Miranda Richardson was born on March 3, 1958, in Southport, Lancashire, England, to Marian Georgina (Townsend) and William Alan Richardson, a marketing executive. She has one older sister, and her parents and sister are not involved in the performing arts.
From an early age, Miranda demonstrated a talent and desire to "turn herself into" other people, a quality she refers to as "an emotional fusion; you think yourself into them." This ability allowed her to mimic not only her school friends but also film stars.
After leaving Southport High School for Girls at the age of 17, Miranda initially intended to become a veterinarian or study English literature in college. However, she ultimately decided to focus on drama and enrolled at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where she spent three years honing her craft.
Following her graduation, Miranda moved into repertory theatre and became affiliated with the Library Theatre in Manchester in 1979. She served as an assistant stage manager and eventually obtained her Equity card, allowing her to take on regional productions and eventually make her London stage debut in 1981.
Miranda's early television roles soon followed, and she eventually transitioned to film. Throughout her career, she has worked in both America and Europe, taking on a diverse range of roles that showcase her unique acting abilities.
In an interview, Miranda has stated, "What I basically like is doing things I haven't done before," a sentiment that has guided her career choices. She is selective in the roles she takes on, preferring offbeat characters and avoiding standard Hollywood fare.
Miranda has been quoted as turning down the role of Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction (1987) due to its regressive attitudes. Instead, she has opted for smaller, more meaningful roles that allow her to showcase her talent.
According to her biography, Miranda resides in West London with her two Siamese cats, Otis and Waldo. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, walking, gardening, fashion, falconry, and music. Despite her success, Miranda is a private person who prefers a modest lifestyle and is often described as a loner.
One of Miranda's former classmates at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School described her as "a strong-minded, specially gifted, rather pretty young woman who enjoys wearing jewelry." He also noted her drive and ambition, even at a young age, to become an actress of the highest caliber.
