11 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet has oozed star power and talent ever since she mesmerized audiences in 1997's "Titanic." The actress has become an awards darling and one of the most in-demand A-listers in Hollywood. Before you see Kate in "The Mountain Between Us" alongside Idris Elba, why not get to know her a little better?

British Beginnings

Kate Elizabeth Winslet was born October 5, 1975, in Reading, Berkshire, England.

Learning the Craft

Kate attended the Redroofs theater school in Maidenhead, Berkshire to study drama.

Landing the Role

Winslet got her first big break in movies thanks to 1994's "Heavenly Creatures," Peter Jackson's thriller, which also starred Melanie Lynskey. The young actresses both received positive reviews for their performances.

'You Jump, I Jump'

Kate became a household name playing Rose in 1997's mega-hit "Titanic," for which she was nominated for her first Academy Award. The role was originally offered to Gwyneth Paltrow.

Returning the Favor

Kate turned down Gwyneth Paltrow's Oscar-winning role in "Shakespeare in Love," so it's all good.

Brrrrr

Kate was the only actor to turn down a wetsui t while making "Titanic" and ultimately caught pneumonia.

'Uncle Leo'

Kate and Leonardo DiCaprio have remained close friends since "Titanic." They reunited onscreen for 2008's "Revolutionary Road." The good pals have gone on vacations together and Leo even gave Kate away at her 2012 wedding to Ned Rocknroll.

Adding Author to Her Resume

Kate raised awareness for autism by writing the 2012 book, "The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism."

Amazing Achievement

Winslet has been nominated for seven (!) Academy Awards. She won Best Actress in 2009 for her performance in "The Reader."

On Her Way to EGOT

Kate is only one award away from an EGOT. In addition to her Oscar, she has a Best Actress Emmy for "Mildred Pierce" and a spoken word Grammy for lending her voice to "Listen to the Storyteller." All she needs is a Tony!

To the Rescue

Winslet made headlines in 2011 when Richard Branson revealed that she helped save his 90-year-old mother from a fire at his Necker Island home. "Many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90-year mum out of the main house to safety," he blogged. Branson's mom, Eve, later clarified what might have been an exaggeration of events, saying, "she just sort of picked me up and took me down four steps and that was it. I’m sorry, I can’t make a story out of it."