Early Life
Emma Stone was born on November 6, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her parents are Jeffrey Charles Stone, the CEO of a general-contracting company, and Krista Jean Stone, a homemaker. She has a younger brother named Spencer. Stone’s ancestry includes Swedish, German, English, Scottish, and Irish roots.
As a child, Stone experienced baby colic and frequently cried, which led to nodules and calluses on her vocal cords. She was described as “loud” and “bossy” growing up. Stone attended Sequoya Elementary School and Cocopah Middle School, excelling academically despite her dislike for school. She struggled with panic attacks and anxiety as a child, finding solace in local theater productions.
From a young age, Stone knew she wanted to act. She initially aimed for a career in sketch comedy but shifted to musical theater, taking vocal lessons for several years. Her acting debut was at age 11 in a stage production of “The Wind in the Willows.”
Career Beginnings (2004–2009)
Stone made her television debut in the VH1 show “In Search of the New Partridge Family” in 2004. She followed this with appearances in Louis C.K.’s “Lucky Louie” and the Fox drama “Drive.” Stone’s breakthrough came with her role in the comedy “Superbad” (2007), where she played the romantic interest of Jonah Hill’s character.
Her career continued to rise with roles in “Zombieland” (2009) and “Easy A” (2010), the latter being her first leading role. “Easy A” was a critical success, earning Stone nominations for a BAFTA Rising Star Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Rise to Prominence (2010–2013)
Stone’s career reached new heights with her role in “The Help” (2011), a period drama set in 1960s Mississippi. Her portrayal of Skeeter Phelan earned critical acclaim, and the film was a commercial success. Stone’s versatility was showcased further in the 2012 superhero film “The Amazing Spider-Man,” where she played Gwen Stacy.
She continued her success with roles in “Gangster Squad” (2013) and “The Croods” (2013), an animated feature. Stone’s performance in “Birdman” (2014) garnered her widespread acclaim and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Established Actress (2014–2017)
In 2014, Stone reprised her role as Gwen Stacy in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” She also starred in Woody Allen’s “Magic in the Moonlight” the same year. Stone’s standout performance in “Birdman” solidified her status as a leading actress.
Her career continued to flourish with roles in “La La Land” (2016), a romantic musical where she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and “Battle of the Sexes” (2017), where she portrayed tennis player Billie Jean King. Stone received critical acclaim for her role in “The Favourite” (2018), earning her another Academy Award nomination.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Outside of acting, Stone has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. She has supported breast cancer awareness campaigns, Stand Up to Cancer initiatives, and events by Gilda’s Club, an organization aiding cancer patients and their families.
Stone has been private about her personal life, though she dated her “Amazing Spider-Man” co-star Andrew Garfield for several years. In 2017, she began a relationship with Saturday Night Live director Dave McCary. The couple got engaged in 2019 and married in 2020. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Louise Jean McCary, in 2021.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Stone has received numerous awards and nominations. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “La La Land” and has been nominated for several other Academy Awards. Stone has also received accolades from the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and more.
Recent Work (2021–2023)
Stone continued her success with the crime comedy “Cruella” (2021), where she played the iconic Disney villain. The film received positive reviews, and Stone’s performance was praised. She also produced the film under her production company, Fruit Tree.
In 2023, Stone starred in and produced “Poor Things,” a science fantasy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Her performance as Bella, a young Victorian woman, earned critical acclaim, leading to nominations for the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Actress.
Future Projects
Stone remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, with upcoming projects including collaborations with Yorgos Lanthimos in the anthology film “Kinds of Kindness.” She also produced and acted in the horror film “I Saw the TV Glow” and Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial “A Real Pain,” both released in 2024.
Emma Stone’s career continues to evolve, with critics and audiences alike anticipating her future performances and productions. She has solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses, with a range of roles showcasing her skill and charisma.