Katherine Matilda Swinton was born on November 5, 1960, in London, England. She is of Scottish and English descent and comes from an aristocratic family. Her father, Sir John Swinton, was a Major General in the British Army, and her mother, Judith Balfour, was Australian. Swinton was educated at West Heath Girls’ School and Fettes College, where she was a classmate of Princess Diana. She graduated from New Hall, Cambridge (now Murray Edwards College), with a degree in Social and Political Sciences in 1983.
Swinton began her acting career in experimental theater before transitioning to film. She gained early recognition for her roles in Derek Jarman’s films, including Caravaggio (1986), The Last of England (1988), War Requiem (1989), and Edward II (1991). These collaborations established her as a prominent figure in independent cinema.
Swinton’s career expanded internationally with roles in films such as Orlando (1992), directed by Sally Potter, which garnered her significant critical acclaim. She continued to work in both independent and mainstream cinema, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Swinton has starred in a wide range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Her notable works include: