Eddie Redmayne, the English actor who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking, has built a career defined by physical transformation and emotional depth. From the Fantastic Beasts franchise to award-winning stage work, his path offers a masterclass in committed performance. This article covers his family life, height, filmography, net worth, and the persistent myth surrounding a disease he never had.
Born Edward John David Redmayne on 6 January 1982 in London, he studied Art History at Trinity College, Cambridge, before committing fully to acting. He is the first man born in the 1980s to win an acting Oscar, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016.
Below is a structured look at the man behind the characters, answering the questions most frequently asked by audiences and fans.
Eddie Redmayne’s Family: Wife and Children
Eddie Redmayne at a Glance
- Full Name: Edward John David Redmayne
- Born: 6 January 1982 (age 43 in 2025), London, England
- Occupation: Actor, model
- Notable Awards: Academy Award, Tony Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe
Key Insights
- Eddie Redmayne won the Oscar for Best Actor for his transformative portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.
- He is married to Hannah Bagshawe, a former PR executive, and they have two children.
- Despite his convincing performance as Hawking, Redmayne does not have any neurological disease; he is in good health.
- He has also achieved success on stage, winning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Cabaret (2024).
- His most commercially successful franchise is the Fantastic Beasts series, set in the Harry Potter universe.
Quick Facts About Eddie Redmayne
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 43 (born 1982) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Spouse | Hannah Bagshawe (married 2014) |
| Children | Iris Mary (daughter, b. 2016), Luke (son, b. 2018) |
| Oscar | Best Actor – The Theory of Everything (2014) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $15–18 million |
| Notable Roles | Stephen Hawking, Newt Scamander, Lili Elbe |
| Stage | Cabaret (Tony Award 2024) |
Who is Eddie Redmayne’s wife?
Eddie Redmayne married Hannah Bagshawe in December 2014. Bagshawe worked as a public relations executive before their marriage. The couple have been described as a grounded presence in each other’s lives, often appearing together at red carpet events.
How many children does Eddie Redmayne have?
The Redmaynes have two children. Their daughter, Iris Mary Redmayne, was born in 2016. Their son, Luke Richard Bagshawe Redmayne, was born in 2018. The family maintains a relatively private life away from the media spotlight.
Eddie Redmayne’s Height
How tall is Eddie Redmayne?
Eddie Redmayne stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, which converts to approximately 1.80 metres. This measurement is commonly cited in casting profiles and official biographical records.
While some sources list Redmayne at 6 feet (1.83 m), the most consistently reported figure across IMDb and agency profiles is 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m). The difference likely stems from rounding in promotional materials.
Eddie Redmayne’s Movies, TV Shows, and Oscar Win
What movies has Eddie Redmayne starred in?
Redmayne’s film career spans multiple genres and periods. His early breakthrough came with My Week with Marilyn (2011) and Les Misérables (2012), where he played Marius Pontmercy. The definitive turning point arrived with The Theory of Everything (2014), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for his depiction of Stephen Hawking’s struggle with ALS.
He earned a second Academy Award nomination for The Danish Girl (2015), portraying transgender artist Lili Elbe. His most commercially prominent role is Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series (2016–2022). Later acclaimed performances include The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) and the Netflix crime thriller The Good Nurse (2022). In 2024, he starred in and produced the series The Day of the Jackal.
What TV shows has Eddie Redmayne appeared in?
Redmayne began his screen career in television. He appeared in the BBC adaptations Tess of the D’Urbervilles and Birdsong. More recently, he featured in the limited series The Good Nurse (released on Netflix as a film in some markets) and led The Day of the Jackal (2024). His stage work includes significant performances in the West End and on Broadway.
Did Eddie Redmayne win an Oscar?
Yes. Eddie Redmayne won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2015 for his role as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. He also received a second Oscar nomination in 2016 for The Danish Girl. His Oscar win was notable for being the first time an actor born in the 1980s claimed the prize in a leading category.
Redmayne also holds a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Red (2010) and multiple Olivier Awards for his stage work. This makes him one of the few actors to have won both an Academy Award and a Tony Award for dramatic roles.
Eddie Redmayne’s Health: Does He Have a Real Disease?
Did Eddie Redmayne actually have ALS?
No. Eddie Redmayne does not have ALS or any known chronic neurological illness. The confusion arises directly from his performance in The Theory of Everything, in which he portrayed physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) for decades. Redmayne has stated in interviews that he spent months working with people who have ALS to understand the physical nuances of the condition.
How did Eddie Redmayne prepare for his role as Stephen Hawking?
