Famous British Actors

The first person to play James Bond on screen, Scottish actor Sean Connery went on to star in seven films of the franchise. The role catapulted him to international fame, but this charismatic actor was not restricted to his iconic role. He also tasted critical and commercial success in other productions including Murder on the Orient Express and The Untouchables

An English actor known for his role as Superman in the DC Extended Universe superhero films, Henry Cavill has been active in the film industry for around two decades. As a teenager, he met actor Russell Crowe who inspired him to take up acting. He is known for his sex appeal and is considered a male sex symbol.

One of Hollywood's most important action heroes, Jason Statham debuted with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and later starred in more action film series like The Transporter, The Expendables and The Fast and the Furious. The martial artist, known for performing most of his own stunts himself, was once a world class diver, fashion model and black-market salesman.

Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most popular English actors of the current generation. Apart from his acting skills, he is also known for his charity work. In 2014, he was named in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world. In 2015, he was appointed a CBE for services to charity and performing arts.

British comedian and actor Rowan Atkinson has entertained audience globally with his brilliant performance as the eponymous character in the Mr. Bean series and its film adaptations. Earlier, he established himself as a fine comedy actor with Blackadder and then went on to work in movies like Never Say Never Again, The Witches and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Though Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was the first major film for actor Robert Pattinson, he became an international star with the Twilight movie series. Since then, he has gained immense accolades for working in independent films like The Lost City of Z, Good Time and The Lighthouse. The talented actor is also known for his philanthropic activities.

Best known for playing the menacing Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, English actor Tom Hiddleston is far from being menacing in real life. In fact, he is often described as the nicest person on earth, an image which he lives up to by supporting several charities and donating items for auction. He is also a UK ambassador of UNICEF.

An English actor who achieved international fame when he began starring as the title character in the James Bond film series, Daniel Craig is known for his rugged good looks and raw sex appeal. Beginning his career in the early 1990s as a theater actor, he soon ventured into cinema as well. He has been nominated for many awards.

Cinema lovers around the world hold Charlie Chaplin in high esteem. One of the biggest stars of the silent film era and an icon, he left the audience in splits with his comedic performances. Even today, his performances in movies like Modern Times and The Gold Rush are considered classic. The legendary actor was also a writer, director and producer.

After bagging his first starring role when he was just 13, actor Christian Bale proceeded to become one of the finest actors of his generation in the ensuing years. Known for his commitment to his craft, he is considered one of the most versatile and talented actors today. He is also popularly regarded as a male sex symbol.

English actor, Kit Harington, became a widely acclaimed and recognized celebrity after playing Jon Snow in one of the most popular TV shows of all time - Game of Thrones. Also known for his charity work, Kit Harington has been an ambassador for a charity organization called The Royal Mencap Society since 2016.

Michael Sheen is a Welsh actor and started his career as a theatre artist. He rose to fame in the 2000s as a screen actor after working in various biographical films. He starred in television films like The Deal, The Queen and The Special Relationship. Some of his notable films are The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Midnight in Paris.

Gary Oldman is an English actor who can be best described as a chameleon, for his remarkable ability to imbibe the traits and mannerisms of the character he portrays. Whether playing a Cold War spy or a Sci-fi villain or Winston Churchill, this acting genius has earned the praise of millions of fans around the world.

Charles Hunnam is an English actor. Some of his well-known works on television are the drama Queer as Folk, comedy series Undeclared and drama series Sons of Anarchy. His notable films are Nicholas Nickleby, Green Street, Pacific Rim, The Lost City of Z, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Crimson Peak and The Gentlemen. He is also a screenplay writer.

Gerard Butler is one of the most popular and successful actors from Scotland. He came into prominence with the portrayal of King Leonidas in the fantasy war film 300. Apart from acting, he participates in fundraising events and charity programs. Interestingly, Butler tried his hand at acting only after being fired a week before becoming a qualified lawyer!

Eminent British actor, Patrick Stewart, is best known for his work in television series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and four films associated with it. Another project that brought him immense recognition was the X-Men film series. A passionate stage artist, he has devoted considerable time to stage and delivered strong performances in Anthony and Cleopatra and A Christmas Carol. 

