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Essie Davis

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Essie Davis

Esther "Essie" Davis (born 19 January 1970) is an Australian actress, best known for her roles as Phryne Fisher in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and its film adaptation, Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears, and as Amelia Vanek in The Babadook. Other major works include a recurring role as Lady Crane in season six of the television series Game of Thrones, Sister Iphigenia in Lambs of God, and the role of Ellen Kelly in Justin Kurzel's True History of the Kelly Gang.

Infobox

Born
Esther Davis (1970-01-19) 19 January 1970 (age 55)Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Education
National Institute of Dramatic Art (BFA)
Occupation
Actress
Years active
1992–present
Spouse
mw- Justin Kurzel (m. 2002)
Children
2

Tables

· Filmography › Film
1993
Role(s)
Jilly
Notes
Feature film
1995
Role(s)
Kate Rudd
Notes
Feature film
1996
Role(s)
Zara
Notes
Feature film
Role(s)
Wendy Davis
Notes
Feature film
1997
Role(s)
Detective Gilhooley
Notes
Feature film
The Two-Wheeled Time Machine
Role(s)
Young Alice
Notes
Short film
The Ripper
Role(s)
Evelyn Bookman
Notes
TV film
1998
2003
Role(s)
Maggie
Notes
Feature film
Role(s)
Helene Davis
Notes
Feature film
Role(s)
Catharina Vermeer
Notes
Feature film
Role(s)
Doctor
Role(s)
Maggie
Notes
Feature film
Role(s)
Beth
Notes
TV film
Role(s)
Julie
Notes
TV film
2005
Role(s)
Orla
2006
Role(s)
Mrs. Phyllis Arable
Notes
Feature film
Sweeney Todd
Role(s)
Mrs. Lovett
Notes
TV film
Role(s)
Juliet Moore
Notes
TV film
2008
Role(s)
Grace Blueburger
Notes
Feature film
Role(s)
Catherine "Cath" Carney Fletcher
Notes
Feature film
2010
Role(s)
Alma Stanley
The Wedding Party
Role(s)
Jane
Role(s)
Marella (voice)
Notes
Animated feature film
2011
The Last Time I Saw Michael Gregg
Role(s)
Lottie
Notes
Video
Role(s)
Karen
2014
Role(s)
Caitlin Thomas
Notes
TV film
Role(s)
Amelia Vanek
Notes
Feature film
2016
Role(s)
Mary Lynch
Notes
Feature film
2017
Role(s)
Patricia Deville
2019
Role(s)
Anna Finlay
Notes
Feature film
Role(s)
Ellen Kelly
2020
Role(s)
Phryne Fisher
Notes
TV film
2021
Role(s)
Bunny King
Role(s)
Helen
Notes
Feature film
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1993
The Custodian
Jilly
Feature film
1995
Dad and Dave: On Our Selection
Kate Rudd
Feature film
1996
Lilian's Story
Zara
Feature film
River Street
Wendy Davis
Feature film
1997
Blackrock
Detective Gilhooley
Feature film
The Two-Wheeled Time Machine
Young Alice
Short film
The Ripper
Evelyn Bookman
TV film
1998
The Sound of One Hand Clapping
Jean
2003
The Matrix Reloaded
Maggie
Feature film
The Pact
Helene Davis
Feature film
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Catharina Vermeer
Feature film
Code 46
Doctor
The Matrix Revolutions
Maggie
Feature film
After the Deluge
Beth
TV film
Temptation
Julie
TV film
2005
Isolation
Orla
2006
Charlotte's Web
Mrs. Phyllis Arable
Feature film
Sweeney Todd
Mrs. Lovett
TV film
The Silence
Juliet Moore
TV film
2008
Hey, Hey, It's Esther Blueburger
Grace Blueburger
Feature film
Australia
Catherine "Cath" Carney Fletcher
Feature film
2010
South Solitary
Alma Stanley
The Wedding Party
Jane
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Marella (voice)
Animated feature film
2011
The Last Time I Saw Michael Gregg
Lottie
Video
Burning Man
Karen
2014
A Poet in New York
Caitlin Thomas
TV film
The Babadook
Amelia Vanek
Feature film
2016
Assassin's Creed
Mary Lynch
Feature film
2017
Mindhorn
Patricia Deville
2019
Babyteeth
Anna Finlay
Feature film
True History of the Kelly Gang
Ellen Kelly
2020
Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears
Phryne Fisher
TV film
2021
The Justice of Bunny King
Bunny King
Nitram
Helen
Feature film
· Filmography › Television
1997
Role(s)
Senior Detective Nicola Bourke
Notes
TV series, 2 episodes: "Blood Trail","Dead or Alive"
1998
Role(s)
Mary Costello
Notes
TV miniseries
Role(s)
Judy St. John
Notes
TV series, season 2, episode 9: "Deadfall"
2000
Role(s)
Alison Blount
Notes
TV series, episode: "The Spider and the Fly"
2001
Role(s)
