Fiona Shaw, CBE (Hon) (born 10 July, 1955 or 1958) is a leading Irish actress who regularly appears in London theatre, although to international audiences she is probably most familiar for her minor role as Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter films. She has been regarded as one of the finest classical actresses of her generation. Shaw was awarded an honorary CBE in 2001.
She was awarded an honorary C.B.E. (Commander of the order of the British Empire) in 2001.
Played "Miss Jean Brodie" on stage in London.
At the Evening Standard Theatre Awards she was named Best Actress for 'Medea' performed at the Queeen's Theater in London. (2002)
She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1990 (1989 season) for Best Actress in a New Play for "Electra", "As You Like It" and "The Person of Sichaun".
She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1994 (1993 season) for Best Actress in her performance for "Machinal" at the Royal National Theatre.
She was awarded the 1993 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress for her performance in Machinal.
She was awarded the 1991 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama Theatre Award) for Best Actress for her performance in Hedda Gabler.
She was awarded the 1989 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama Theatre Award) for Best Actress for her performances in Electra and The Good Person of Sichuan.
She was awarded the 2001 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress for her performance in Medea at the Queen's Theatre in London, England.
Became an Associate Member of RADA.
Graduated from RADA.
Was nominated for Broadway's 2003 Tony Award as Best Actress (Play) for playing the title character in "Medea."
In the Independent on Sunday [UK] 2006 Pink LIst - a list of the most influential gay men and women - Fiona Shaw came no. 69, a new entry.
Her father was a surgeon.
Following an unhappy experience playing Kate in "The Taming of the Shrew" for Jonathan Miller (I) (Miller would not extend himself to allow the inclusion of modern sexual politics), she has only occasionally worked with male directors. Her collaboration with Deborah Warner (I) has produced a string of daring performances and an armful of theatre awards.
She won the Bancroft Gold Medal at RADA and made her professional debut as Rosaline in "Love's Labour's Lost" in 1982.
