5 Famous Actors Who Started in British Theatre
A lot of today’s leading Hollywood thespians can be traced back to theatre, especially some of our very own British stars. It’s also not uncommon to see Hollywood actors make their mark on the British theatre stage. With that in mind, this article is going to cover some of the most notable actors and actresses to transition from the theatre to the silver screen.
Daniel Craig
He may well be known as the toughest ever incarnation of James Bond, but Daniel Craig’s roots can be traced back to theatre. He started performing on stage as early as 16-years-old, when he dropped out of school to join the National Youth Theatre. His first performance was as Agamemnon in “Troilus and Cressida”. According to Stagemilk his working class exterior was considered charming by audiences and he was soon noticed.
Robert Pattinson
Before he was Cedric Diggory and Edward Cullen, Robert Pattinson performed bit part roles with the Barnes Theatre Company. He first performed in “Guys and Dolls”. His big break, however, came when he played Alec D’Urberville” in “Tess of the D’Urbervilles,” which The FW reveals it was where he was spotted by a talent agent.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch’s parents are thespians. Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham were the perfect guiding lights for Cumberbatch to help him reach the heady heights of Hollywood. But before he took on huge roles such as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange, he was known as a classically trained actor on the British stage, acting in plays at prominent theatres such as the Royal Almeida, The Royal Court, and Royal National Theatres. He was even nominated for an Olivier Award for his supporting role in “Hedda Gabler” in 2005. While he did not win it that year, he did manage to net an Olivier Award, an Evening Standard Award, and a Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for his role in “Frankenstein” in 2011.
He started playing the titular role in “Sherlock” in 2010, one of the latest incarnations of the character written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The franchise has grown globally over the last 7 years, and it is no part down to the endearing Cumberbatch in the lead role. The franchise now has many video games, board games, comics as well as the Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Blackwood slot game that was launched by gaming operators Spin Genie to tap into the prominence of the franchise in pop culture. Just like Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr. has also played his part in the evolution of the character in the last decade.
Andrew Garfield
Famous for his role in “Spider-Man,” Andrew Garfield got his start in acting as a theatre actor. His first role was as Billy in “Kes” which was being shown at the Manchester Royal Exchange. One year after that, he bagged his first starring role, playing Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet”.
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes might be known to the millennials as Lord Voldemort (or He Who Must Not Be Named) in the movie adaptation of the “Harry Potter” series, but older generations will remember him as a prolific stage actor. He received his training at none other than the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Even before graduation, he has already begun performing small roles at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, such as a footman in “Ring Around the World”. His first big roles on the stage were Lysander from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet”.
