Emily Glenister is a respected British literary agent and industry professional whose background and family connections have given her a fascinating dual identity in the world of arts and entertainment. Born on 1 July 1987 in London, England, she is best known as the daughter of celebrated British actors Amanda Redman and Robert Glenister. Yet Emily has successfully carved out her own path in the literary world, becoming one of the notable figures in UK publishing as a Director at DHH Literary Agency.
While her parents’ fame comes from the big and small screens, Emily’s work lies behind the scenes of creativity—nurturing writers, discovering fresh literary voices, and helping shape stories that reach global audiences. She has built a reputation for her sharp editorial instinct, industry knowledge, and genuine passion for storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a family of actors, Emily Glenister was surrounded by the arts from an early age. With both parents heavily involved in British theatre and television, it was almost inevitable that she would develop a love for performance and creative expression. She initially followed her parents’ footsteps into the dramatic arts, attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, one of the most prestigious acting institutions in the UK.
She graduated in 2010, a year that marked a turning point in her professional trajectory. While she trained as an actress and briefly considered an acting career, Emily ultimately decided that her real calling lay elsewhere in the creative process—not in front of the camera but in championing other artists.
Career Beginnings and Rise in Publishing
After graduating, Emily began working in the entertainment and publishing industries, gradually shifting toward literary representation. She gained valuable experience assisting in offices that represented some of the most respected names in cinema, including Charlotte Rampling, Sir Roger Moore, Liv Ullmann, and Max von Sydow.
In 2016, she joined the DHH Literary Agency, one of the UK’s leading agencies for authors. For four years, she worked closely with David Headley, the founder and Managing Director, learning the intricacies of author representation, rights management, and editorial development.
By 2020, her hard work and growing expertise paid off—Emily was appointed Agent at DHH, handling her own list of clients and representing a range of fiction and non-fiction authors. In 2022, she was promoted to Director, solidifying her place as a leading figure in the firm and one of the most promising young agents in Britain’s literary scene.
What Genres and Writers Does Emily Glenister Represent?
At DHH, Emily Glenister represents authors across a variety of genres, including:
- Commercial and upmarket fiction
- Female-led narratives
- Dual-timeline and historical fiction
- Romance and contemporary drama
- Supernatural and ghost stories
- Narrative non-fiction, memoirs, history, and true crime
In interviews (notably with Jericho Writers), Emily describes her approach as “hands-on,” emphasizing collaboration and developmental editing. She works closely with her authors, refining manuscripts and aligning them with the right publishers. Her personal taste leans toward emotionally rich stories with strong female voices, vivid settings, and universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Her typical day, she says, is a balance between administrative work and creativity: mornings spent handling contracts and correspondence, afternoons dedicated to reading submissions and editing, and evenings often reserved for reading for pleasure—a testament to her lifelong devotion to stories.
Family Background and Influence
Emily’s lineage is steeped in British entertainment heritage. Her mother, Amanda Redman MBE, is one of the UK’s best-loved actresses, known for her roles in New Tricks, At Home with the Braithwaites, The Good Karma Hospital, and numerous stage performances. Her father, Robert Glenister, is also a celebrated actor, recognized for his performances in Hustle, Spooks, Sherwood, and MI-5.
The marriage between Amanda Redman and Robert Glenister produced one child—Emily—before the couple divorced in the early 1990s. Despite their separation, both parents have remained part of her life, and Emily has often expressed appreciation for their love and guidance.
According to Hello! Magazine, Amanda Redman has spoken warmly about her daughter, describing her as independent, grounded, and “a wonderful human being.” The two share a close relationship, often attending events together and supporting each other’s work in different creative industries.
Emily Glenister and Amanda Redman: A Special Bond
Though Emily did not follow her mother’s exact career path, the bond between the two has remained exceptionally strong. Amanda Redman has publicly praised Emily’s decision to forge her own identity away from acting, noting her pride in her daughter’s literary accomplishments.
In interviews, Amanda mentioned that Emily “moved out quite early” but that they have always remained “very, very close.” Amanda’s career may have influenced Emily’s appreciation for storytelling, discipline, and artistic integrity—values that undoubtedly shape her work as a literary agent today.
Their relationship offers an inspiring example of inter-generational support in creative families: a mother-daughter duo excelling in different corners of the arts, yet united by a shared passion for storytelling and performance.