Retired English actor, Daniel Day-Lewis, is widely regarded as one of the best cinema actors. Known for his dedication to method acting, he has entertained audience with both positive and negative roles. His work in movies like My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, Lincoln and Gangs of New York have won him fame, critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.

A Tony Award recipient, Ralph Fiennes is one of the most respected English actors of the current generation. He is known for playing important roles in notable films, such as the Harry Potter and James Bond film series. A Stanislavsky Award recipient, he is also known for his work behind the camera.

The quintessential lover boy of British and American cinema, Hugh Grant is widely regarded as a meticulous performer who works hard on his acting and comic skills. One of the few celebrities to express disdain for celebrity culture, Grant's personal life has overshadowed his on-screen achievements. Also known for his charity work, Grant is a patron of Pancreatic Cancer Action.

Tim Curry, who idolized the Rolling Stones and the Beatles as a teenager, went on to become an actor and singer. He serves as an inspiration to many as he continues to contribute to the film and TV industry even after suffering a major stroke, which has left him wheelchair-bound since 2012.

British actor Jude Law is hailed as one of the most respected and talented artists of his generation. The movie Shopping in 1994 was his breakthrough moment and he has not looked back since then. He has worked across continents, with some of his prominent films being Gattaca, The Talented Mr Ripley, Cold Mountain, Alfie, Road to Perdition, Captain Marvel and Sherlock Holmes.

Considered a British cultural icon, Ian McKellen is one of the most respected and decorated actors of all time. An openly gay actor, his work as an LGBT activist has been as impressive as his illustrious acting career. At the 1991 New Year Honours, he was knighted for services to performing arts.

A British film icon, Michael Caine is one of the highest grossing box office stars. His filmography is extensive with numerous acclaimed performances. This includes Ipcress File, Hannah and Her Sisters, Educating Rita, Sleuth, The Quiet American and Inception. The esteemed actor, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, is also a bestselling author with eleven published books.

A celebrated son of Scotland, David Tennant is best known for his lead role in the BBC series, Doctor Who, from 2005-10. The show made him a household name and a sex symbol. His career continues to flourish with lead roles in films and television. He’s also a prolific theater actor having played Shakespearean characters like Hamlet and Richard II.

English actor Freddie Highmore became internationally known for playing Norman Bates in the drama-thriller series Bates Motel. The son of a talent agent and an actor, he was introduced to films when he was a child. After establishing himself as an actor, he turned to screenwriting as well. He is averse to social media!

Considered one of the greatest actors ever, Cary Grant’s good looks, popular appeal and a knack for romantic comedy made him an enduring Hollywood star from the 1930s to the 1960s. Penny Serenade, An Affair to Remember, To Catch a Thief, North by Northwest and Charade are some of his classic films. He was bestowed an honorary Oscar in 1970.

Idris Elba is a successful actor both on the small and the big screen and is mainly known for the television series The Wire and Luther and also for films, such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Beasts of No Nation. He has also acted in blockbuster films of Marvel Comics universe like Avengers: Age of Ultron and Avengers: Infinity War.

Widely regarded as one of the most popular actors to play the iconic secret agent James Bond in films, Roger Moore was more than just an actor. He was also well-known for his humanitarian work, so much so that he was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to charity.

Sean Bean is an English actor known for his Yorkshire accent. Often described as surprisingly shy and a man of few words, Sean Bean is a down to earth person. Since he often portrays villainous characters that are killed violently, Sean has gained notoriety on the internet and is a subject of many internet memes.

A graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Sam Claflin gained international recognition for his role in The Hunger Games films. Also known for his good looks, Claflin won the Man of the Year award at the 2014 Glamour Awards. A football fanatic, Claflin's dream of pursuing a football career was shattered after an ankle injury.

Luke Evans is one of the most successful and popular actors from Wales. Also a decent singer, he released his debut studio album, At Last, in 2019; he studied music under the tutelage of an established singing coach named Louise Ryan. Since he is openly gay, Luke Evans serves as an inspiration to the gay community around the world.

One of the most decorated English actors of his generation, Colin Firth has had a major impact in both British and American film industries. Also one of the most bankable actors, his movies have grossed over $3 billion worldwide. Also renowned for his activism, Colin was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list in 2011.

