Famous Welsh Film & Theater Personalities

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 1 
Catherine Zeta-Jones
(Welsh Actress Who is Known for Her Versatility)
Catherine Zeta-Jones
19
Birthdate: September 25, 1969
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Swansea, Wales

Catherine Zeta-Jones is one of the most popular and successful actresses from Wales. Starting out as a child actress, Catherine went on to cement her place in the American film industry with roles that accentuated her sex appeal. She is the recipient of several awards. Also a well-known humanitarian, she was appointed CBE for her humanitarian and film endeavors.

 2 
Anthony Hopkins
(Known for His Role as ‘Hannibal Lector’ in Jonathan Demme's ‘The Silence of the Lambs’)
Anthony Hopkins
13
Birthdate: December 31, 1937
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Margam, Wales, United Kingdom

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.

 3 
Michael Sheen
10
Birthdate: February 5, 1969
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales

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.

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 4 
Taron Egerton
(Welsh Actor Known for His Role as Singer ‘Elton John’ in the Film ‘Rocketman’)
Taron Egerton
10
Birthdate: November 10, 1989
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Birkenhead, Merseyside, England

An award-winning actor, Taron Egerton is popular for playing real-life icons in biopics, such as Eddie the Eagle and Rocketman. Also known for his singing abilities, Egerton has appeared in a couple of music videos as well. Taron Egerton does not shy away from voicing his opinion on sensitive topics like misogyny and is a supporter of the LGBT community.

 5 
Tom Ellis
(Welsh Actor Known for His Role as ‘Lucifer Morningstar’ in the TV Series ‘Lucifer’)
Tom Ellis
7
Birthdate: November 17, 1978
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

Tom Ellis is a Welsh actor, who gained international prominence after he started playing Lucifer Morningstar in the American DC Comics-based series LuciferAn alumnus of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he began his career with a role in a BBC TV show. He eventually began appearing in American TV shows and films as well.

 6 
Richard Burton
(One of the Most Acclaimed Actors of His Generation)
Richard Burton
6
Birthdate: November 10, 1925
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Pontrhydyfen, Wales
Died: August 5, 1984
Richard Burton is remembered for his tumultuous affair with Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married and divorced twice. The Burton-Taylor duo is also known for their hits Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? A seasoned Shakespearean actor, Burton was known for his baritone voice. He became an alcoholic later.
 7 
Luke Evans
(Actor)
Luke Evans
5
Birthdate: April 15, 1979
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pontypool, Wales

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.

 8 
John Rhys-Davies
( Best Known for Portraying 'Sallah' in the 'Indiana Jones' Movies)
John Rhys-Davies
5
Birthdate: May 5, 1944
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

John Rhys-Davies is best known as Gimli and the voice of Treebeard from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is also known for voicing Cassim in Aladdin and the King of Thieves. His other notable projects include Shōgun, Sliders, and the James Bond film The Living Daylights.

 9 
Jonathan Pryce
6
Birthdate: June 1, 1947
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Carmel, Flintshire

Jonathan Pryce is one of the most popular Welsh actors of all time. Renowned for his versatility, Pryce has contributed immensely across all the three major acting mediums: movies, television and theatre. Best known for his work in theatre, Pryce is a two-time winner of the prestigious Tony Award. In the 2009 Birthday Honours, Jonathan Pryce was appointed a CBE for services to drama.

 10 
Ioan Gruffudd
4
Birthdate: October 6, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Llwydcoed, Aberdare, Wales

Ioan Gruffudd is a Welsh actor known for playing important roles in popular American films, such as 102 Dalmatians, Black Hawk Down, and San Andreas. An accomplished oboist and singer during his teenage years, Ioan Gruffudd gave up music in order to focus on his career as an actor.

 11 
Rhys Ifans
(Actor Who Played the Role of the Sly Lizard Villain Dr. Curt Connors in the 'Amazing Spider-Man')
Rhys Ifans
4
Birthdate: July 22, 1967
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 12 
Terry Jones
(Actor)
Terry Jones
4
Birthdate: February 1, 1942
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, Wales
Died: January 21, 2020
Starting his career as a comedy writer, actor-director Terry Jones later soared to fame as part of the Monty Python comedy team. An avid historian, too, he wrote several books and presented TV documentaries on the topic. In his later years, the BAFTA Cymru award winner struggled with dementia. 
 13 
Andy Whitfield
(Best Known for His Role in the TV Series ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’)
Andy Whitfield
5
Birthdate: October 17, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales
Died: September 11, 2011

Welsh actor, Andy Whitfield, gained international fame for his leading role in the Starz television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. A qualified engineer, he quit his corporate job to act in TV shows. He became popular within a few years and began acting in films as well. Tragically, he became ill with cancer and died at the age of 39. 

