Colin Firth

Colin Firth
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Colin Firth
Caption	Firth in 2019
Birth name	Colin Andrew Firth
Birth date	10 September 1960
Birth place	Grayshott, Hampshire, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1983–present
Spouse	Livia Giuggioli, (m. 1997; div. 2019)
Awards	Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award

Colin Firth is a celebrated English actor renowned for his portrayals of reserved, emotionally complex characters. He gained international fame for his role as Mr. Darcy in the 1995 television adaptation of *Pride and Prejudice*, a performance that cemented his status as a leading man. His career spans acclaimed work in independent film, major studio productions, and television, earning him numerous accolades including an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Early life and education

He was born in Grayshott, Hampshire, to parents who were both academics and teachers. His early childhood included living in Nigeria where his father lectured, before the family returned to England. He attended the Montgomery of Alamein Secondary School in Winchester and later studied at the Drama Centre London, a constituent college of the University of the Arts London. His theatrical training provided a foundation for his early stage work with companies like the Royal National Theatre.

Career

His early career featured stage roles and television appearances in series such as *The Secret Agent*. His breakthrough came with his iconic performance in the BBC production of *Pride and Prejudice*, which made him a star. He subsequently appeared in successful films like Shakespeare in Love and Bridget Jones's Diary, where he played a character named Mark Darcy, a deliberate nod to his earlier role. Critical acclaim followed for dramatic turns in *A Single Man*, for which he won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival, and The King's Speech, where his portrayal of King George VI earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama. He has since starred in major franchises including the *Kingsman* series and projects like *The Railway Man* and the *Minamata*.

Personal life

He was in a long-term relationship with actress Meg Tilly, his co-star in Valmont, and they have a son. In 1997, he married Italian film producer Livia Giuggioli; they have two sons. The family resided in both London and Italy for many years. He and Giuggioli announced their separation in 2019. He is a supporter of Arsenal F.C. and holds dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and Italy.

Public image and activism

Often described as a quintessential English gentleman, he is known for his thoughtful and private demeanor off-screen. He is a dedicated political activist, supporting numerous humanitarian and environmental causes. He has been a prominent campaigner for Oxfam and Survival International, advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples. His environmental activism includes work with the WWF and he has been vocal on issues ranging from climate change to refugee rights, often writing articles for publications like The Guardian.

Filmography and awards

His extensive filmography includes notable works such as *The English Patient*, Love Actually, *Mamma Mia!*, *Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy*, and *1917*. On television, he starred in and produced the drama series *The Staircase*. His award accolades are significant; for The King's Speech he won the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also received honors including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2011 Birthday Honours.

Category:English male film actors Category:Best Actor Academy Award winners Category:1960 births