Ralph Fiennes' 6 Siblings: All About the Actor's Large Famous Family

Mar. 15, 2025

Joseph, Martha, and Ralph Fiennes at the post Orange British Film Academy Awards party at the Cafe Royal.Photo:Peter Jordan - PA Images/PA Images/Getty

Peter Jordan - PA Images/PA Images/Getty

Ralph Fiennes and his siblings, Joseph, Martha, Magnus, Sophie, Jacob and Michael, hail from a family steeped in creativity.

The acclaimed English actor, who is known for his roles in films such asSchindler’s List,The English Patientand theHarry Potterseries, comes from a family rich in artistic talent. Ralph is one of seven siblings, each of whom has carved out a unique path.

Ralph’s parents, photographer Mark Fiennes and writer/painter Jennifer Lash, nurtured a household that deeply appreciated creativity and self-expression.

Much like Ralph, brother Joseph Fiennesmade a name for himself in acting, best known for his roles inShakespeare in Loveand the Hulu seriesThe Handmaid’s Tale. Sisters Martha and Sophie have pursued careers in directing, with Martha directing films likeOneginandChromophobia, and Sophie making significant contributions to documentary filmmaking.

Magnus Fiennes is a composer and record producer, whose work spans various musical genres. Jacob Fiennes and Michael Emery chose paths outside the entertainment industry, with Jacob working as a conservationist and farmer and Michael as an archaeologist.

Ralph has spoken warmly about his family, crediting their shared creative upbringing for much of his artistic sensibility. Martha even enlightened him about theHarry Potterseries before the actor took on his role as Lord Voldemort. In an interview withGQin April 2019, Ralph confessed he “had no sense” about who the character was — or his importance. “I wasn’t that aware when it was first proposed to me.”

From their life growing up to their personal endeavors now, here’s everything to know about Ralph Fiennes' siblings: Joseph, Martha, Magnus, Sophie, Jacob and Michael.

They mainly grew up in Suffolk, England

Ralph Fiennes and sister during Ralph Fiennes File Pictures at Borders in London, Great Britain.Fred Duval/FilmMagic

Fred Duval/FilmMagic

Ralph highlighted how his childhood prepared him for an acting career that demanded constant travel. “I’m in one place as long as a job requires it,” he told the outlet.

The frequent moves were often due to financial struggles as well, with Ralph recalling the constant worry and discussions about money. “All of us children have the memory of being told that there was no money, we have to sell this, there’s no presents for Christmas,” he recalled.

Despite the challenges, he mentioned how their household was always filled with love and creativity.

They all work in a creative field

The siblings have all found work in various creative fields, thanks in part to their imaginative upbringing. Ralph is a renowned actor known for roles in films likeThe MenuandThe Kingsman. His brother Joseph is also an actor, gaining fame from his role as Commander Fred Waterford inThe Handmaid’s Tale.

Younger sister Sophie is a film director and producer, known for projects likeThe Pervert’s Guide to Cinemaas well as other documentaries. Martha is also a director, at the head of films likeOnegin,which she worked on alongside some of her siblings. Meanwhile, Magnus is a composer and record producer who has worked with several renowned artists.

Jacob and Michael chose different paths — Jacob is a wildlife conservationist and Michael is an archaeologist. According toTheGuardian, Jacob previously stated that “[his] mother’s amazing skill was to encourage six very different individuals to express themselves in whatever way they felt suited them.”

Martha, Magnus, Joseph and Jacob are married with children

Joseph Fiennes and Maria Dolores Dieguez arrive at the 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.Gregg DeGuire/Getty

Gregg DeGuire/Getty

Four of the Fiennes siblings are married with families of their own. Martha is married to George Tiffin, a cinematographer and writer, and they have three children together, Titan, Hero and Mercy. Their son Hero has followed in the family’s acting footsteps, gaining recognition for his role as young Tom Riddle inHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Princeand as Hardin Scott in theAfterfilm series.

Magnus is married to Maya Fiennes, a well-known yoga instructor and composer, and they have two daughters together, Shanti and Celeste. Joseph is married to Maria Dolores Dieguez, a Swiss model. They tied the knot in 2009 and have since welcomed two daughters, Isabel and Sam.

Jacob Fiennes is married to Melanie Plaice, and they share two children, Nathaniel and Teale.

Ralph’s siblings support him on red carpets

Ralph, Martha and Magnus Fiennes at the Odeon West End cinema for the premiere of ‘Onegin’ as part of the London Film Festival.Peter Jordan - PA Images/PA Images/Getty

Sophie and Ralph have attended several film festivals together over the years, while Magnus and Joseph frequently join their siblings at significant events and red carpets in the industry.

Joseph gets mistaken for Ralph all the time

Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes attend the aftershow party following the “The Constant Gardener” Opening Gala on October 19, 2005 in London, England.Claire Greenway/Getty

Claire Greenway/Getty

Joseph said he sometimes gets mistaken for Ralph, which has been a recurring theme throughout his career.

When asked if he and his brother are commonly mixed up on a 2017 episode ofLive with Kelly and Ryan,Joseph said it “occasionally” happens.

Four of the siblings have collaborated on a project

Four of the Fiennes siblings collaborated on the 1999 filmOnegin, which is an adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s 1833 novelEugene Onegin. This film marked Martha’s directorial debut and starred Ralph as the lead character. Magnus composed the film’s music, and their sister Sophie appeared in a minor role, making it a true family affair.

In a 2000 interview withIndieWire, Martha shared her experience working with Ralph, describing him as “brilliant to work with.”

She emphasized his intelligence and willingness to experiment with different takes, saying, “It’s a completely alive thing, right through to the very end. It’s fascinating.”

Magnus has worked with celebrities such as Shakira and The Spice Girls

Magnus Fiennes attends the Zoobs vs. Lodola private view at Opera Gallery on June 16, 2010 in London, England.Nick Harvey/WireImage

Nick Harvey/WireImage

Magnus has an impressive career in music and entertainment, collaborating with some notable artists,according to his website. He has composed for popular BBC dramas likeHustle, Murphy’s LawandDeath in Paradise,and composed musical scores for films likeJohnny EnglishandThe Next Best Thing.

As far as the music industry goes, Magnus has worked with iconic artists such asShakira,The Spice Girls,Seal, Pulp andTom Jones.

His portfolio also includes ambitious projects like the music-driven BBC animation seriesFreefonix,and collaborations with his sister Martha on digital art platforms like SLOimage.

source: people.com