These fabulous Thespians have brought us hours of viewing fun in Austen-inspired films. Happy Birthday! 

9 February – Ciarán Hinds, who portrayed Captain Frederick Wentworth in 1995’s Persuasion

15 February – Jane Seymour, who portrayed Mrs Wattlesbrook in Austenland

17 February – Benjamin Whitrow, who portrayed Mr Bennet in 1995’s Pride and Prejudice

18 February – Greta Scacchi, who portrayed Cassandra Austen in Miss Austen Regrets

20 February – Anthony Head, who portrayed Sir Walter Elliot in 2007’s Persuasion 

20 February – Brenda Blethyn, who portrayed Mrs Bennet in 2005’s Pride and Prejudice 

21 February – Alan Rickman, who portrayed Colonel Brandon in 1995’s Sense and Sensibility (21 February 1946 – 14 January 2016)

22 February – Julie Walters, who portrayed Mrs Austen in Becoming Jane

22 February – Robert Bathurst, who portrayed Mr Weston in 2009’s Emma

23 February – Tamsin Greig, who portrayed Miss Bates in 2009’s Emma

25 February – Douglas Hodge, who portrayed Sir Thomas Bertram in 2007’s Mansfield Park

                                          28 February – John Carson, who portrayed Mr Knightley in 1972’s Emma