Last updated on the 21 April 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 3 October 1964, Keresley, Coventry, Warwickshire, England.

Clive Owen’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. Raised by his mother and stepfather, he described his childhood as “rough” and initially harboured no aspirations towards the world of acting.

After completing his schooling, Owen worked a variety of menial jobs, including construction and carpentry. However, a chance encounter with an acting troupe sparked a newfound interest in the craft. In 1984, he enrolled in the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he crafted his skills and developed his natural charisma.

Upon graduating from RADA in 1987, Clive Owen embarked on a stage career, gaining recognition for his performances in Shakespearean plays at the Young Vic Theatre. His theatrical prowess caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to his breakthrough role in the BBC television series “Chancer” (1990-1991).

Owen’s transition to film was seamless, and he quickly established himself as a leading man with his captivating screen presence and ability to embody complex characters. His portrayal of a struggling gambler in “Croupier” (1998) earned him critical acclaim and international recognition.

In 2004, Owen delivered a career-defining performance in “Closer,” a dark and provocative drama that earned him a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Throughout the next decade, Owen continued to deliver memorable performances in a diverse range of films, including “Sin City” (2005), “Inside Man” (2006), “Children of Men” (2006), and “The International” (2009). He also ventured into television, starring in the critically acclaimed period drama series “The Knick” (2014-2017).

Owen’s personal life has remained largely private, but he has been married to his longtime partner, Sarah-Jane Fenton, since 1995. The couple have two children together.

WINNER|Film: Actor in a Supporting Role for Closer (2005)

Suggested viewing

Shadow Dancer (2012)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.2

Forced into betraying her militant family to save her son, a young woman becomes an undercover operative in 1990s Belfast. Torn between loyalty and survival, she walks a tightrope as tensions rise and both sides close in, threatening to expose her double life.

Top cast: Clive Owen, Andrea Risborough, Gillian Anderson, Aidan Gillen, Barry Barnes, Maria Laird, Ben Smyth, Brid Brennan.

Children of Men (2006)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9

Amidst a dystopian society ravaged by infertility, a former activist, Theo Faron, is drawn into a desperate mission to protect Kee, a miraculously pregnant woman, who represents humanity’s last hope for a future generation. Their journey takes them through a perilous landscape of violence and political intrigue, as they race against time to deliver Kee to sanctuary, sparking hope and igniting a flicker of faith in a world teetering on the brink of extinction.

Top cast: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Pam Ferris, Charlie Hunnam, Danny Houston, Peter Mullans.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8

As Queen Elizabeth I oversees the turbulent waters of international politics, she faces a formidable foe in King Philip II of Spain, who seeks to overthrow her and restore the Catholic faith. Amidst court intrigues, an assassination plot and the looming threat of the Spanish Armada, Elizabeth must demonstrate her strength and resolve, safeguarding England’s sovereignty and her legacy as the Virgin Queen.

Top cast: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush, Laurence Fox, Tom Hollander, Abbie Cornish, Rhys Ifans, Jordi Mollà, Samantha Morton, Eddie Redmayne.

King Arthur (2004)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.3

In the turmoil of post-Roman Britain, Arthur, a skilled warrior and a reluctant leader, finds himself thrust into the role of a savior. As Saxon invaders threaten to overrun the land, Arthur rallies a band of loyal comrades, including the valiant Lancelot and the enigmatic Guinevere, to defend Britain’s freedom and forge a new era of peace and justice.

Top cast: Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd, Mads Mikkelsen, Joel Edgerton, Hugh Dancy, Ray Winstone, Ray Stevenson.

Croupier (1998)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.0

Jack Manfred, an aspiring writer struggling to make ends meet, takes a job as a croupier at a casino. As he digs deeper into the gambling world, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit and temptation, finding himself torn between his moral compass and the allure of quick cash. Through the lens of his writing, Jack grapples with the complexities of love, loss and the inherent darkness lurking beneath the surface of human desires.

Top cast: Clive Owen, Kate Hardie, Alex Kingston, Gina McKee, Nicholas Ball, Alexander Morton, Paul Reynolds, Nick Reding, Barnaby Kay.

Closer (2004)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

In the intricate dance of love and deception, four individuals’ lives intertwine amidst a web of infidelity, vulnerability and the insatiable desire for connection. Dan, a writer, Alice, a former stripper, Anna, a photographer, and Larry, a dermatologist, become bound by their entangled relationships.

Top cast: Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman, Colin Stainton, Nick Hobbs.

Greenfingers (2000)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8

Convict Colin Brigs seeks solace in tending to a garden at the Edgefield open prison. His green thumb and newfound passion for horticulture catch the attention of the warden, who encourages him to cultivate a garden with his fellow inmates. As they nurture the garden with dedication and creativity, they find solace, purpose and a sense of community, transforming their lives beyond the confines of the prison walls.

Top cast: Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly, Warren Clarke, Danny Dyer, Adam Fogerty, Paterson Joseph, Natasha Little, Peter Guinness, Lucy Punch.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

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