Joseph Fiennes wife, María Dolores Diéguez, is a Swiss model of Spanish origin. She has been with the famous actor since 2005, and they married in 2009 in Tuscany, Italy. Together they are raising two daughters. Even though Joseph Fiennes became a global star through movies like Shakespeare in Love and his chilling role as Commander Fred Waterford in The Handmaid’s Tale, his wife openly avoids watching the series. She wants to keep her husband separate from the cruel character he plays on screen.
Quick Bio Table of Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Alberic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Salisbury, England |
| Profession | Actor |
| Famous Movies | Shakespeare in Love, Elizabeth, Enemy at the Gates |
| Famous TV Shows | The Handmaid’s Tale, FlashForward |
| Wife | María Dolores Diéguez |
| Marriage Year | 2009 (Tuscany, Italy) |
| Children | Eva (2010), Isabel (2011) |
| Siblings | Ralph Fiennes, Jacob Fiennes (twin), Magnus, Martha, Sophie |
| Twin Brother | Jacob Fiennes (Conservationist) |
| Net Worth | $10 million (approx.) |
| Current Residence | Mallorca, Spain |
Who Is Joseph Fiennes Wife?
María Dolores Diéguez is known as a former Miss Switzerland finalist. Born in Switzerland to Spanish parents, she grew up with a mix of European culture. Before marrying actor Joseph Fiennes, she worked as a model and appeared in fashion magazines. María prefers to live a private life away from the spotlight, even though her marriage to a famous actor often brings attention. Her focus has remained on her family and raising their two daughters, Eva and Isabel.

Their Marriage and Family Life
The love story of Joseph Fiennes and María Dolores Diéguez started in 2005. After four years together, they got married in a Catholic ceremony in Tuscany in 2009. The wedding was elegant and private, attended by close friends and family. Soon after, their daughters were born: Eva in 2010 and Isabel in 2011. Today, they live in Mallorca, Spain, where they enjoy a quieter life. Unlike Hollywood couples who often stay in the spotlight, they prefer a low-key family lifestyle.
Why She Won’t Watch The Handmaid’s Tale
When asked in interviews, Joseph Fiennes explained that his wife refuses to watch The Handmaid’s Tale. He once said on Good Morning America, “My wife hasn’t watched it, and won’t watch it.” The reason is simple: she doesn’t want to mix the image of her loving husband with the cruel and dark role of Commander Fred Waterford. This decision shows her respect for separating fiction from reality, even though the show became one of Joseph’s most recognized works.
Joseph Fiennes and His Career
Joseph Fiennes first gained worldwide fame in 1998 with Shakespeare in Love, where he played William Shakespeare. The movie won multiple Oscars and made him a household name. He also starred in Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett, proving his strength in historical dramas. Over the years, he appeared in films like Enemy at the Gates (2001), Luther (2003), and The Merchant of Venice (2004). His TV career grew later, with roles in FlashForward and of course, The Handmaid’s Tale.
The Dark Role of Fred Waterford
In The Handmaid’s Tale, Joseph Fiennes plays Fred Waterford, a commander in Gilead who holds power over women and enforces the strict rules of the society. The character is controlling, manipulative, and cruel. Even Joseph Fiennes admitted that some scenes were difficult for him to perform. He once pushed back against the writers, refusing to act in one scene that he felt was too extreme. This shows how heavy the role was, both for him and for his family who chose not to watch.
Joseph Fiennes Wife Supports Him
Even though she refuses to watch his most famous TV series, María Dolores Diéguez is still very supportive of her husband’s career. She attends some events with him and has been seen at premieres, but she usually avoids the Hollywood spotlight. Instead, she stays dedicated to family life, making sure their daughters grow up away from media pressure. This balance has helped Joseph Fiennes focus on his acting while keeping a grounded home life.
The Fiennes Family Connection
The Fiennes family is one of the most talented in the arts. Joseph Fiennes is the younger brother of Ralph Fiennes, the Oscar-nominated star of The English Patient and the famous Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films. His twin brother, Jacob Fiennes, works as a conservationist, focusing on protecting wildlife. Other siblings include Martha Fiennes, a film director, Sophie Fiennes, a filmmaker, and Magnus Fiennes, a composer. Clearly, creativity runs deep in the Fiennes family.
Net Worth of Joseph Fiennes
Today, Joseph Fiennes net worth is estimated at around $10 million. This comes from his long career in movies and television. His role in Shakespeare in Love and The Handmaid’s Tale contributed most to his wealth. In comparison, his older brother Ralph Fiennes net worth is around $50 million, thanks to blockbuster films like Harry Potter and Schindler’s List. Together, the brothers represent success in both independent films and major Hollywood productions.
The Michael Jackson Controversy
In 2017, Joseph Fiennes faced criticism when he was cast to play Michael Jackson in the TV show Urban Myths. Many people felt this choice was wrong, and the backlash was so strong that the episode was pulled before it aired. Later, Joseph admitted it was a “bad decision” to take the role. This controversy was a rare negative moment in an otherwise respected career, but he learned from the experience and moved forward with stronger projects.

How Joseph Balances Work and Family
Despite his fame, Joseph Fiennes tries to live a normal family life in Spain. He has spoken about the importance of keeping his acting career separate from home. His wife’s choice to avoid The Handmaid’s Tale is part of this effort to protect family peace. He values privacy and avoids too much media exposure. This balance allows him to focus on his craft while enjoying a close relationship with his wife and daughters.
Why His Wife’s Decision Matters
For many fans, it is surprising that Joseph Fiennes wife does not watch his most famous TV role. But her choice highlights an important reality: being married to an actor often means separating the person from their roles. By skipping The Handmaid’s Tale, she keeps her focus on her husband, the father of her children, and not on the dark character he plays. This shows strength and wisdom in maintaining a healthy marriage in the world of Hollywood fame.
Legacy of Joseph Fiennes
With roles in Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love, and The Handmaid’s Tale, Joseph Fiennes has proven his talent across both film and television. His wife’s support, even from a distance, helps him maintain balance in life. His family’s artistic legacy, from Ralph Fiennes to his twin Jacob, ensures the name Fiennes remains well respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Joseph Fiennes wife?
Joseph Fiennes wife is María Dolores Diéguez, a Swiss model of Spanish origin.
2. Why doesn’t Joseph Fiennes wife watch The Handmaid’s Tale?
She avoids it to separate her husband from the cruel character Fred Waterford.
3. How many children do Joseph Fiennes and his wife have?
They have two daughters, Eva (born 2010) and Isabel (born 2011).
4. Where does Joseph Fiennes live with his wife and children?
The family lives in Mallorca, Spain, away from the Hollywood spotlight.
5. What is Joseph Fiennes net worth compared to Ralph Fiennes?
Joseph Fiennes net worth is about $10 million, while Ralph Fiennes net worth is around $50 million.
Conclusion
Joseph Fiennes wife, María Dolores Diéguez, is a private, strong, and supportive partner who chooses not to watch The Handmaid’s Tale. She values family life above fame and helps Joseph stay grounded despite his Hollywood career. Her decision reflects the importance of separating an actor’s real personality from their fictional roles. Meanwhile, Joseph continues to build his career in movies and TV, with his wife and daughters always at the center of his world.
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