Sophie
Notes
TV series, season 1, episode 4
2002
Role(s)
Julie Morgan
Notes
TV series, season 1, episode 2: "Mardi Gras"
2003
Role(s)
Maggie (voice)
Notes
Video game
2011
Role(s)
Dolly Pickles
Notes
TV miniseries
Role(s)
Anouk
Notes
TV series
2012–2015
Role(s)
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Notes
Phryne Fisher
2014
Role(s)
Amelia
Notes
TV series, episode: "The Babadooks of Hazzard"
2016
Role(s)
Lady Crane
Notes
TV series, 3 episodes: "The Door""Blood of My Blood""No One"
2017
Role(s)
Elizabeth Woodville
Notes
TV series
Role(s)
Vera
Notes
TV series, episode: "Human Is"
Role(s)
Martha Franklin
Notes
TV series
2019
Role(s)
Sister Iphigenia
Notes
TV series
2022
Role(s)
Nancy Bradley
Notes
TV series, episode: "The Murmuring"
2024
Role(s)
Alison Mayhew, Dexter's Mum
Notes
Netflix series, 4 episodes
2025
Role(s)
Natalie Dal-Bello
Notes
3 episodes
Role(s)
Lynette Maison
Notes
3 episodes
Role(s)
Dame Sylvia
Notes
7 episodes
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1997
Water Rats
Senior Detective Nicola Bourke
TV series, 2 episodes: "Blood Trail","Dead or Alive"
1998
Kings in Grass Castles
Mary Costello
TV miniseries
Murder Call
Judy St. John
TV series, season 2, episode 9: "Deadfall"
2000
Halifax f.p.
Alison Blount
TV series, episode: "The Spider and the Fly"
2001
Corridors of Power
Sophie
TV series, season 1, episode 4
2002
Young Lions
Julie Morgan
TV series, season 1, episode 2: "Mardi Gras"
2003
Enter the Matrix
Maggie (voice)
Video game
2011
Cloudstreet
Dolly Pickles
TV miniseries
The Slap
Anouk
TV series
2012–2015
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Phryne Fisher
TV series
2014
Funny or Die Presents
Amelia
TV series, episode: "The Babadooks of Hazzard"
2016
Game of Thrones
Lady Crane
TV series, 3 episodes: "The Door Blood of My Blood No One"
2017
The White Princess
Elizabeth Woodville
TV series
Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams
Vera
TV series, episode: "Human Is"
The Last Post
Martha Franklin
TV series
2019
Lambs of God
Sister Iphigenia
TV series
2022
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities
Nancy Bradley
TV series, episode: "The Murmuring"
2024
One Day
Alison Mayhew, Dexter's Mum
Netflix series, 4 episodes
2025
Apple Cider Vinegar
Natalie Dal-Bello
3 episodes
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Lynette Maison
3 episodes
Alien: Earth
Dame Sylvia
7 episodes
· Theatre
1992
Role(s)
Lavinia Penniman
Notes
NIDA Parade Studio, Sydney
Role(s)
Clytemnestra
Notes
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
Role(s)
Babe Botrelle
Notes
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
Role(s)
Attendant
Notes
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
Images de Moliere
Notes
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
1993
Role(s)
Juliet
Notes
Theatre Royal Sydney, Melbourne Athenaeum, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, Canberra Theatre with Bell Shakespeare
Role(s)
Player Queen / Court Lady
Notes
Theatre Royal Sydney, Melbourne Athenaeum, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, Canberra Theatre with Bell Shakespeare
Role(s)
Jane Shore / Citizen
Notes
Theatre Royal Sydney, Melbourne Athenaeum, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, Canberra Theatre with Bell Shakespeare
1994
Role(s)
Katherina
Notes
Newcastle Civic Theatre, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, University of Sydney, Canberra Theatre, Regal Theatre, Perth, Theatre Royal, Hobart, Princess Theatre, Launceston with Bell Shakespeare
Role(s)
Second Witch / Gentlewoman
Notes
Newcastle Civic Theatre, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, University of Sydney, Canberra Theatre, Regal Theatre, Perth, Theatre Royal, Hobart, Princess Theatre, Launceston with Bell Shakespeare
1996
Role(s)
Catherine
Notes
Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney
Role(s)
Stella Summerhayes
Notes
Playhouse, Adelaide, Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney with STCSA
1998
Role(s)
Lady Macbeth
Notes
Space Theatre, Adelaide with STCSA
The Idiot
Role(s)
Aglaya
Notes
Space Theatre, Adelaide with STCSA
1999