A Guinness record holder for the most-watched leading man on TV, three-time Golden Globe-winner and two-time SAG Award-winner Hugh Laurie has also dabbled in blues music and written a novel. From starting his career with sketch comedy, to winning the OBE and CBE, the actor/comedian has come a long way.

Martin Freeman is an English actor best known for playing iconic characters, such as Dr. Watson and Bilbo Baggins. A frequent contributor to charity and a avid cricket fan, Martin umpired a charity cricket match in 2011 in order to raise money to help the victims affected by the Christchurch earthquake.

British heartthrob Orlando Bloom shot to fame fir playing elf warrior Legolas in the fantasy trilogy, The Lord of the Rings and later achieved success with more high profile films like The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Hobbit film trilogy, Troy and Elizabethtown. In between, he made his Broadway debut with Romeo Juliet and was also named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

One of the most admired British actors, Alan Rickman gained global recognition for his work on stage and screen. The late actor excelled at portraying villainous characters especially in movies like Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny. Other notable works of the versatile actor include Harry Potter film series and Truly, Madly, Deeply.

One of the most popular model-turned-actors from Northern Ireland, Jamie Dornan was named by Vogue in its list of 25 Biggest Male Models of All Time. He earned international recognition after portraying Sheriff Graham Humbert in Once Upon a Time. Known for his looks and acting skills, Dornan is regarded as one of the greatest film actors of Ireland.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster is a British actor who gained international recognition after playing Jojen Reed in one of the most popular TV series of all time, Game of Thrones. Known for playing characters younger than his actual age, Brodie-Sangster played a 15-year-old in the film Death of a Superhero, which has achieved cult status.

Rupert Grint is an English actor famous for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series. Thanks to the popularity of the film series, many children of the 2000s identify themselves with the character of Ron Weasley. Apart from being an actor, Rupert Grint is also a well-known charity worker, having donated several items to charity auctions.

Paul Bettany is the voice behind Marvel films' one of the most iconic characters - J.A.R.V.I.S., an artificial intelligence. He is also known for his acting roles in movies like A Knight's Tale and Creation. One of the most envied men in Hollywood, Paul Bettany is married to the beautiful actress, Jennifer Connelly.

Tom Felton is an English actor best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series. After starting his career as a child artist, Felton has successfully established himself as an actor in the British film and TV industry. Also known for his skills as a musician, Tom Felton has released EPs, such as Time Well Spent.

Scottish actor Richard Madden is famous worldwide as Robb Stark from the hugely successful HBO series, Game of Thrones. The series has a cult following and Madden starred in it from 2011 to 2013. He also received critical acclaim for his acting in the series Bodyguard. He has also acted in films like Cinderella, Bastille Day and 1917.

Phil Collins is best known for his work with the popular rock band Genesis. Having sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Phil is one of three recording artists who have sold more than 100 million records both as principal members of a band and as solo artists.

Eddie Redmayne is a British actor who has prestigious awards, such as the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Tony Award under his belt. Over the years, Redmayne has made important contributions to the field of entertainment for which he was appointed OBE in the 2015 Birthday Honours.

Wentworth Miller is known for his sturdy role as Michael Scofield in the popular TV series Prison Break. As sturdy as his character Michael in real life, Miller went on to establish a successful career despite suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts since his childhood. As an openly gay actor, he also serves as an inspiration to the LGBTQ community.

British actor Nicholas Hoult is known for starring in high budget films like X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse and Mad Max: Fury Road. He has also acted in other notable films like Equals, Collide, Sand Castle, Rebel in the Rye and The Favourite. He has worked on stage too and in television series like The Great.

Highly renowned Welsh actor, Anthony Hopkins is best known for his portrayal of a cannibalistic serial killer in the movie The Silence of the Lambs. The portrayal earned him prestigious awards and also a place in the list of best villains of all time. Other notable films of the celebrated character actor include Remains of the Day, Nixon and Amistad.

British actor Andrew Serkis, a critically acclaimed motion capture artist, first gained widespread recognition for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. He provided motion capture movements and voice for the computer-generated imagery character Gollum. Planet of the Apes trilogy and The Adventures of Tintin are some of the other notable films for which he has done motion capture work.