Watson was born in Islington, London, England, the daughter of an architect father and an English professor mother. She was raised in the Anglican religion. Watson trained at Drama Studio London and holds a BA (1988, English) as well as an MA (2003, honorary) from Bristol University. Watson married Jack Waters, whom she had met at the Royal Shakespeare Company, in 1995; their daughter, Juliet, was Read more...

Watson is a committed supporter of the British children's charity, the NSPCC. In 2004 she was inducted into the society's hall of fame for spearheading the successful campaign to appoint a Children's Commissioner for England. Receiving her award in the crowded House of Commons, she spoke out against the possibility that the Children's Commissioner become a figurehead with little real power.

Although best known internationally for her film roles, Watson is also a veteran of the stage. Her theatre credits include The Children's Hour (at the Royal National Theatre), Three Sisters, Much Ado about Nothing and The Lady From The Sea.

She has also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company in such productions as Jovial Crew, The Taming of the Shrew, All's Well That Ends Well and The Changeling.

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