Role(s)
Viola
Notes
Playhouse, Adelaide with STCSA
Role(s)
Rosa
Notes
Opera Playhouse, Adelaide with STCSA
2000–2001
Role(s)
The Importance of Being Earnest
Notes
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax
2001
Role(s)
Lady Teazle
Notes
Sydney Opera House with STC
2002
Role(s)
Stella Kowalski
Notes
Royal National Theatre, London
2003–2004
Role(s)
Jumpers
Notes
Dorothy Moore
2008
Role(s)
Margaret
Notes
Playhouse, Melbourne with MTC
2009
Tot Mom
Role(s)
Nancy Grace
Notes
Wharf Theatre, Sydney with STC
2021
Role(s)
Claire
Notes
Playhouse Theatre, Hobart with Archipelago Productions
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1992
The Heiress
Lavinia Penniman
NIDA Parade Studio, Sydney
1992
Electra
Clytemnestra
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
1992
Crimes of the Heart
Babe Botrelle
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
1992
As You Like It
Attendant
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
1992
Images de Moliere
NIDA Parade Theatre, Sydney
1993
Romeo and Juliet
Juliet
Theatre Royal Sydney, Melbourne Athenaeum, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, Canberra Theatre with Bell Shakespeare
1993
Hamlet
Player Queen / Court Lady
Theatre Royal Sydney, Melbourne Athenaeum, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, Canberra Theatre with Bell Shakespeare
1993
Richard III
Jane Shore / Citizen
Theatre Royal Sydney, Melbourne Athenaeum, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, Canberra Theatre with Bell Shakespeare
1994
The Taming of the Shrew
Katherina
Newcastle Civic Theatre, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, University of Sydney, Canberra Theatre, Regal Theatre, Perth, Theatre Royal, Hobart, Princess Theatre, Launceston with Bell Shakespeare
1994
Macbeth
Second Witch / Gentlewoman
Newcastle Civic Theatre, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, University of Sydney, Canberra Theatre, Regal Theatre, Perth, Theatre Royal, Hobart, Princess Theatre, Launceston with Bell Shakespeare
1996
A View from the Bridge
Catherine
Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney
1996
Night on Bald Mountain
Stella Summerhayes
Playhouse, Adelaide, Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney with STCSA
1998
Macbeth
Lady Macbeth
Space Theatre, Adelaide with STCSA
1998
The Idiot
Aglaya
Space Theatre, Adelaide with STCSA
1999
Twelfth Night
Viola
Playhouse, Adelaide with STCSA
1999
The Rose Tattoo
Rosa
Opera Playhouse, Adelaide with STCSA
2000–2001
The Importance of Being Earnest
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax
Regal Theatre, Perth, Princess Theatre, Melbourne, Civic Theatre, Auckland, Theatre Royal Sydney, Manchester, Theatre Royal, Bath, Savoy Theatre, London
2001
The School for Scandal
Lady Teazle
Sydney Opera House with STC
2002
A Streetcar Named Desire
Stella Kowalski
Royal National Theatre, London
The Cripple of Inishmaan
Helen
STC
2003–2004
Jumpers
Dorothy Moore
Lyttelton National Theatre, London, Piccadilly Theatre, London, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York
2008
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Margaret
Playhouse, Melbourne with MTC
2009
Tot Mom
Nancy Grace
Wharf Theatre, Sydney with STC
2021
The Maids
Claire
Playhouse Theatre, Hobart with Archipelago Productions
· Awards and nominations › Film and television
1995
Role(s)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Notes
Dad and Dave: On Our Selection
2000
Role(s)
Halifax f.p.: The Spider and The Fly
Notes
Nominated
2006
Role(s)
Festival Trophy
Notes
Isolation
2011
Role(s)
Best Supporting Actor- Female
Notes
South Solitary
2012
Role(s)
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama
Notes
Cloudstreet
Role(s)
Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor – Female
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Most Outstanding Actress
Notes
The Slap
Role(s)
Best Actress – Supporting Role
Notes
Burning Man
2013
Role(s)
Best Supporting Actress
Notes
Nominated
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama
Role(s)
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Notes
Nominated
2014
