Rebecca Maria Hall

Rebecca Maria Hall, born on May 3, 1982, stands as a versatile English actress and filmmaker. Her entry into the entertainment realm commenced at the age of 10 with her role in the 1992 television adaptation of The Camomile Lawn, directed by her esteemed father, Sir Peter Hall. Under her father's guidance, Rebecca's affinity for performance blossomed, culminating in her professional stage debut in 2002's Mrs. Warren's Profession, a play also directed by her father, earning her the esteemed Ian Charleson Award.

In 2006, Rebecca experienced a breakthrough with her film debut in Starter for 10, setting the stage for her pivotal role in Christopher Nolan's acclaimed thriller, The Prestige. Her star continued to ascend with her portrayal of Vicky in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a performance that garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Exhibiting her versatility, Rebecca graced a spectrum of films, from Ron Howard's Frost/Nixon to Ben Affleck's The Town, showcasing her talent across diverse genres. Her Hollywood presence further solidified with roles in Iron Man 3, Transcendence, The Gift, and The BFG.

In 2016, Rebecca earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of news reporter Christine Chubbuck in the biographical drama Christine, showcasing her ability to delve into complex characters. She continued to captivate audiences with her role as Dr. Ilene Andrews in the MonsterVerse films Godzilla vs. Kong and the upcoming Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Expanding her artistic horizons, Rebecca made her directorial debut with Passing in 2021, a film praised for its poignant storytelling.

Beyond the silver screen, Rebecca has made a notable impact on British television. She clinched the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in the Channel 4 miniseries Red Riding: 1974 and received a nomination for Best Actress in BBC Two's Parade's End in 2013. Rebecca Maria Hall continues to enthrall audiences with her exceptional talent and dedication, firmly establishing herself as a force in the entertainment world.

Born on May 3, 1982, in London, Rebecca Hall's lineage weaves a rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Her mother, Maria Ewing, an American opera singer from Detroit, traces her roots to an African-American mixed-race father and a Dutch mother. Through her maternal lineage, Rebecca descends from Bazabeel Norman, a Revolutionary War veteran of African descent. A revelation on Finding Your Roots unveiled that her maternal grandfather's Native American identity was a misconception, with his true lineage rooted in African-American ancestry.

Rebecca's father, Sir Peter Hall, an English stage director and founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company, provided artistic influence despite her parents' separation. She shares her lineage with five paternal half-siblings, including stage director Edward Hall, producer Christopher Hall, and actresses Jennifer Caron Hall and Emma Hall, along with set designer Lucy Hall. Rebecca's educational journey led her to Roedean School, where she excelled and became head girl. Pursuing her passion for literature at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, she immersed herself in the vibrant student theatre scene, forming lasting friendships, including with fellow student Dan Stevens.

While departing Cambridge just before completing her final year in 2002, Rebecca's time at the prestigious institution laid the foundation for her illustrious career in the arts. Her diverse heritage, coupled with academic and theatrical endeavors, shaped her into the multifaceted talent admired by audiences worldwide.

Rebecca Hall's foray into entertainment began at a young age, making her professional debut at nine in her father's TV adaptation of Mary Wesley's The Camomile Lawn in 1992. Her feature film debut in 2006's Starter for Ten marked a breakthrough, followed by acclaim for her role as Sarah Borden in Christopher Nolan's The Prestige the same year. Rebecca's versatility shone through in projects like Stephen Poliakoff's Joe's Palace in 2007 and the British fantasy-horror film Dorian Gray in 2009. Her Hollywood ascent gained momentum with her captivating performance in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008, earning her a Golden Globe nomination.

Rebecca's talent continued to shine in films like Ron Howard's Frost/Nixon and Ben Affleck's crime drama The Town, which earned her a British Academy Television Award. Her diverse roles spanned the British ghost film The Awakening to the political thriller Closed Circuit. In 2016, she delivered a riveting portrayal of news reporter Christine Chubbuck in Christine, lauded by critics. Her portrayal of psychologist Elizabeth Holloway Marston in Professor Marston and the Wonder Women in 2017 further showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.

Beyond acting, Rebecca's commitment to her craft is evident in her directorial debut with Passing in 2021, a film she wrote and co-produced, receiving widespread acclaim. Her starring role in the well-received horror-thriller The Night House solidified her reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished performers of her generation.

References;

1.  M. Smith, Nigel (24 January 2016). "Christine review: Rebecca Hall astonishes in real-life horror story". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
2. "BAFTA Awards Search | BAFTA Awards". awards.bafta.org. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
3. Births, Marriages & Deaths Index of England & Wales, 1916–2005. Gives name at birth as "Rebecca Maria Hall".
4. Hattenstone, Simon (12 June 2010). "Who, me? Why everyone is talking about Rebecca Hall". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
5. Isenberg, Barbara (8 November 1992). "MUSIC No-Risk Opera? Not Even Close Maria Ewing, one of the most celebrated sopranos in opera, leaps again into the role of Tosca, keeping alive her streak of acclaimed performances while remaining true to herself". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
6. McLellan, Joseph (15 November 1990). "Article: Extra-Sensuous Perception;Soprano Maria Ewing, a Steamy 'Salome'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
7. Marsh, Robert C. (18 December 1988). "Growth of Maria Ewing continues with 'Salome' // Role of princess proves crowning achievement". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
8. Stated on Finding Your Roots, January 4, 2022
9. "Rebecca Hall Relationships". TV Guide. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
10. Farber, Jim (20 February 2005). "For Rebecca Hall, it's all in the family business". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on 22 December 2010. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
11. "The Prestige production notes" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2006.
12. "Macbeth". Marlowe Society. 2002. Archived from the original on 23 December 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
13. West, Naomi (29 October 2011). "Rebecca Hall takes the lead". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011.