Rachel Hannah Weisz was born in Westminster, London, England. Her mother, Edith Ruth (née Teich), was a psychotherapist, and her father, George Weisz, was a Hungarian-born mechanical engineer. Her upbringing in a Jewish intellectual household instilled in her a love of learning and the arts, shaping her inquisitive nature and approach to acting.

While studying English at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, Weisz co-founded the theatre troupe Cambridge Talking Tongues, winning the Guardian Student Drama Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for an improvised piece. This marked her entry into the performing arts and provided a foundational experience for her future career. Early TV roles followed, including an appearance in 'Inspector Morse'.

Although she had roles before this, Weisz's appearance in the science fiction horror film 'Death Machine' marked an early milestone in her film career. It was a pivotal point, showcasing her early screen presence and indicating her potential in a field that would define her future success.

Weisz achieved widespread recognition for her role as Evelyn Carnahan in 'The Mummy' (1999) and 'The Mummy Returns' (2001). These commercially successful films established her as a leading lady in Hollywood, demonstrating her ability to balance action, comedy, and romance on screen. She became a household name and a sought-after actress for blockbuster productions.

Her performance in 'The Constant Gardener', a dramatic thriller set in Kenya, earned her widespread critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as a serious actress. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Golden Globe Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for her portrayal of Tessa Quayle, a human rights activist murdered in Africa. This marked a significant turning point in her career, leading to more challenging and complex roles.

Returning to the stage, Weisz starred as Blanche DuBois in the Donmar Warehouse production of Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. Her powerful and nuanced performance earned her the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress, further demonstrating her talent and versatility as a performer across different mediums.

Weisz married actor Daniel Craig in a private ceremony in New York City. Their relationship has remained relatively private, adding an aura of mystery to their public personas. They are considered one of the most respected and admired couples in the entertainment industry.

Weisz and Daniel Craig welcomed their first child together, a daughter, in 2018. This marked a significant personal milestone for Weisz, balancing motherhood with her demanding acting career.

Weisz received widespread acclaim for her role as Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, in Yorgos Lanthimos's period drama 'The Favourite'. Her performance earned her numerous award nominations, including her second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her status as one of the most respected actresses working today. The movie was highly critically acclaimed as well.

In 2023, Rachel Weisz continues to work in film and on stage, displaying her continued dedication to her craft and showcasing her versatile ability to portray diverse roles. Rachel is still sought out for top leading roles and critical performances.