On this day, the illustrious actor, Hugh Grant, reaches the age of 65.
In the world of Hollywood, few actors have managed to maintain a lasting image as Hugh Grant has. Despite his successful career spanning over three decades, the British actor's persona as a hopeless romantic persists, masking the diversity of his roles.
Born on September 9, 1960, Grant celebrates his 65th birthday this year. His journey in the film industry began three decades ago with his breakthrough role in "Four Weddings and a Funeral," for which he won a Golden Globe. His leading lady in the film was Andie MacDowell, not Julia Roberts as is commonly believed.
Grant's personal life has been marked by scandals, including his arrest for soliciting a prostitute in Los Angeles in the 90s and the phone-hacking scandal that led to the closure of the British newspaper "News of the World" in 2011. However, his marriage to Swedish television producer Anna Eberstein in 2018 and the birth of their three children marks a significant shift in his private life.
Grant's image as a romantic lead is well-established, but he has expressed his enjoyment of playing the villain. This year, he appears as the silver-haired Daniel in the fourth installment of the "Bridget Jones" series. While he is still associated with the genre of romantic comedies, his filmography includes roles that deviate from this, such as a kidnapper with a dark psyche in "Heretic."
In "Heretic," Grant plays a cold-blooded serial killer disguised as a polite older gentleman, a role that has earned him a seventh Golden Globe nomination this year. His other notable villainous roles include Fletcher, the shady private detective in "The Gentlemen," and, more recently, an Oompa-Loompa in "Wonka" (2023).
Despite his success, Grant has requested not to be asked about his romantic comedy roles in interviews, describing his "Notting Hill" character as "despicable." He has played the villain in various roles, proving that he is more than just the dreamy-eyed man audiences have come to know.
Grant's parents were not involved in the film industry, and he was raised with the aspiration to become the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, his passion for acting led him to a different path, one that has seen him become one of Britain's most beloved actors.
As Grant enters his 65th year, he continues to challenge himself with diverse roles, proving that he is more than just a romantic lead. His versatility and talent make him a beloved figure in the world of Hollywood, ensuring his place in the industry for years to come.
