Shakespeare in Love Cast
The cast of Shakespeare in Love.
Joseph Fiennes
as Will Shakespeare

Joseph Fiennes plays Will Shakespeare, a struggling playwright who finds inspiration in Viola De Lesseps.

Gwyneth Paltrow
as Viola De Lesseps

Gwyneth Paltrow portrays Viola De Lesseps, a noblewoman who disguises herself as a man to pursue her passion for acting and ends up as Shakespeare's muse.

Geoffrey Rush
as Philip Henslowe

Geoffrey Rush takes on the role of Philip Henslowe, the owner of the Rose Theatre who is constantly in debt.

Tom Wilkinson
as Hugh Fennyman

Tom Wilkinson plays Hugh Fennyman, a moneylender who becomes a producer for Shakespeare's plays.

Judi Dench
as Queen Elizabeth

Judi Dench portrays Queen Elizabeth, a powerful and influential figure who appreciates Shakespeare's work.

Imelda Staunton
as Nurse

Imelda Staunton appears as Nurse, Viola's loyal and supportive confidante.

Colin Firth
as Lord Wessex

Colin Firth takes on the role of Lord Wessex, Viola's betrothed who becomes jealous of her involvement with Shakespeare.

Ben Affleck
as Ned Alleyn

Ben Affleck plays Ned Alleyn, a famous actor and rival of Shakespeare.

Simon Callow
as Tilney

Simon Callow portrays Tilney, the Master of the Revels who oversees the censorship of plays in London.

Steven Beard
as Makepeace

Steven Beard appears as Makepeace, a member of Shakespeare's theatre company.

Jim Carter
as Ralph Bashford

Jim Carter plays Ralph Bashford, a member of the theatre company involved in the production of Shakespeare's plays.

Rupert Everett
as Christopher Marlowe

Rupert Everett portrays Christopher Marlowe, a fellow playwright who serves as a mentor to Shakespeare.

Martin Clunes
as Richard Burbage
Tim McMullan
as Frees
Joe Roberts
as John Webster
Antony Sher
as Dr. Moth
Georgie Glen
as Lady in Waiting
Nicholas Boulton
as Henry Condell
Barnaby Kay
as Nol
Mark Williams
as Wabash
Jill Baker
as Lady De Lesseps
Nicholas Le Prevost
as Sir Robert De Lesseps
Rebecca Charles
as Chambermaid
Bob Barrett
as George Bryan
Simon Day
as Taxi boatman
Bridget McConnell
as Lady in Waiting
Sandra Reinton
as Rosaline
Jason Round
as Tavern Actor
Rupert Farley
as Barman
Adam Barker
as First Auditionee
Harry Gostelow
as Second Auditionee
Alan Cody
as Third Auditionee
David Curtiz
as John Hemmings
Gregor Truter
as James Hemmings
Amber Glossop
as Scullery Maid
Robin Davies
as Master Plum
Hywel Simons
as Servant
Roger Morlidge
as James Armitage
Daniel Brocklebank
as Sam Gosse
Mark Saban
as Augustine Phillips
Timothy Kightley
as Edward Pope
Roger Frost
as Second Taxi Boatman
Rachel Clarke
as First Whore
Lucy Speed
as Second Whore
John Ramm
as Makepeace's Neighbour
Paul Bigley
as Peter
Patrick Barlow
as Will Kempe
Steven O'Donnell
as Lambert
John Inman
as Lady Capulet in Play
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