Hugh Grant

Sep 9, 1960

London, England

London-born and Oxford educated Hugh Grant first hit the big screen in 1982's <i>Privileged</i>, but didn't achieve movie star status until his delightful 1994 turn in <i>Four Weddings and a Funeral</i>. Handsome and charming, with abundant chestnut hair and a somewhat stiff manner softened by his open and warm smile, Grant worked as an advertising copywriter in addition to engagements in repertory theater and stints with the comedy troupe "The Jockeys of Norfolk" before carving out a steady act... ... (read more...) ing career. With the surprise hit <i>Four Weddings and a Funeral</i> Grant would find great fame, with an acclaimed performance as the terribly charming Charles, an unlikely hero, stammering and unlucky in love who finds his match in Carrie, an aloof but passionate American woman (Andie MacDowell). His portrayal in Mike Newell's well-made film enchanted audiences and critics, many of whom likened him to similarly witty and dashing classic cinematic leads David Niven and Cary Grant. The film cemented Grant's image as an occasionally caddish but emminently likeable screen personality and flung open the doors to Hollywood for the actor. He went on to star in many films, including the very successful <i>Notting Hill, Bridget Jones's Diary, About a Boy,</i> and <i>Love Actually.</i>