Last updated on the 22 March 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: 27 July 1977, Dublin, Ireland. 

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, born Jonathan Michael Francis O’Keeffe is an acclaimed Irish actor known for his versatile roles in both film and television. Raised in County Cork, Meyers was the eldest of four boys in a Catholic family. His early life was marked by a significant challenge; he was expelled from North Monastery Christian Brothers School due to truancy and spent much of his time in pool halls.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ acting career was serendipitous; he was discovered at a Cork pool hall, the Victoria Sporting Club. Although he did not get a part in “War of the Buttons,” the casting agents saw potential in him and encouraged him to pursue acting.

Adopting the stage name ‘Rhys Meyers,’ his first role came in “A Man of No Importance” (1994). His breakthrough came with the film “Michael Collins” (1996), where he played an Anti-Treaty IRA sniper. He gained further recognition for his portrayal of a David Bowie-inspired glam rock star in “Velvet Goldmine” (1998) and as the sadistic Goth prince Chiron in “Titus” (1999).

Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ career flourished with a variety of roles, including the charming coach in “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002) and a driven social climber in Woody Allen’s “Match Point” (2005). His portrayal of Elvis Presley in the biographical miniseries “Elvis” (2005) won him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination. He also starred as King Henry VIII in the historical drama “The Tudors” (2007–10), earning two Golden Globe nominations.

In his personal life, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has faced challenges, including struggles with substance abuse, which he has been open about in the media. Despite these struggles, he has continued to work and contribute to the film industry. Meyers married Mara Lane in 2016, and they have one son together. He has been involved in charitable causes, including the Hope Foundation and the children’s charity Barretstown.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ contributions to cinema were recognized when he was listed as number 44 on The Irish Times’ list of Ireland’s greatest film actors in 2020. He has also been the face of several Hugo Boss advertising campaigns, showcasing his modeling skills alongside his acting talent. 

Suggested viewing

The Tudors (2007)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

The Tudors is a historical drama television series that chronicles the reign of King Henry VIII of England. The series explores his quest for an heir, leading to his break with the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England. His pursuit of a male heir through multiple marriages forms a central theme, with the series depicting the political machinations and personal consequences of his six wives.

Top cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Sarah Bolger, Anthony Brophy, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Annabelle Wallis, Natalie Dormer, Max Brown, Simon Ward.,Tamzin Merchant.

Related to

Dracula (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3

A reimagining of the classic vampire tale, this miniseries follows Dracula as he arrives in Victorian London disguised as a modern American entrepreneur. Fueled by a centuries-old vendetta, he seeks revenge on a secret society responsible for his past suffering. However, his plans are upended by his encounter with a woman who strikingly resembles his deceased wife, forcing him to confront his feelings and motivations.

Top cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jessica De Gouw, Katie McGrath, Victoria Smurfit, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Nonso Anozie, Robert Bathurst, Thomas Kretschmann, Charlotte Asprey.

Velvet Goldmine (1998)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.9

In the 1970s glam rock era, a journalist delves into the life and disappearance of a flamboyant and influential rock star, whose androgynous persona and music left a lasting impact. The investigation becomes a exploration of fame, sexuality and the blurred line between reality and artifice, as the journalist pieces together the truth through the lens of conflicting narratives and a society grappling with changing social norms.

Top cast: Ewan Mcgregor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Toni Colette, Christian Bale, Eddie Izzard, Emily Woof, Michael Feast, Janet McTeer, Mairead McKinley.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.7

A young woman with dreams of professional football clashes with her family’s traditional expectations in this coming-of-age story. Despite pressure to conform to cultural norms and prepare for an arranged marriage, she secretly joins a local women’s football team, facing the challenges of balancing her passion with her family’s wishes, her cultural identity and the pursuit of her athletic aspirations.

Top cast: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Shaheen Khan, Frank Harper, Juliet Stevenson, Ameet Chana, Archie Panjabi.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers full filmography @ Wikipedia