Essie Davis

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29 Feb 2024

Essie Davis

Esther Davis is an Australian actress and singer who has garnered widespread acclaim for her diverse and compelling performances across television and film. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of the stylish and adventurous detective Phryne Fisher in the popular series "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" and its film adaptation, "Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears." Davis brought charm, wit, and sophistication to the role, captivating audiences with her portrayal of the fearless and independent protagonist.

In addition to her role in "Miss Fisher," Davis delivered a haunting and powerful performance as Amelia Vanek in the acclaimed horror film "The Babadook." Her portrayal of a mother struggling with grief and psychological torment earned her praise for her emotional depth and authenticity, cementing her reputation as a versatile actress capable of tackling complex and challenging roles.

Davis has also made notable appearances in television series such as "Game of Thrones," where she portrayed the character Lady Crane in the sixth season. Her compelling performance added depth and nuance to the ensemble cast of the acclaimed fantasy series.
In the mini-series "Lambs of God," Davis showcased her range by portraying Sister Iphigenia, a complex and enigmatic character within a dark and atmospheric narrative. Her performance was praised for its intensity and depth, further solidifying her status as a standout talent in the industry.

One of Davis's notable film roles includes her portrayal of Ellen Kelly in Justin Kurzel's "True History of the Kelly Gang." In this gritty and atmospheric retelling of Australian outlaw history, Davis captured the resilience and strength of the iconic character, delivering a performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Throughout her career, Esther Davis has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, seamlessly transitioning between genres and mediums while consistently delivering compelling and memorable performances. With her talent, dedication, and range, she continues to captivate audiences and establish herself as one of Australia's most accomplished and respected performers.

Esther Davis's illustrious acting career began with the prestigious Bell Shakespeare company shortly after graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). In 1993, she made a remarkable debut as Juliet in the company's production of "Romeo and Juliet." This was followed by acclaimed performances in Shakespearean classics such as "Hamlet," "Richard III," "Macbeth," and "The Taming of the Shrew" over the next few years.

Her foray into film began with a role in the 1995 Australian production "Dad and Dave: On Our Selection," where she shared the screen with luminaries like Geoffrey Rush, Leo McKern, and Joan Sutherland. Davis continued to impress in notable films such as "The Matrix Reloaded," "The Matrix Revolutions," "The Sound of One Hand Clapping," and "Girl with a Pearl Earring."
Davis's talent extended to the stage, where she delivered captivating performances in productions like "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The School for Scandal." In 2003, she earned widespread acclaim and won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Stella Kowalski in Trevor Nunn's production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the National Theatre in London. Her stage success continued with a Tony Award nomination for her role in the Broadway production of Tom Stoppard's "Jumpers" in 2004.

Davis showcased her versatility in various mediums, including television, where she portrayed Mrs. Nellie Lovett in the BBC production of "Sweeney Todd" in 2005. In the 2008 film "Hey, Hey, It's Esther Blueburger," she portrayed Esther's controlling mother, demonstrating her ability to bring complex characters to life on screen. The same year, Davis appeared in Baz Luhrmann's epic film "Australia," alongside Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, further solidifying her status as a versatile and talented actress.

In addition to her film and stage work, Davis continued to be a presence in the theater scene, delivering memorable performances such as her portrayal of Maggie in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" for the Melbourne Theatre Company in 2008. Throughout her career, Esther Davis has consistently demonstrated her exceptional talent, earning accolades and admiration from audiences and critics alike.

Esther Davis's commitment to her roots and passion for the arts led her back to Tasmania in 2008, where she played a pivotal role in launching the Tasmanian Theatre Company. Through this endeavor, she aimed to support local theater and inspire youth to engage in the arts, fostering a vibrant cultural community in her homeland.

Davis's talent continued to shine on both the small and big screens. In 2011, she received a Logie Award nomination for her compelling portrayal of Anouk in the Australian miniseries "The Slap." Her iconic role as Phryne Fisher in ABC Television's "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" captivated audiences from 2012 to 2015, solidifying her status as a television star.
She showcased her versatility in Jennifer Kent's acclaimed 2014 debut feature "The Babadook," earning nominations for several prestigious awards for her powerful performance. Subsequently, she joined the cast of HBO's "Game of Thrones" in Season 6 as Lady Crane, displaying her range in yet another memorable role.

In 2018, Davis continued to captivate audiences with her performances. She portrayed Sister Iphigenia in the mini-series "Lambs of God," garnering critical acclaim and earning an AACTA Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Additionally, she portrayed Ellen Kelly in Justin Kurzel's "True History of the Kelly Gang," further showcasing her talent on the big screen.

Davis delighted fans by reprising her role as Phryne Fisher in the stand-alone action-adventure feature film "Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears" in 2018. She also took on the role of Anna in the comedy-drama "Babyteeth," which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2019.
In 2020, Davis completed filming "The Justice of Bunny King," portraying the title role alongside Thomasin McKenzie. Her commitment to diverse and challenging roles continues to solidify her reputation as one of Australia's most talented and versatile actresses, leaving an indelible mark on both the local and international film industries.