Role(s)
Most Popular Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
The Babadook
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Won
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Won
Role(s)
Best Lead Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Breakthrough Performance
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
3rd place
2015
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Newcomer- Female
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Best Leading Actress
Notes
Won
Role(s)
Best Actress
Notes
Nominated
Role(s)
Film Performance of The Year – Female
Notes
Nominated
2016
Role(s)
Gold Logie
Notes
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Role(s)
Nominated
Role(s)
Nominated
2019
Role(s)
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama
Notes
Lambs of God
2020
Film Club's The Lost Weekend
Role(s)
Best Supporting Actress
Notes
Babyteeth
Role(s)
Best Supporting Actress
Notes
Won
2021
Role(s)
Best Supporting Actress
Notes
Nitram
Year
Ceremony
Category
Work
Result
1995
Australian Film Institute Awards
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Dad and Dave: On Our Selection
Nominated
2000
Best Actress in a Telefeature or Mini-Series
Halifax f.p.: The Spider and The Fly
Nominated
2003
Best Actress in a Supporting or Guest Role in a Television Drama or Comedy
After the Deluge
Won
2006
Screamfest Horror Film Festival
Festival Trophy
Isolation
Won
2011
Film Critics Circle of Australia
Best Supporting Actor- Female
South Solitary
Won
2012
AACTA Awards
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama
Cloudstreet
Nominated
ASTRA Awards
Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor – Female
Nominated
Logie Awards
Most Outstanding Actress
The Slap
Nominated
Film Critics Circle of Australia
Best Actress – Supporting Role
Burning Man
Nominated
2013
AACTA Awards
Best Supporting Actress
Nominated
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Nominated
2014
Logie Awards
Most Popular Actress
Nominated
Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
Best Actress
The Babadook
Won
Sitges Film Festival
Best Actress
Won
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
Best Actress
Won
AACTA Awards
Best Lead Actress
Nominated
Detroit Film Critics Society
Best Actress
Nominated
Houston Film Critics Society
Best Actress
Nominated
Online Film Critics Society
Best Actress
Nominated
San Francisco Film Critics Circle
Best Actress
Nominated
Alliance of Women Film Journalists
Best Breakthrough Performance
Nominated
Village Voice Film Poll
Best Actress
3rd place
2015
Saturn Awards
Best Actress
Nominated
Empire Awards
Best Newcomer- Female
Nominated
Fangoria Chainsaw Awards
Best Leading Actress
Won
AACTA International Awards
Best Actress
Nominated
Dorian Awards
Film Performance of The Year – Female
Nominated
2016
Logie Awards
Gold Logie
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Nominated
Best Actress
Nominated
Most Outstanding Actress
Nominated
2019
AACTA Awards
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama
Lambs of God
Nominated
2020
Film Club's The Lost Weekend
Best Supporting Actress
Babyteeth
Won
AACTA Awards
Best Supporting Actress
Won
2021
AACTA Awards
Best Supporting Actress
Nitram
Won
· Awards and nominations › Stage
1993
Role(s)
Best Newcomer
Notes
Romeo and Juliet
2002
Role(s)
Best Female Actor in a Play
Notes
The School for Scandal
2003
Role(s)
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Notes
A Streetcar Named Desire
2004
Role(s)
Best Featured Actress in a Play
Notes
Jumpers
Year
Ceremony
Category
Title
Work
1993
Sydney Theatre Critics Awards
Best Newcomer
Romeo and Juliet
Nominated
2002
Helpmann Awards
Best Female Actor in a Play
The School for Scandal
Nominated
2003
Olivier Awards
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
A Streetcar Named Desire
Won
2004
Tony Award
Best Featured Actress in a Play
Jumpers
Nominated

References

  1. The Sydney Morning Herald
    https://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/true-crime-as-a-spectator-sport/2009/12/11/1260034358864.html?page=fullpage
  2. "Biography"
    https://essiedavisdaily.com/biography/
