 |
Steven CreeScottish film, television and theatre actor
Date of Birth: 29.02.1980
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Influences
- Education and Early Career
- Breakthrough in Theatre and Film
- Stage and Screen Success
- Role in "Outlander"
- "A Discovery of Witches" and Beyond
- Personal Life
- Present Day
Early Life and Influences
Steven Cree, a Scottish actor known for his work in film, television, and theatre, harbored aspirations of becoming an acclaimed actor since childhood. Despite his humble beginnings, his dreams were realized at the age of 26. Today, Cree's professional portfolio boasts notable roles both at home and abroad.
Born on February 29, 1980, in Kilmarnock, Scotland, to a plumber father, Cree's childhood was filled with an early fascination for performing. As a young boy, he would dress up as Michael Jackson and stage impromptu shows for his parents and friends. He also participated actively in school plays, despite his inherent shyness.
At the age of 12, after witnessing the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar," Cree's determination to pursue acting solidified. He even wagered with his classmates that he would secure admission to the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
Education and Early Career
After graduating high school, Cree studied at Langside College in Glasgow for a year, specializing in drama. He subsequently auditioned for and was accepted into the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he met fellow actors Sam Heughan and Laura Donnelly, with whom he would later star in the TV series "Outlander."
Despite studying classical drama at the academy, Cree harbored a secret passion for the martial arts skills of Jean-Claude Van Damme. Upon graduating, he relocated to London, eager to embrace any available acting opportunities. However, financial realities dictated that he supplement his income by working part-time in offices, bars, and restaurants.
Breakthrough in Theatre and Film
Cree's debut in film occurred in 2001. Despite appearing in several television episodes, substantial success remained elusive. Returning to Scotland, he joined a small theater company. However, his excessive partying hindered his professional progress.
A turning point came when he overslept and missed an acting opportunity due to excessive alcohol consumption. This incident served as a wake-up call for Cree, prompting him to return to London and redouble his efforts.
Stage and Screen Success
Lady Luck smiled upon Cree in 2006 when he was cast in a supporting role in the West End musical "Cabaret" at the Lyric Theatre. Despite having no prior musical training, Cree's performance brought him recognition within professional circles.
He went on to star in the musical "Company" and Shakespeare's "Macbeth." However, his true passion remained cinema.
Following his success at the Lyric Theatre, Cree was increasingly cast in television and feature films. He garnered attention in Hollywood, appearing in the fantasy action film "John Carter," the fairy tale "Maleficent," and lending his voice to a character in the animated film "Brave."
Role in "Outlander"
Cree's breakout leading role came in 2009 with the biopic "Vivaldi, The Red Priest," depicting the life of the Italian composer and violin virtuoso Antonio Vivaldi.
Another significant career milestone was his recurring role in the television series "Outlander," which premiered in 2014. Cree portrayed Ian Murray, a former soldier and childhood friend of Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), who later married Jenny, Jamie's sister (Laura Donnelly).
For this role, Cree had to wear a prosthetic leg, embodying a character who had lost part of his limb in battle. To prepare, he practiced walking with a wooden leg, which proved physically exhausting. Cree's efforts resulted in a backache, necessitating weekly massages. Amusingly, the prosthetic leg often fell off during filming, causing much laughter among his colleagues.
"A Discovery of Witches" and Beyond
After leaving "Outlander" in 2018, Cree joined the cast of "A Discovery of Witches," a supernatural series revolving around the love story between a witch, Diana (Teresa Palmer), and a vampire, Matthew (Matthew Goode). Cree portrayed Gallowglass, the warrior nephew of the protagonist, in the show's second season (2021).
To prepare for this role, Cree spent 18 months in the gym, gaining significant muscle mass. He would often listen to Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" in his trailer before filming, to achieve the desired emotional state. The third and final season aired in 2022, and Cree's character remained integral to the show's conclusion.
Personal Life
Steven Cree's personal life revolves around his wife, Kirsty Crawford, whom he married in 2016 at an old fruit market in Glasgow. The couple welcomed a daughter, Teddy, in December 2017.
Although Cree shares occasional photos of his career achievements on social media, he refrains from posting images of his family. His wife works as a casting director, but he emphasizes that he has never used her influence to secure roles.
Cree attributes his successful career to his talent, tenacity, and a thick skin that enables him to overcome numerous rejections.
Present Day
In 2021, Cree reunited with his "A Discovery of Witches" co-star Teresa Palmer in the horror film "Twin." The film depicts a family's relocation to a remote location in search of peace, but they soon encounter a malevolent entity that haunts their son. Shot in Finland and Estonia, the film premiered in 2022.
Cree continues to pursue diverse acting opportunities, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.
