Essie Davis
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Early Life and Education
Essie Davis, born Esther Davis on January 7, 1970, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, is a celebrated Australian actress known for her work in film, television, and theatre. She was raised in Hobart and attended Clarence High School. After graduating, she enrolled at Rosny College before studying at the University of Tasmania, where she was actively involved in the Old Nick Company, a student theatre group. Her passion for acting led her to the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, one of Australia’s premier performing arts schools.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 7 Jan, 1970
- Age
- 50 yrs
- Occupations
- Stage actor
Film actor
Show all facts
- Citizenship
- Australia
- Birth Place
- Hobart
- Gender
- Female
- Description
- Australian actress
- Spouse
- Justin Kurzel [M. 2002]
- Net Worth 2020
- 2 million
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Selected for this profileTheatre Beginnings and Shakespearean Foundations
Davis’s professional acting career began shortly after her graduation from NIDA. In 1993, she earned critical acclaim for her role as Juliet in the Bell Shakespeare Company's production of Romeo and Juliet. That same year, she performed in productions of Hamlet and Richard III with the same company. She continued to showcase her classical theatre skills in the following year with roles in Macbeth and The Taming of the Shrew. These early performances helped establish her as a skilled stage actress within Australia's vibrant theatre scene.
Film Career Highlights
Davis transitioned to film in 1995 with a role in the Australian movie Dad and Dave: On Our Selection, where she starred alongside notable figures such as Geoffrey Rush. Her versatility quickly earned her recognition, leading to roles in various Australian and international productions.
One of her most significant film roles came in 2014 when she starred as Amelia Vanek in the psychological horror movie The Babadook. Her powerful performance received critical acclaim and contributed to the film's international success, further solidifying her reputation as a compelling screen actress.