Emily Blunt Turns 43 – See How Her Style and Roles Evolved Over the Years

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Emily Blunt has spent more than two decades turning heads with her acting talent and versatility. From her first steps on the West End stage to starring in some of Hollywood’s biggest films, Blunt has built a career that mixes drama, comedy, action, and musicals, showing she can handle anything a role throws at her.

Blunt began her professional acting journey in 2001 at the age of 18, performing in Peter Hall’s West End production of The Royal Family. She played the granddaughter of Judi Dench’s character, and critics quickly took notice.

Tom Keatinge of Evening Standard wrote that the production offered “acting of the finest quality, with strong performances from the whole ensemble”. That same year, Blunt earned the “Best Newcomer” award from the Evening Standard. She continued to work in theater, appearing in Vincent in Brixton at the National Theatre and playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Her transition to the screen came in 2003 with the British TV drama Boudica. She followed that with a notable performance as Queen Catherine Howard in Henry VIII, which solidified her as a rising talent. Blunt’s first film role came in 2004 with the independent British drama My Summer of Love, where she starred as Tamsin.

The film demanded improvisation, which she later described as “free spirited, collaborative and alive”. Critics were impressed, with Newsweek calling her a major discovery, and she earned the Evening Standard British Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer.

Blunt’s big international breakthrough arrived in 2006. She appeared in the TV drama Gideon’s Daughter and then stole scenes in The Devil Wears Prada as Emily Charlton, the loyal assistant to Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly.

The film was a commercial success, grossing $326 million, and Blunt received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Meryl Streep later called her “the best young actress I’ve worked with in some time, perhaps ever”. During this period, Blunt also appeared in Irresistible, further showing her range.

From 2007 to 2010, Blunt’s career continued to grow. She starred in films including Wind Chill, The Jane Austen Book Club, Dan in Real Life, and Charlie Wilson’s War. Her performance in Sunshine Cleaning at Sundance alongside Amy Adams drew positive reviews, with Rolling Stone noting that “Adams and Blunt get the job done”.

In 2009, she took on the role of Queen Victoria in The Young Victoria, a performance that earned her Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations. Blunt continued exploring different formats, including voice work for Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps and appearing in The Wolfman.

Blunt expanded into romantic comedies and science fiction from 2011 to 2014. She co-starred with Matt Damon in The Adjustment Bureau and with Ewan McGregor in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, earning praise for her on-screen chemistry. She appeared in Looper as a tough single mother and Edge of Tomorrow as Sergeant Rita Vrataski, an action role that required intense physical training. Critics noted her energy and presence, and she won the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress in an Action Movie. She also starred in Into the Woods, performing while pregnant, and received a Golden Globe nomination for her role.

By 2015, Blunt had established herself as a major star. She played an FBI agent in Sicario, earning critical acclaim, and headlined The Girl on the Train, where her portrayal of Rachel Watson impressed reviewers. Her work in A Quiet Place, directed by her husband John Krasinski, demonstrated her range in horror, with critics praising her for “contributing credible intensity to her scenes with a degree of sophistication rare for this type of material” (IndieWire). She reprised her role in A Quiet Place Part II and starred in family-friendly adventure Jungle Cruise alongside Dwayne Johnson.

In 2018, she also brought Mary Poppins back to life in Mary Poppins Returns, earning praise for her charm and musical performance. More recently, Blunt has tackled historical drama, portraying Kitty Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023). She earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the role, with critics highlighting her ability to bring depth to a complex character.

Blunt continues to diversify her career with upcoming projects including The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi film Disclosure Day, both scheduled for 2026. Journalists often note her versatility across genres, with The Guardian praising her “calculated understatement” and ability to understand characters deeply. Elle highlighted her talent for subtle, unspoken notes, calling her a virtuoso in performance.

Emily Blunt’s career shows a consistent drive to challenge herself and expand her range. From stage newcomer to international film star, she has built a legacy marked by risk-taking and remarkable versatility. Her ability to move between drama, comedy, action, and musicals proves she is one of the most dynamic performers of her generation.

Emily Blunt has one of the most impressive careers in modern cinema. She balances blockbuster appeal with nuanced acting choices, and her risk-taking shows in every performance. What do you think of her journey from stage to Hollywood powerhouse? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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