  3. www.dpac.tas.gov.au
    https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cpp/community-policy-and-engagement/significant_tasmanian_women/significant_tasmanian_women_-_research_listing/essie_davis
  4. The Sydney Morning Herald
    https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/16/1079199221056.html
  5. The Australian Live Performance Database
    https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/6047
  6. www.rottentomatoes.com
    https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/girl_with_a_pearl_earring#cast-and-crew
  7. The Australian
    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/the-face-essie-davis/news-story/9416b73cecaa7f350639096eaa414a04
  8. www.bbc.co.uk
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/sweeneytodd/
  9. "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20081001122548/http://www.mtc.com.au/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=386
  10. Tasmanian Theatre Company
    http://web.archive.org/web/20220330025928/https://tastheatre.com/about
  11. www.amazon.com
    http://web.archive.org/web/20241220064859/https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Fishers-Murder-Mysteries-1/dp/B00A27O5AW
  12. Dread Central
    https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/87139/mr-babadook-speaks/
  13. "For Your Consideration: The 2015 Chainsaw Award Nominees for Best Actress"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150302035329/http://www.fangoria.com/new/for-your-consideration-the-2015-chainsaw-award-nominees-for-best-actress/
  14. Game of Thrones
    https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/09/game-of-thrones-essie-davis-cersei-babadook
  15. Game of Thrones
    https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/06/game-of-thrones-actors-white-princess
  16. White Princess
    https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/694831-white-princess-miniseries#/slide/1
  17. "Ann Dowd And Essie Davis Set for Gothic Drama Series 'Lambs Of God'"
    https://deadline.com/2018/05/ann-dowd-essie-davis-jessica-barden-lambs-of-god-foxtel-1202389574/
  18. Inside Film
    https://www.if.com.au/worldwide-sales-for-lingo-pictures-lambs-of-god/
  19. Inside Film
    https://www.if.com.au/lambs-of-god-the-nightingale-lead-aacta-nominees/
  20. Variety
    https://variety.com/2017/film/news/george-mackay-russell-crowe-nicholas-hoult-kelly-gang-1202607910/
  21. Inside Film
    https://www.if.com.au/justin-kurzel-to-direct-tv-drama-series-for-apple/
  22. Inside Film
    https://www.if.com.au/rupert-penry-jones-boards-miss-fisher-the-crypt-of-tears/
  23. Inside Film
    https://www.if.com.au/its-a-wrap-for-miss-fisher-the-crypt-of-tears/
  24. "Essie Davis talks about the challenge of bringing Miss Fisher to the big screen," by Travis Johnson, SBS website, 27 Fe
    https://www.sbs.com.au/movies/article/2020/02/24/essie-davis-talks-about-challenge-bringing-miss-fisher-big-screen
  25. Herald Sun
    https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/television/how-essie-davis-defied-ageism-thanks-to-miss-fisher-game-of-thrones-and-lambs-of-god/news-story/cc8b1613f47dc563c6240e240e185594
  26. Variety
    https://variety.com/2019/film/news/venice-film-festival-lineup-the-truth-ad-astra-marriage-story-1203277662/
  27. Deadline Hollywood
    https://deadline.com/2019/09/essie-davis-thomasin-mckenzie-justice-bunny-king-1202735635/
  28. The Sydney Morning Herald
    https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/lunch-with-essie-davis-20120315-1v44u.html
  29. Radio Times
    https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/one-day-netflix-cast/
  30. "20 Questions with Essie Davis"
    https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/20-questions-with-essie-davis_25750/
  31. "Jumpers"
    https://theatricalia.com/play/4t8/jumpers/production/y7y
  32. "Essie Davis"
    https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/6047
  33. "Essie Davis"
    https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/essie-davis
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