 14 
Iwan Rheon
(Actor Best Known for His Roles in the TV Series: 'Misfits' and 'Game of Thrones')
Iwan Rheon
4
Birthdate: May 13, 1985
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Carmarthen, Dyfed, Wales

Best known to audiences as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones and as Simon Bellamy in Misfits, Iwan Rheon is also an Olivier Award-winning stage actor. A talented singer, too, he was previously the lead vocalist of The Convictions and has also performed with his brother in the single Rhodd.

 15 
Matthew Rhys
(Welsh Actor Known for His Role as ‘Kevin Walker’ in the TV Series ‘Brothers & Sisters’)
Matthew Rhys
4
Birthdate: November 8, 1974
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales
His work in two television dramas—as a KGB sleeper agent, Philip Jennings in The Americans and a gay lawyer, Kevin Walker in Brothers & Sisters—turned Welsh actor, Matthew Rhys Evans into a well-known name. Earlier, the Primetime Emmy Award winner actor studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and gained recognition with the movie, Titus.
 16 
Charlotte Church
3
Birthdate: February 21, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales

Charlotte Church is a Welsh actress, singer-songwriter, political activist, and television presenter. She achieved popularity after hosting her own chat show for Channel 4, The Charlotte Church Show. As a recording artist, Church has won many awards, including a Hollywood Reporters Young Star Award and Classical BRIT Award. She has also published an autobiography named Voice of an Angel.  

 17 
Perdita Weeks
(Actress)
Perdita Weeks
7
Birthdate: December 25, 1985
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cardiff, United Kingdom

British actress Perdita Weeks is known for her role in the CBS reboot series Magnum P.I. An alumnus of the Courtauld Institute of Art, she always knew she wanted to be an actress. She began acting as a child and her passion for the profession only intensified with time. She primarily acts on TV and a done a few films.

 18 
Aneurin Barnard
(Welsh Actor and Musician Known for His Roles in the Films: ‘Hunky Dory’ and ‘The Truth About Emanuel’)
Aneurin Barnard
3
Birthdate: May 8, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bridgend, Wales
Born to a factory worker and a coal miner, Aneurin Barnard began gaining recognition with roles in series such as Jacob's Ladder. His performance as Melchior Gabor in the musical Spring Awakening won him the Laurence Olivier Award. His portrayal of Richard III in The White Queen was also appreciated.
 19 
Tom Cullen
(Welsh Actor and Director)
Tom Cullen
4
Birthdate: July 17, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Aberystwyth, Wales
Thomas Cullen soared to fame with his role in the series Downton Abbey. Fans also loved him as Sir Landry in the series Knightfall. He delivered an award-winning debut performance in the film Weekend. He co-founded the company Undeb Theatre and has also directed the film Pink Wall.
 20 
Ray Milland
(Actor and Director Best Known for His Films: ‘The Lost Weekend’ and ‘Reap the Wild Wind’)
Ray Milland
3
Birthdate: January 3, 1907
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Neath, Glamorgan, Wales
Died: March 10, 1986

Welsh-American actor-director Ray Milland is best remembered for his Oscar-winning role of Don Birnam in The Lost Weekend. Fans also loved him in films such as Dial M for Murder and The Jungle Princess. He was previously part of the British Army’s Household Cavalry, as a marksman, pilot, and horseman.

 21 
Eve Myles
(Welsh Actress Best Known for Her Role as ‘Ceri Lewis’ in BBC Wales Drama Series 'Belonging')
Eve Myles
3
Birthdate: July 26, 1978
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ystradgynlais, Wales

Known for her trademark gap between her front teeth, Welsh actor Eve Myles is best known for her roles series such as Belonging. Her phenomenal performance in an episode of Doctor Who in 2005 earned her the lead role in the spin-off Torchwood. She is also an award-winning stage actor.

