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Last updated on the 5 June 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 29 December 1972, London, England.Â
Jude Law is the son of two teachers and his creative spark ignited early. At 16, he took to the stage with the National Youth Music Theatre and by 17, he was already landing roles in British television shows. This wasn’t a passing fancy; Law enrolled at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Jude Law’s education wasn’t confined to classrooms. The early 90s saw him grace the stages of London’s West End, his captivating performances earning him a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for “Outstanding Newcomer.” This recognition wasn’t just local; Hollywood began to take notice.
Jude Law’s film debut came in 1994 with “Shopping,” but it was science fiction thriller “Gattaca” (1997) that propelled him into the international spotlight. He embodied the yearning for acceptance of a genetically inferior man in a world obsessed with perfection.
This talent shone even brighter in Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999). Law’s portrayal of the charming yet dangerously obsessive Dickie Greenleaf earned him critical acclaim, a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination.
The new millennium ushered in a period of remarkable versatility for Law. He transitioned seamlessly between brooding characters in films like “Cold Mountain” (2003), for which he received another Academy Award nomination and lighter comedic roles in “Alfie” (2004).
He lent his charisma to blockbusters like “Sherlock Holmes” (2009) and its sequel, showcasing his action hero potential.
In “The Young Pope” (2016) he portrays Pope Pius XIII, a character riddled with contradictions. Law masterfully captures the young Pope’s charisma and defiance, while also hinting at his vulnerability and inner turmoil.
Jude Law married actress Sadie Frost in 1997 and together they had three children. Though the couple divorced in 2003, they remain friendly co-parents. Since then, Law has had several high-profile relationships and has fathered three more children.
Throughout his career, Jude Law has remained a vocal advocate for various causes. He has lent his support to organisations fighting poverty, breast cancer and for children’s well-being.
WINNER |Â Film: Actor in a Supporting Role for The Talented Mr Ripley (2000)
Suggested viewing
The Young Pope (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
A young, enigmatic cardinal becomes the first American Pope, defying expectations. He cloaks himself in mystery, shunning tradition and sparking conflict with the Vatican. Sister Mary, a trusted confidante, guides him as he wrestles with faith, power and his own troubled past.
Top cast: Jude Law, Diane Keaton, Silvio Orlando, Javier Cámara, Scott Shepherd, Cécile de France, Ludivine Sagnier.
The Third Day (2020)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.4
“The Third Day” is a psychological thriller miniseries. Sam, a grieving man, finds himself on a mysterious island with secretive locals. As he uncovers the island’s dark secrets, he becomes entangled in a strange cult-like community and must confront his own past. The story blends elements of mystery, horror and psychological suspense in a haunting exploration of identity and redemption.
Top cast: Jude Law, Katherine Waterston, Freya Allan, John Dagleish, Mark Lewis Jones, Börje Lundberg, Paddy Considine, Emily Watson, Joe Blakemore.
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Closer (2004)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2
“Closer” is based on the play by Patrick Marber. It follows the lives of four individuals – Dan, Alice, Anna, and Larry – whose paths intertwine through love, lust, and betrayal. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of desire, deception, and the longing for emotional connection. It offers a raw and provocative glimpse into the intricacies of human intimacy.
Top cast: Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman, Colin Stainton, Nick Hobbs.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
“Sherlock Holmes” is a film directed by Guy Ritchie. The story follows the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal partner Dr. John Watson as they unravel a sinister plot led by Lord Blackwood. Through Holmes’ deductive genius and their dynamic partnership, they traverse a world of mystery, danger and unexpected twists in Victorian London.
Top cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, Robert Maillet, Geraldine James, Kelly Reilly, William Houston.
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Wilde (1997)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9
“Wilde” is a biographical film directed by Brian Gilbert, portraying the life of Oscar Wilde, a renowned Irish playwright, poet, and novelist. The film follows Wilde’s rise to fame, his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, and his subsequent trial and imprisonment for his homosexuality. It highlights Wilde’s wit, charm and tragic downfall, capturing the essence of his extraordinary life.
Top cast: Stephen Fry, Jude Law, Vanessa Redgrave, Jennifer Ehle, Gemma Jones, Judy Parfitt, Michael Sheen, Zoë Wanamaker, Tom Wilkinson.
Enemy at the Gates (2000)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
“Enemy at the Gates” is a war film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, set during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. The story follows a Russian sniper, Vasily Zaytsev, as he becomes a symbol of hope and resistance against a skilled German sniper, Major Erwin König. Amidst the chaos and destruction, a deadly game of cat-and-mouse unfolds between the two expert marksmen, testing their skills, courage and will to survive.
Top cast: Jude Law, Ed Harris, Rachel Weisz, Joseph Fiennes, Bob Hoskins, Ron Perlman, Eva Mattes, Gabriel Thomson, Matthias Habich.
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