James Purefoy English actor Date of Birth: 03.06.1964 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of James Purefoy
2. Education and Early Career
3. Theatrical Career
4. Television and Film Career
5. Other Endeavors and Rumors

Biography of James Purefoy

James Brian Mark Purefoy, born on June 3, 1964, is an English actor. He was born in Taunton, Somerset, with a hint of French blood running through his veins.

Education and Early Career

Purefoy attended Sherborne School, where he only passed one subject at the 'O-Level' standard. He continued his education at evening school and achieved eleven more 'O-Levels' and then all the necessary 'A-Levels'. He then enrolled at the British Drama School of Speech and Drama, while also working part-time selling copies of the socialist-communist newspaper 'Socialist Worker'.

Theatrical Career

Purefoy's first steps in the acting industry included roles such as Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet' in Leatherhead, Walter in 'Mary Morgan' for Riverside Studio, and Alan Strang in 'Equus on tour'. In 1988, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in classic plays by legendary British playwrights, including 'The Faithful Couple or Journey to a Jubilee', 'Macbeth', 'The Tempest', and 'King Lear', as well as George Kaufman's play 'The Man Who Came to Dinner'. He later played Laertes in 'Hamlet' at the Old Vic Theatre in Bristol, Brian in 'Back Up the Hearse and Let them Sniff the Flowers' at Hampstead Theatre, Roland Maule in 'Present Laughter' by Noel Coward at the Globe Theatre, Biff in 'Death of a Salesman' with Ken Stott, and Judd Low in the West Yorkshire Playhouse's production of 'Servant'. He returned to the Royal Shakespeare Company to star in Simon Callow's stage adaptation of the classic film 'Les enfants du paradis'. He also portrayed Hugh de Morville in 'Four Nights in Knaresborough' at the Tricycle Theatre and Loveless in 'The Relapse' at the National Theatre.

Television and Film Career

Purefoy has had numerous television and film roles. In 'The Boscombe Valley Mystery', one of the films in the 'Sherlock Holmes Memories' project, he played James McCarthy, who was accused of killing his own father. He also had a notable role as Nicholas Jenkins in the eight-part drama series 'A Dance to the Music of Time' on Channel 4 in 1997. In 'A Knight's Tale', he played the Black Prince Edward, and in 'Vanity Fair' alongside Reese Witherspoon, he portrayed Rawdon Crawley. He also starred in several costume dramas, including 'Sharpe's Sword', 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', 'The Prince and the Pauper', 'The Mayor of Casterbridge', 'Blackbeard: Terror at Sea', 'Beau Brummell: This Charming Man', and 'Rome'.

In 2007, Purefoy played an important supporting role in the TV adaptation of the classic novel 'Frankenstein'. One of his most famous roles is undoubtedly his portrayal of Mark Antony in the HBO and BBC series 'Rome'. His full-frontal nudity scene in the fourth episode caused quite a sensation among viewers, with rumors circulating that computer-generated imagery had been used to enhance certain parts of his body. In 2009, he landed the role of Teddy Rist in the summer series 'The Philanthropist', which premiered in June 2009. His character is a playboy billionaire who decides to use his wealth for the benefit of those in need.

Other Endeavors and Rumors

In 2005, Purefoy was initially considered for the lead role in the film 'V for Vendetta', but he was later replaced by Hugo Weaving, who interestingly enough, was also Purefoy's co-star in the 1998 British comedy 'Bedrooms and Hallways'. It was later revealed that Weaving was originally intended for the role, but his filming commitments in Australia for the project 'Eucalyptus' caused him to withdraw. Once Weaving became available, Purefoy graciously stepped aside, stating that the Guy Fawkes mask was too uncomfortable for him.

In 1995, Purefoy auditioned for the role of James Bond in the 1995 film 'Goldeneye' but ultimately lost out to Pierce Brosnan. There were rumors that Purefoy might be Brosnan's successor as Agent 007 and that he left 'V for Vendetta' to take on the role in 'Casino Royale' (2006). However, it was soon revealed that this was not true, and Daniel Craig was chosen as the new Bond. The rumor originated from comments made by director Bryan Helgeland in the DVD commentary for 'A Knight's Tale'.

Despite his impressive theatrical, television, and film career, Purefoy's most talked-about role may be his portrayal of Mark Antony in 'Rome' and the controversy surrounding his nude scene. James Purefoy continues to be a sought-after actor in the entertainment industry.