Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant is a celebrated British actor known for his charming screen presence and sharp wit. Raised in a middle-class family, Grant attended New College, Oxford, where he studied English literature and developed a passion for acting. While at Oxford, he joined the university's Dramatic Society and formed a sketch-comedy group called The Jockeys of Norfolk, which was a hit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1985. His love for the craft led him to his debut in the Oxford-financed film, "Privileged," and subsequently, his breakthrough came with his role in "Maurice," where he and co-star James Wilby won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.

Grant's career reached global prominence with his performance in "Four Weddings and a Funeral," a romantic comedy that catapulted him to international fame and earned him a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Actor. Known for his portrayals of affable, self-deprecating characters, Grant became a staple of the romantic comedy genre with hits like "Notting Hill," "Bridget Jones's Diary," and "Love Actually." His ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and charm made him a favorite among audiences worldwide. He also founded and directed the UK-based Simian Films Limited and produced his first film, the 1996 thriller "Extreme Measures."

Over the years, Grant has showcased his versatility and transitioned from romantic comedies to more character-driven roles. His performances in films like "Florence Foster Jenkins" and "Paddington 2" earned him several award nominations, including two BAFTA Awards for Best Supporting Actor. His role as Jeremy Thorpe in the miniseries "A Very English Scandal" garnered widespread praise and Primetime Emmy Award nominations. His recent ventures include the musical fantasy "Wonka" and the horror film "Heretic," which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He is also set to reprise his role as Daniel Cleaver in the romantic comedy "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," scheduled for release in 2025.

Off-screen, Grant is known for his philanthropy and advocacy work, particularly in the areas of press freedom and privacy rights. He was a prominent critic of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation during the News International phone hacking scandal, and he published an article in the New Statesman titled "The Bugger, Bugged" in April 2011, exposing illegal phone tapping by journalists. In the field of philanthropy, Grant has been an active fundraiser and ambassador for Marie Curie Cancer Care since 2001 and serves as a patron for Pancreatic Cancer Action. Despite his aversion to the celebrity spotlight, Grant has remained one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved actors, celebrated for his charm, talent, and contributions to both cinema and society.