voldemort, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009).
Fiennes studied painting at Chelsea College of Arts before discovering his passion for acting. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 1985. His early career was marked by a focus on Shakespearean roles, gaining recognition at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Fiennes' classically trained background became a defining feature of his acting style.
Ralph Fiennes made his film debut in 1992, playing Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. However, it was in 1993 that he gained international fame for his portrayal of the sadistic Nazi officer Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List. This role earned him numerous nominations and awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Fiennes continued his successful career with notable roles in The English Patient (1996), which earned him another Academy Award nomination, Red Dragon (2002), The Constant Gardener (2005), and In Bruges (2008).
He became a household name for his portrayal of the villain Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series (2005–2011) and played the character M in the James Bond films Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021). Fiennes also ventured into directing, making his debut with Coriolanus (2011) and following it up with The Invisible Woman (2013).
Other notable films include The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), A Bigger Splash (2015), Hail, Caesar! (2016), and voice work in animated films like The Prince of Egypt (1998) and Kubo and the Two Strings (2016). Fiennes’ versatile career showcases his ability to take on a wide range of roles in both serious dramas and lighthearted films.
Fiennes married actress Alex Kingston in 1993, but the couple divorced in 1997 following his affair with actress Francesca Annis. Fiennes was later romantically linked with Lady Amanda Harlech. In 2007, he was involved in a public scandal when he was caught having an affair with a Qantas flight attendant.
Fiennes has been an advocate for UNICEF UK since 1999. In 2017, he was granted Serbian citizenship.
As of 2025, Ralph Fiennes' net worth is estimated at $50 million. His wealth comes from his long career in acting, directing, and producing. Fiennes is best known for roles in films like "Schindler's List," "The English Patient," and as Lord Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" series. His work in theater and voice acting in animated films has also added to his fortune.