 22 
Paul Whitehouse
(Actor)
Paul Whitehouse
3
Birthdate: May 17, 1958
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Stanleytown, Wales
 23 
Joanna Page
(Actress who appeared as Stacey Shipman in the BAFTA-winning television series Gavin & Stacey)
Joanna Page
3
Birthdate: March 23, 1977
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Treboeth, Swansea, Wales
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 24 
Ruth Jones
(Actress Best Known as Co-writer and Star of the Hit BBC Television Comedy 'Gavin & Stacey')
Ruth Jones
3
Birthdate: September 22, 1966
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bridgend, Wales

Welsh actor Ruth Jones apparently wasn’t too confident of her being accepted into a drama school and thus had only applied to one, the Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she ended up being accepted. The fine comedian is known for appearing in and co-writing the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.  

 25 
Sian Phillips
(Actress)
Sian Phillips
3
Birthdate: May 14, 1933
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, United Kingdom

Sian Phillips is a respected Welsh actress whose achievements over the course of her career spanning over seven decades were honored with a Radio Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 BBC Audio Drama Awards. Sian Phillips, who has won prestigious awards, such as BAFTA TV Award, was appointed DBE during the New Year Honours in 2016.

 26 
Owain Yeoman
(Welsh Actor Known for His Role as CBI Agent ‘Wayne Rigsby’ in the TV Series ‘The Mentalist’)
Owain Yeoman
3
Birthdate: July 2, 1978
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chepstow, Wales
Welsh actor Owain Yeoman is best known as Wayne Rigsby from The Mentalist, as Steven Daedalus from Kitchen Confidential, and as Lucas Dalton from The Nine. He has also appeared in films such as Troy and American Sniper. He is a supporter of PETA’s campaign for vegetarianism.
 27 
Desmond Llewelyn
(Welsh Actor Best Known for His Role as ‘Q’ in James Bond Films)
Desmond Llewelyn
3
Birthdate: September 12, 1914
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Newport, Wales Newport, Wales
Died: December 19, 1999

Welsh actor, Desmond Llewelyn, is best known for his role as Q in many James Bond films over a span of four decades. Even though he originally wanted to be a minister, his interest shifted to acting while in high school. He served in the army during World War II and resumed his acting career afterward. 

 28 
Gwilym Lee
(Actor)
Gwilym Lee
3
Birthdate: November 24, 1983
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: London, England, UK
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 29 
Roger Rees
(Actor)
Roger Rees
3
Birthdate: May 5, 1944
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Aberystwyth, Wales, UK
Died: July 10, 2015
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 30 
Aimee-Ffion Edwards
(Welsh Actress and Singer)
Aimee-Ffion Edwards
3
Birthdate: November 21, 1987
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales

Initially aspiring to be a classical singer, Aimee-Ffion Edwards had her first stint with showbiz on the show Wawffactor. As a teenager, she was the only girl in a rugby team. She is equally at ease playing a working-class mother in The Left Behind and a gypsy in Peaky Blinders.

 31 
Erin Richards
(Actress Best Known for Her Role in the TV Series 'Breaking In' and 'Gotham')
Erin Richards
3
Birthdate: May 17, 1986
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

Welsh actor-director Erin Richards is best known to audiences for her roles in the series Gotham and Breaking In. She has also appeared in films such as The Quiet Ones and That Good Night. She likes doing her own stunts and is fond of low-budget productions with good storylines.

 32 
Jessica Sula
(Actress)
Jessica Sula
3
Birthdate: May 3, 1994
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gorseinon, Swansea, Wales
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 33 
Richard Brake
(Actor)
Richard Brake
3
Birthdate: November 30, 1964
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed, Wales, UK
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 34 
Ian Whyte
(actor)
Ian Whyte
3
Birthdate: September 17, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bangor
Height: 7'1" (216 cm)
 35 
Craig Roberts
(Actor)
Craig Roberts
3
Birthdate: January 21, 1991
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bargoed, Wales
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 36 
Mandy Rice-Davies
(Model and Showgirl Best Known for Her Association with 'Christine Keeler' and Her Role in the 'Profumo Affair')
Mandy Rice-Davies
3
Birthdate: October 21, 1944
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Died: December 18, 2014

Mandy Rice-Davies was a British model and a showgirl, best remembered for her involvement in the Profumo affair that damaged the credibility of Harold Macmillan's Conservative government in early 1960s. Later, she opened a restaurant and a nightclub in Tel Aviv and publishing three books including her autobiography. She also appeared in a number of films and television productions.  

