30 Facts About Emma Kennedy

Emma Kennedy: A Multifaceted Talent

Emma Kennedy is a name that resonates with versatility. From acting to law, writing to politics, she has worn many hats throughout her career. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this remarkable woman.

1. Early Life and Education: Born on May 28, 1967, as Elizabeth Emma Williams, she grew up in a family of teachers. She attended Hitchin Girls' School and later St Edmund Hall, Oxford, where she joined comedy troupes like the Seven Raymonds and The Oxford Revue.

2. Career in Law: After her time at Oxford, Kennedy trained and practiced as a solicitor. Her legal career covered corporate law, human rights law, and intellectual property law.

3. Acting Career: Kennedy's acting journey began at the Edinburgh Festival in 1988, where she met Mel Giedroyc. She later became a script editor for Giedroyc's double act with Sue Perkins and contributed to the Mel and Sue series Late Lunch on Channel 4.

Television and Radio Presence

Emma Kennedy has made significant contributions to both television and radio, showcasing her diverse talents.

4. Television Presenting: In 2000, she presented the last series of The Real Holiday Show on Channel 4. She also appeared in TV comedies like Goodness Gracious Me, This Morning With Richard Not Judy, Jonathan Creek, and The Smoking Room.

5. Radio Shows: Kennedy has been a part of several radio shows, including The Sunday Format, which won a British Comedy Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2000, Sony Silver in 2001, and Sony Bronze in 2002.

Writing Career

Emma Kennedy's writing career is as impressive as her acting and presenting roles. She has penned books for both adults and children.

6. First Book: Her debut book, How To Bring Up Your Parents, was published in August 2007.

7. The Tent, The Bucket and Me: This book, published in April 2009, recounts her childhood camping experiences. It was later adapted into a six-part BBC TV series The Kennedys.

8. Children's Books: Kennedy has written several children's books, including the Wilma Tenderfoot series. The first book, Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts, was published in July 2009.

9. Memoirs: Her latest memoir, Letters from Brenda, was published in May 2022, offering a glimpse into her life and experiences.

Achievements and Awards

Emma Kennedy's talents have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

10. Celebrity MasterChef: In 2012, Kennedy won Celebrity MasterChef after a week of cookery-based tasks, competing against ex-footballer Danny Mills and TV presenter Michael Underwood.

11. Guinness World Record: In 2012, she became a Guinness World Record Holder for organizing the World Conker Championship.

12. Junior Library Guild of America Award: Her children's book Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts received this award in 2010.

13. Chortle Award: Her book As It Occurs To Me won a Chortle Award in 2011.

14. British Travel Press Awards: I Left My Tent In San Francisco, the follow-up to The Tent, The Bucket and Me, was nominated for Best Non Fiction Travel Book at the British Travel Press Awards in 2011.

Political and Personal Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Emma Kennedy is also known for her political activism and personal milestones.

15. Politics: Kennedy has been a member of the Liberal Democrats since 2010. She stood in hustings to be the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Surrey Heath in September 2019, narrowly missing out by three votes.

16. Personal Life: On January 20, 2014, Kennedy announced her engagement to girlfriend Georgie Gibbon on Twitter. They married on July 25, 2015.

17. Community Involvement: As of May 2021, Kennedy is a member of Chobham parish council, showing her commitment to local community issues.

Television and Theatre Work

Emma Kennedy's contributions to television and theatre are noteworthy, adding another dimension to her multifaceted career.

18. Home from Home: Between 2001 and 2003, Kennedy narrated the Channel 4 house relocation property series Home from Home.

19. Only Connect: In Autumn 2020, she was a member of the Walruses in Series 16 of the BBC Two quiz show Only Connect. Her team reached the quarter-final round.

20. Theatre Performances: Kennedy has also worked in theatre, including performances in The Smoking Room and The Other Boat Race on BBC1.

Radio and Script Editing

Emma Kennedy's talents extend to radio and script editing, showcasing her versatility.

21. Radio Work: She has appeared in numerous radio shows, including The Sunday Format, Think the Unthinkable, The Change, and People & Other Weird Creatures.

22. Script Editing: Kennedy has worked as a script editor for various projects, including Mel and Sue's Late Lunch series.

Travel Writing and Comedy

Emma Kennedy's travel writing and comedy performances have also garnered attention and praise.

23. Travel Writing: Her books The Tent, The Bucket and Me and I Left My Tent In San Francisco offer a unique perspective on her childhood camping adventures.

24. Comedy Performances: Kennedy has performed in various comedy shows, including Goodness Gracious Me, This Morning With Richard Not Judy, and The Smoking Room.

Children's Literature and Memoirs

Emma Kennedy's contributions to children's literature and memoir writing are significant, showcasing her ability to engage readers of all ages.

25. Wilma Tenderfoot Series: The series includes Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts, Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Putrid Poison, and Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Fatal Phantom.

26. Memoir Writing: Her memoirs, such as The Tent, The Bucket and Me and Letters from Brenda, provide an intimate look into her life experiences and personal growth.

Television Reviews and Political Activism

Emma Kennedy's work as a television reviewer and political activist further highlights her diverse talents and interests.

27. Television Reviews: Kennedy has worked as a movie reviewer on Five's Terry and Gaby Show and has appeared in several other TV shows, including Big Brother's Little Brother.

28. Political Activism: As a member of the Liberal Democrats, Kennedy has been actively involved in politics, using her platform to express her views on Brexit and other political issues.

Community Involvement and Personal Achievements

Emma Kennedy's involvement in her local community and personal achievements add another layer to her multifaceted career.

29. Community Involvement: In addition to her political activism, Kennedy is also involved in her local community. She is a member of Chobham parish council as of May 2021.

30. Personal Achievements: Kennedy's achievements extend beyond her professional career. She was the runner-up in the World Conker Championship in 1991, demonstrating her versatility and competitive spirit.

Emma Kennedy: A Multifaceted Talent

Emma Kennedy's career is a testament to her versatility and talent. From her early days at Oxford to becoming a solicitor, actress, writer, and TV presenter, she's done it all. Her work spans various fields, including law, comedy, travel writing, and children's literature. Notably, her memoirs and children's books have garnered critical acclaim. Winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2012 and her political activism with the Liberal Democrats highlight her diverse interests. Emma's personal life, including her marriage to Georgie Gibbon, adds another layer to her fascinating story. Her involvement in community activities and local politics shows her commitment to making a difference. Emma Kennedy's achievements and contributions make her a notable figure in British media and beyond. Her story inspires many, proving that one can excel in multiple fields with passion and dedication.