Ioan Gruffudd British actor Date of Birth: 06.10.1973 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Ioan Gruffudd

Ioan Gruffudd, a British actor, was born on October 6, 1973. He received his education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his career in Wales. Over time, he gained global recognition for his roles in popular films such as "Titanic" (1997), where he played the fifth officer Harold Lowe, and "Black Hawk Down" (2001), where he portrayed Lieutenant John Beales. However, one of his most famous roles was as Horatio Hornblower in the British television film series "Hornblower" (1998-2003), based on the novels by C.S. Forester.

Gruffudd's recent works include his portrayal of Lancelot in "King Arthur" (2004), Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards) in "Fantastic Four" (2005) and its sequel "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (2007), and William Wilberforce in "Amazing Grace" (2006), a film about the abolition of slavery in the United States. He also played Tony Blair in the movie "W." (2008).

Gruffudd was born in Llwydcoed, near Aberdare, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales. His parents, Peter and Gillian Griffiths, were teachers, and his father served as the headmaster of two secondary schools in Wales. Gruffudd has a younger brother, Alan, and a younger sister, Siwan. The name "Ioan" is the Welsh equivalent of the name "John," and the Welsh surname "Gruffudd" is derived from the English variant "Griffith." Gruffudd has always been proud of his Welsh heritage and has emphasized the importance of his name in preserving his cultural identity.

In addition to his acting skills, Gruffudd is also musically talented. He mastered the oboe during his teenage years and was a member of the South Glamorgan Youth Orchestra before pursuing his acting career. He has won several prizes for his singing abilities, including the International Eisteddfod competition.

Gruffudd's acting career began when he was thirteen, with a Welsh television film called "Austin" (1986), followed by his role in the soap opera "Pobol y Cwm (People of the Valley)" from 1987 to 1994. During this period, he also actively participated in stage productions, starting from his school days.

After initially facing challenges and feeling alienated at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Gruffudd's career took a turn when he landed the lead role in the play "Hedda Gabler" during his final year of training. This opportunity led to his breakthrough role in the television remake of "Poldark" (1996). Following his performance as Oscar Wilde's lover, John Gray, in the film "Wilde" (1997), Gruffudd gained international recognition for his role in the blockbuster film "Titanic."

Apart from his work in film and television, Gruffudd appeared in the music video for Westlife's song "Uptown Girl" (2001) alongside Claudia Schiffer. His native language is Welsh, and he became a member of the Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain, an association of bards in Wales, under the bardic name of Ioan, on August 4, 2003. In July 2008, he appeared in a trailer promoting Wales for BBC Wales, alongside fellow Welshmen Matthew Rhys and Gethin Jones. The trailer showcased the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales in Cardiff.

Throughout his career, Gruffudd has demonstrated his talent and versatility as an actor, while also celebrating and preserving his Welsh heritage.