Emilia (Othello) Emilia (Othello) Emilia is a character in the tragedy "Othello" by William Shakespeare. The character's origin is traced to the 1565 tale, "Un capitano Moro" from Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinthio's "Gli Hecatommithi". There, the character is described as young and virtuous, is referred to simply as the ensign's wife, and becomes Desdemona's companion in Cyprus. In Shakespeare, she is named Emilia, is the wife of Othello's ensign, Iago, and is an attendant to Othello's wife, Desdemona. While considered a minor character in the drama, she has been portrayed by several notable actresses on film, with Joyce Redman receiving an Academy
Joyce Redman Woman". Redman also appeared in a few films. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in "Tom Jones" (1963); and again for "Othello" (1965), in which she appeared as Emilia to the Desdemona of Maggie Smith and the Othello of Laurence Olivier. Her work on "Othello" also earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Redman married Charles Wynne Roberts in New York City in 1949; he predeceased her. She is survived by their three children and five grandchildren. Her niece is actress Amanda Redman. Redman died in Pembury, Kent, England, on 9 May 2012