Redmayne engaged in extensive research, including spending time with ALS patients and working with a movement coach to mimic the physical symptoms of motor neuron disease. He also studied Hawking’s own recordings and writings. The preparation involved significant physical transformation, including weight loss and the adoption of a constrained posture that he maintained throughout filming.
There is no credible evidence or rumor that Eddie Redmayne suffers from ALS. The query appears online only because of the accuracy of his portrayal. He remains in good health and continues to take on physically demanding roles.
Eddie Redmayne’s Net Worth and Earnings
What is Eddie Redmayne’s net worth?
Industry estimates for Eddie Redmayne’s net worth vary. The most commonly cited range falls between $15 million and $18 million as of 2025, though some estimates reach as high as $20–25 million. The variability reflects the private nature of celebrity finances and the difficulty of verifying exact figures.
How does Eddie Redmayne earn his income?
Redmayne’s income derives from film salaries, television work, stage performances, and occasional voice work. He has also been associated with brand endorsements, including a notable campaign for Burberry. His stage work, including the Tony-winning production of Cabaret, contributes a significant portion of his earnings.
Eddie Redmayne: Life and Career Timeline
- 1982: Born in London to parents Richard and Sarah Redmayne.
- 2002: Graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, with a degree in Art History.
- 2008: Professional stage debut in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
- 2012: Breakthrough film role as Marius in Les Misérables.
- 2014: Won Academy Award for Best Actor for The Theory of Everything.
- 2014: Married Hannah Bagshawe.
- 2015: Starred in The Danish Girl and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
- 2016: Birth of first child, daughter Iris Mary.
- 2018: Birth of second child, son Luke.
- 2022: Starred in Netflix crime thriller The Good Nurse.
- 2024: Won Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Cabaret.
Clarifying Common Rumors and Uncertainties
| Claim | Certainty | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Redmayne has a real disease (like ALS). | False | His performance as Stephen Hawking was acting. He has no known chronic illness or disability. |
| Eddie Redmayne is very tall (over 6 feet). | False | His height is reliably reported as 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m). |
| Eddie Redmayne’s net worth exceeds $50 million. | Unlikely | Most credible estimates place his net worth in the $15–18 million range, though exact figures are private. |
Analysis: Eddie Redmayne’s Acting Style and Industry Impact
Redmayne is known for physical transformation as a core part of his method. He lost significant weight and mimicked the physical deterioration of ALS for The Theory of Everything, and studied the movements of magizoologists to build the character of Newt Scamander. Critics consistently praise his emotional depth and versatility, though some roles—notably in The Danish Girl—have sparked broader debate about casting choices in Hollywood.
His Tony-winning performance in Cabaret reaffirmed his stage prowess alongside his film success. After Cabaret, his career trajectory appears to be moving toward diverse, character-driven projects, with potential for a return to major franchises depending on the future of the Fantastic Beasts series.
Notable Quotes About and From Eddie Redmayne
“I spent months working with people who have ALS, trying to understand every physical nuance.”
— Eddie Redmayne, interview with The Guardian (2014)
“He is one of the most dedicated actors of his generation, disappearing into every character.”
— James Strong (director), BBC Arts
What’s Next for Eddie Redmayne?
- Continuing his run in Cabaret on Broadway (2025).
- Upcoming film: The Good Nurse sequel? (unconfirmed).
- Rumored involvement in a new biographical drama about a historical figure (speculation only).
- Potential return for a third Fantastic Beasts film (series currently paused).
- Long-term: expected to focus on stage and prestige film projects.
For readers interested in other actor profiles, see Simon Pegg – Biography, Movies, and Latest News and Chris Pratt – Biography, Movies, Net Worth, and Career Timeline.
What is Eddie Redmayne’s full name?
His full name is Edward John David Redmayne.
Where was Eddie Redmayne born?
He was born in Westminster, London, England.
What did Eddie Redmayne study at university?
He studied History of Art at Trinity College, Cambridge.
How many Olivier Awards has Eddie Redmayne won?
He has won two Olivier Awards for his stage work.
Is Eddie Redmayne related to anyone famous?
His great-grandfather was Sir Richard Augustine Studdert Redmayne, a noted civil and mining engineer.
What is Eddie Redmayne’s ancestry?
He has English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh ancestry.
When did Eddie Redmayne marry Hannah Bagshawe?
They married in December 2014.
What was Eddie Redmayne’s first screen role?
He made his screen debut in 1998.
Has Eddie Redmayne won a Tony Award?
Yes, he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Red (2010) and later for Cabaret (2024).
What is the ALS rumor about Eddie Redmayne?
The rumor stems from his portrayal of Stephen Hawking, who had ALS. Redmayne himself does not have the disease.
Fiona Caldwell is Managing Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the newsroom workflow.