 |
Geoffrey RushAustralian actor
Date of Birth: 06.07.1951
Country:  Australia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Acting Career
- International Training and Return to Australia
- Personal Life
- Film Career
- Other Projects and Recent Work
- Personal Facts
Early Life and Education
Jeffrey Roy Rush was born on June 6, 1951, in the picturesque town of Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. He grew up in an average family, with his father, Roy Baden, working in the accounting department of the Royal Australian Air Force, and his mother, Merle, working as a salesperson in a local department store. Rush's nationality is a mix of German, English, Irish, and Scottish heritage. After his parents' divorce, Rush and his mother moved to Brisbane, the administrative center of Queensland, to live with his grandparents. At the age of 16, Rush gained a stepfather.
Early Acting Career
Rush was a regular member of the school drama club and particularly enjoyed performing in plays with dark humor and sarcasm. He attended Everton Park State High School and later enrolled at university, where he studied English literature and became involved with the Queensland Theatre Company. During this time, Rush shared an apartment with Mel Gibson and the two friends performed together in a production of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," which was recognized as a significant English-language play of the 20th century by the British Royal National Theatre.
International Training and Return to Australia
In 1975, Rush traveled to France to study the art of physical expression under the guidance of the legendary mime Jacques Lecoq. After returning to Australia, Rush continued his theater career, performing in a range of comedic farces and intense psychological dramas. He appeared in plays by renowned playwrights such as William Shakespeare's "King Lear," Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya," and Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest." He received numerous awards for his leading role in a production based on Nikolai Gogol's novella "Diary of a Madman" and toured with the play in Russia in 1989.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Jeffrey Rush is a loyal spouse. He met his wife, Jane Menelaus, in the theater, and they got married in 1988. The couple has raised two children, a son named James and a daughter named Angelique. Due to his busy schedule and constant filming in both the UK and the US, Rush often finds it challenging to spend time with his family. He dreams of taking a break from work to spend a weekend with his loved ones. Rush is proud of his independence from social media and prefers face-to-face communication over virtual interaction. He is not a fan of technology and would choose a physical book over an e-reader.
Film Career
Jeffrey Rush's film career began with the crime film "Hoodwink" directed by Claude Whatham. He made his second appearance on the big screen in the musical "Starstruck" directed by Gillian Armstrong. In 1996, Rush achieved international recognition for his portrayal of the famous pianist David Helfgott in the biographical film "Shine." His performance earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, paving the way for his successful film career. Rush's filmography includes a wide range of notable works, where he has showcased his versatility as an actor. He has played a variety of roles, from the womanizing antagonist Don Juan de Marco in "Quills" to the iconic pirate Hector Barbossa in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series.
Other Projects and Recent Work
In addition to his film career, Rush has lent his voice to various animated films, such as "Finding Nemo" and "Green Lantern," and has appeared in stage productions, including playing Antonio in "The Merchant of Venice" alongside Al Pacino. In 2019, after a hiatus caused by a legal battle, Rush returned to the stage to star in a production of "The Merchant of Venice" with Al Pacino. The proceeds from the play went to the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, which supports disabled children.
Personal Facts
Despite his success, Rush does not drive a car and has struggled with panic attacks in his youth. In 2017, he faced allegations of sexual harassment, which resulted in a legal battle. The court ruled in Rush's favor, and he received a substantial settlement for defamation. Rush is known for his witty and insightful quotes, including his views on hairstyles, the perpetual childlike nature of actors, and the joy of kissing Kate Winslet on-screen.