 37 
Rhod Gilbert
(Welsh Comedian and Television & Radio Presenter)
Rhod Gilbert
3
Birthdate: October 18, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Carmarthen, Wales

Perrier Best Newcomer Award-nominated comedian Rhod Gilbert is also a writer and producer, known for his shows such as Rhod Gilbert vs. Kilimanjaro and Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience. Named to the list of the Top 50 Comedians by The Times, he is also an avid badminton player.

 38 
Bernard Fox
(Actor)
Bernard Fox
3
Birthdate: May 11, 1927
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Port Talbot, England
Died: December 14, 2016
 39 
Pete Ham
(Welsh Singer-Songwriter and Lead Vocalist for the 1970s Rock Band ‘Badfinger’)
Pete Ham
2
Birthdate: April 27, 1947
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales
Died: April 24, 1975

Welsh musician Pete Ham soared to fame as the lead singer and composer of the rock band Badfinger. Known for iconic hits such as No Matter What, he also co-wrote the classic Without You. After the band’s manager defrauded and vanished, Ham committed suicide by hanging himself in his garage.

 40 
Katy Wix
(Welsh Actress, Writer and Artist)
Katy Wix
3
Birthdate: February 28, 1980
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 41 
Alexandra Roach
(Welsh Actress Best Known for Her Roles in TV Series 'Utopia' and 'No Offence')
Alexandra Roach
2
Birthdate: August 23, 1987
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Actor Alexandra Roach was already a regular on the Welsh soap Pobol Y Cwm by her teens. She later trained at the National Youth Theatre and then at RADA. She played the younger version of Margaret Thatcher in the biographical drama The Iron Lady. She also played Mary Boleyn in The Tudors.

 42 
Rachel Roberts
(Actress)
Rachel Roberts
2
Birthdate: September 20, 1927
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Died: November 26, 1980

BAFTA-winning actor Rachel Roberts is best remembered as Mrs. Margaret Hammond from This Sporting Life, a role that also earned her Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. A theater veteran, she has also won a Drama Desk Award. Her journals were published following her suicide by drug overdose.

 43 
Christopher Timothy
(Actor)
Christopher Timothy
3
Birthdate: October 14, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Bala, Merionethshire, Wales
 44 
Richard Harrington
(actor)
Richard Harrington
3
Birthdate: March 12, 1975
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Merthyr Tydfil
 45 
Jason Hughes
(Actor)
Jason Hughes
2
Birthdate: December 18, 1971
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Porthcawl, Wales
 46 
Mark Lewis Jones
(Actor)
Mark Lewis Jones
2
Birthdate: 1964 AD
Birthplace: Rhosllannerchrugog, Wales, UK
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 47 
Hywel Bennett
(Welsh Actor)
Hywel Bennett
2
Birthdate: April 8, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Garnant, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Died: July 25, 2017
 48 
Harry Secombe
(Welsh Comedian and Actor Known for His Trademark High Pitched Laugh and Blowing Raspberries)
Harry Secombe
2
Birthdate: September 8, 1921
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: St Thomas, Swansea, Wales
Died: April 11, 2001

Welsh actor/comedian Harry Secombe soared to fame with The Goon Show. Part of the British army during World War II, he would often perform comedy acts for the troops. Known for his slapstick comedy, he was also a talented singer. He later hosted religious shows such as ITV’s Highway.

 49 
Shaheen Jafargholi
(Actor, Singer)
Shaheen Jafargholi
2
Birthdate: January 23, 1997
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Swansea, Wales

Shaheen Jafargholi is a Welsh singer and actor who achieved popularity in 2009 when he took part in the televised talent show competition Britain's Got Talent where he finished seventh. Since his participation in Britain's Got Talent, Shaheen Jafargholi has released a studio album and has appeared in a couple of TV series.

 50 
Mali Harries
Mali Harries
2

Cardiff-born actor Mali Harries is best known for her roles in Pobol y Cwm and Hinterland. She has been nominated for a BAFTA Cymru and was once voted one of the 10 Sexiest Woman in Wales in an online poll.  She has also been part of films such as Leap Year.