Emily Glenister’s Father: Robert Glenister
Emily’s father, Robert Glenister, is one of Britain’s most respected actors. Born in 1960, he began acting in the late 1970s and has had an enduring career on stage and screen. His performances in Hustle and Spooks have earned him acclaim, and his voice-over and radio work have further expanded his influence.
Robert’s younger brother, Philip Glenister, is also a well-known actor, best remembered for playing Gene Hunt in Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. This makes Philip Glenister Emily’s uncle, extending her ties to yet another branch of British acting royalty.
Emily grew up surrounded by this family of performers, and though she chose a slightly different career path, the environment clearly fostered her appreciation for creative work and storytelling craftsmanship.
Is Emily Glenister Married? Does She Have Children?
As of 2025, there are no confirmed public records or credible media reports detailing Emily Glenister’s marital status or whether she has children. Her social media presence is modest and largely professional, focusing on literary work, author news, and reading recommendations rather than personal life updates.
A few social-media posts under the name “Emily Glenister” suggest an announcement of family news, but it is not verified whether those accounts belong to the same Emily Glenister associated with the DHH Literary Agency. Consequently, it is best treated as unconfirmed.
Emily has maintained a reputation for privacy, preferring to let her professional achievements speak for themselves rather than sharing personal details. This discretion adds to her quiet yet respected presence in the UK literary landscape.
Emily Glenister’s Age and Life Today
Born on 1 July 1987, Emily turned 38 years old in 2025. Based in London, she continues to play a central role at DHH Literary Agency, working with both debut and established authors. Her influence extends beyond her agency work—she regularly participates in writing festivals, author Q&As, and publishing panels, where she discusses trends in fiction and the evolving publishing industry.
Emily’s colleagues describe her as passionate, meticulous, and approachable. Authors have praised her editorial feedback and her ability to champion manuscripts with conviction and empathy. Her dual background—rooted in performance and literature—gives her a nuanced perspective on character, dialogue, and pacing, qualities essential in both acting and writing.
Net Worth and Professional Success
There are no publicly disclosed figures regarding Emily Glenister’s personal net worth. While various celebrity-related websites estimate her mother Amanda Redman’s fortune at around USD 5 million, Emily’s finances remain private.
Nevertheless, her position as a Director and senior literary agent at DHH Literary Agency suggests a successful and comfortable professional standing. Literary agents in London at her level can earn anywhere from £60,000 to £150,000 per year, depending on commissions and client success. Given her trajectory and reputation, Emily likely ranks among the upper-tier agents in the British publishing circuit.
Beyond financial metrics, Emily’s influence is measured in creative impact—helping writers secure deals, shaping book proposals, and bringing stories to life for readers worldwide.
Public Image and Philosophy
Unlike many in entertainment, Emily Glenister keeps a relatively low public profile. Her appearances are mainly professional, such as literary events or agency announcements, rather than social-media-driven publicity. She embodies a quiet authority—someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to amplify other voices.
Her philosophy toward her work reflects this humility. She once described her role as “finding magic in the words of others” and helping authors achieve the best version of their stories. This mindset distinguishes her from the celebrity culture often surrounding her family name.
Emily Glenister’s Legacy and Impact
Although she is still in her thirties, Emily Glenister represents a new generation of women shaping the UK’s creative industries. She bridges acting and literature, performance and publishing—a cross-disciplinary influence that continues the creative legacy of her family while evolving it for a new era.
Her success underscores that heritage may open doors, but talent and perseverance keep them open. Through years of dedication and hard work, Emily Glenister has earned her reputation not as “Amanda Redman’s daughter,” but as a force in her own right—a champion of stories, authors, and creativity.
Conclusion
Emily Glenister’s journey from theatre-school graduate to literary-agency director is a testament to her adaptability and passion for the arts. Born into a family of acting legends, she could easily have stayed within that world. Instead, she ventured into a different creative realm, finding fulfillment in helping others bring their words to life.
Her close relationship with her mother, Amanda Redman, remains one of mutual pride and love—an inspiring example of how artistic families can evolve while supporting each other’s unique paths.
As she continues to influence the literary world, Emily Glenister stands as both a product of her lineage and a pioneer of her own making. Her story is one of balance: between fame and privacy, legacy and individuality, creativity and business acumen.
At Anglia Times, we celebrate professionals like Emily Glenister who quietly shape culture through dedication, intellect, and passion for storytelling.
