Emily Blunt has graced the screens and hearts of audiences worldwide with her stellar performances. While she stands in the limelight, much of her grounded nature and success can be attributed to the unwavering support and influence of her parents, Joanna and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt. As the 2024 awards season unfolded, it became increasingly clear how pivotal her parents are in her life, with Joanna and Oliver joining her at numerous prestigious events, including the Oscars. But who are Joanna and Oliver Blunt, the figures who shaped the celebrated actress? Let’s delve into the lives of Emily Blunt’s parents, exploring their careers, family life, and the profound impact they’ve had on their daughter’s journey.
Joanna Blunt: From Stage to Home, A Mother’s Dedication
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Joanna Blunt, Emily Blunt’s mother, pictured at ‘The Royal Family’ premiere in London, showcases her enduring support for her daughter.
Before Emily Blunt captivated audiences on screen, Joanna Blunt herself explored the world of performance as an actress. Later in her career, she transitioned to education, imparting knowledge as an English teacher. However, demonstrating a deep commitment to her family, Joanna made a significant career shift when Emily began her schooling. She chose to retire from her professional pursuits to dedicate herself fully to raising her four children. Emily has often spoken about inheriting her level-headedness from her mother, a trait that has undoubtedly served her well in the demanding world of Hollywood. Despite Joanna’s past in acting, Emily confessed in a 2010 interview with The Guardian that she never had the opportunity to witness her mother perform, expressing a wistful, “I wish I had. I hear she was wonderful.” This sacrifice and dedication from Joanna laid a strong foundation for Emily and her siblings.
Oliver Simon Peter Blunt: The Barrister and Family Patriarch
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Oliver Simon Peter Blunt, Emily Blunt’s father, attends the 2024 BAFTAs, highlighting his prominent role in supporting his daughter’s career.
Oliver Simon Peter Blunt, Emily Blunt’s father, provides a contrasting yet equally influential presence in her life. As a practicing lawyer at Furnival Chambers in London, Oliver Simon Peter Blunt has built a distinguished career in law. His expertise lies in handling complex and serious criminal cases, including murder, terrorism, drug offenses, and fraud. His professional profile on Leaders in Law’s website underscores his standing in the legal community. The impact of Emily’s rising fame on her father’s professional life became apparent early in her career. In 2009, as Emily’s star was ascending, she recounted a humorous anecdote from her father. Oliver Simon Peter Blunt left her a voicemail message expressing his amusement and slight bewilderment at being addressed in court as “Emily Blunt’s father.” As Emily shared with The Guardian in a 2009 interview, he jokingly lamented, “Where have the days gone where you were known as my daughter?” to which Emily quipped, “Those days are long gone, Dad.” This lighthearted exchange reveals the family’s grounded perspective amidst fame and success. Oliver Simon Peter Blunt‘s established career as a lawyer provided a stable and intellectual environment for Emily growing up.
A Family Affair: Siblings and Stanley Tucci
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Emily Blunt, alongside her siblings Sebastian and Felicity Blunt at the SAG Awards, illustrates the close-knit Blunt family dynamic.
Joanna and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt are parents to four children: Felicity, Emily, Sebastian, and Susannah. Felicity, Emily’s older sister, has carved her own successful path as a literary agent in the UK. Her personal life also intertwines with Emily’s professional world in an interesting way. Felicity is married to Stanley Tucci, Emily’s co-star from The Devil Wears Prada. Their connection began at the movie’s premiere in 2006 and blossomed after Tucci’s first wife, Kate, passed away in 2009. Felicity and Stanley reconnected at Emily’s wedding in 2010 and married in 2012. The Blunt family’s affection for Stanley Tucci is evident, with Emily expressing in a 2022 PEOPLE interview that she “[worships] the guy.” She fondly described him as a “Renaissance man” who brings joy and laughter to everyone around him, highlighting his intelligence, charisma, and warmth. Sebastian, following in Emily’s footsteps, pursued acting and is known for his role in Edge of Tomorrow. Susannah, the youngest sibling, has chosen to remain outside of the public eye, maintaining a private life. The close-knit nature of the Blunt family, nurtured by Joanna and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt, is clearly a source of strength and support for Emily.
Parental Pride and Emotional Milestones
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Joanna Blunt and Emily Blunt at the London Critics Circle Film Awards after-party, showcasing the proud mother-daughter relationship.
While Joanna and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt may not shower Emily with effusive praise, their pride in her accomplishments is undeniable. Emily shared in a 2009 interview that her parents experience a sense of relief alongside their pride, acknowledging the challenging and often harsh nature of the entertainment industry. They are proud not just of her success, but also of her well-being in a demanding profession. However, their deep emotions surface in significant moments. Emily recounted a particularly touching experience when she showed her father, Oliver Simon Peter Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns in 2018. To her surprise, her father was moved to tears, a rare display of emotion for him. As Emily told CBS News in December 2018, “My father cried, hard… I’ve seen my Dad cry one other time in my life, and that was at his father’s funeral.” She described this heartfelt reaction as “completely unique” and “very special,” underscoring the profound impact her work had on her father. This emotional moment reveals the depth of Oliver Simon Peter Blunt’s support and love for his daughter, expressed in a deeply personal and meaningful way.
A Welcoming Father-in-Law: Oliver Blunt and John Krasinski
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John Krasinski and Emily Blunt at the BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party, highlighting Krasinski’s warm relationship with the Blunt family.
The warm relationship between Emily Blunt and John Krasinski extends to her parents, particularly Oliver Simon Peter Blunt. Emily shared an amusing anecdote from when she first introduced Krasinski to her parents during a “Sunday roast” dinner in the UK. Despite Krasinski’s preference for medium-cooked beef, he politely ate the barely cooked beef, a British preference, without complaint. Emily recounted to The Guardian in March 2020, “[It is my lasting memory] of how John coped with that situation, as someone who prefers things a bit more medium.” This small act of consideration made a strong positive impression on her family. The admiration is mutual. Krasinski has spoken fondly of his father-in-law, Oliver Simon Peter Blunt, on Late Night with Seth Meyers in October 2019, describing him as the “greatest human ever” with the “greatest accent.” He humorously shared a story about Oliver Simon Peter Blunt‘s enthusiastic reaction to hearing about Krasinski filming action scenes in London, highlighting their affectionate and playful bond. This mutual respect and fondness further cements the strong family ties.
Red Carpet Moments: Joanna and Oliver Shine Alongside Emily
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Oliver Simon Peter Blunt and Joanna Blunt accompany Emily Blunt at the 96th Annual Oscars, demonstrating their unwavering support on her biggest nights.
In 2024, Joanna and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt stepped into the spotlight alongside Emily during award season, most notably at the BAFTAs and the Oscars. At the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards, the couple joined Emily on the red carpet, adding to the glamour of the event. Emily stunned in a metallic Elie Saab Couture gown, while Joanna looked elegant in a sequined ensemble, and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt was the epitome of dapper in a tuxedo. Their presence at these events culminated with their attendance at the Oscars in March 2024, where they accompanied Emily as her dates. Although Emily did not win Best Supporting Actress for Oppenheimer, having her parents, Joanna and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt, by her side at such a pinnacle moment in her career underscored the importance of family support in her life and journey. Oliver Simon Peter Blunt and Joanna have been constant figures of encouragement and love, contributing significantly to Emily Blunt’s remarkable success story.
