Rufus Sewell is one of those actors who can play almost any role, from a brooding hero to a cunning villain, from a historical figure to a fantasy character. He has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage plays, showcasing his talent and charisma. In this blog post, we will take a look at his life and career, and some of his most memorable performances.
Early Life and Education
Rufus Sewell was born on October 29, 1967, in Twickenham, England. His mother, Jo, was a Welsh artist and pianist, and his father, Bill, was an English-Australian animator who worked on the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine film. His parents divorced when he was five, and his father died when he was 10. He has one brother, Caspar.
Sewell attended Trafalgar Junior School, Orleans Park School, and West Thames College, where a drama teacher encouraged him to audition for drama school. He later enrolled at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he graduated in 1989. He was set up with an agent by Judi Dench, who had directed him in a play while at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
Breakthrough and Success
Sewell’s breakthrough year was 1993, when he starred as the unpleasant Tim in Michael Winner’s film Dirty Weekend, and as the idealistic Will Ladislaw in the BBC adaptation of George Eliot’s Middlemarch. He also originated the role of Septimus Hodge in Tom Stoppard’s play Arcadia at the Royal National Theatre, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award.
Since then, Sewell has appeared in a variety of films, such as Hamlet (1996), Dangerous Beauty (1998), Dark City (1998), A Knight’s Tale (2001), The Illusionist (2006), The Holiday (2006), The Tourist (2010), Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012), Judy (2019), The Father (2020), and Old (2021). He has also starred in several TV shows, such as Arabian Nights (2000), Charles II: The Power and the Passion (2003), John Adams (2008), Eleventh Hour (2008-2009), Zen (2011), The Pillars of the Earth (2010), Parade’s End (2012), Victoria (2016-2017), The Man in the High Castle (2014-2019), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2019), and The Pale Horse (2020). He currently stars in the Netflix series The Diplomat.
On stage, Sewell has continued to impress audiences and critics with his performances. He reprised his role as Septimus Hodge in the Broadway production of Arcadia in 1995, and won the Broadway Theater World Award. He also played Jan in Stoppard’s Rock ‘n’ Roll in 2006, for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor. He has also appeared in plays such as Macbeth, Rat in the Skull, Translations, Copenhagen, Art, and Closer.
Personal Life and Trivia
Sewell has been married twice, first to Australian fashion journalist Yasmin Abdallah in 1999, and then to scriptwriter and producer Amy Gardner in 2004. Both marriages ended in divorce. He has a son, William, with Gardner, and a daughter, Lola, with his former girlfriend, Italian producer Alice Eve. He is currently dating Japanese-American artist Ami Komai.
Sewell is known for his lazy eye, gravelly voice, and often playing villains. He has said that he enjoys playing complex and flawed characters, rather than stereotypical heroes or villains. He has also said that he is a difficult person to live with, and that he struggles with self-doubt and insecurity. He is a fan of Arsenal Football Club, and likes to play guitar and chess.
How Many Awards Has Rufus Sewell Won?
Rufus Sewell has won three awards and has been nominated for nine more. He won the Broadway Theater World Award in 1995, the Olivier Award for Best Actor in 2007, and the Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2024. He was also nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2019, among other nominations.
Rufus Sewell Movies And Tv Shows
Rufus Sewell is a British actor who has appeared in many movies and TV shows in his career. Some of his most notable works are:
The Man in the High Castle: A dystopian series based on the novel by Philip K. Dick, where Sewell plays John Smith, a ruthless Nazi leader in an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II.
Victoria: A historical drama series that depicts the life and reign of Queen Victoria, where Sewell plays Lord Melbourne, the queen’s first prime minister and confidant.
The Illusionist: A romantic mystery film set in Vienna in the late 19th century, where Sewell plays Crown Prince Leopold, a scheming and ambitious aristocrat who is the antagonist of the titular illusionist, played by Edward Norton.
A Knight’s Tale: A medieval adventure comedy film inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, where Sewell plays Count Adhemar, a ruthless and arrogant nobleman who is the rival of the protagonist, a peasant-turned-knight, played by Heath Ledger.
Dark City: A neo-noir science fiction film that explores the nature of identity and reality, where Sewell plays John Murdoch, a man who wakes up with no memory and is pursued by a mysterious group of beings called the Strangers. [5] These are just some of the movies and TV shows that Rufus Sewell has starred in, but there are many more to discover and enjoy. Which one is your favorite?
What Are Some Of Rufus Sewell's Hobbies?
Some of Rufus Sewell’s hobbies are playing guitar, chess, and football. He is a fan of Arsenal Football Club, and likes to watch their matches. He also enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.
What Is Rufus Sewell's Favorite Book?
Rufus Sewell’s favorite book is Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, which he narrated as an audiobook. Casino Royale is the first novel in the James Bond series, and introduces the iconic spy character and his adventures. Rufus Sewell has also narrated other books by Ian Fleming, such as From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, and Dr. No. He has also narrated books by other authors, such as The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy, Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding, and Lenin’s Embalmers by Vern Thiessen.
Rufus Sewell Net Worth
Rufus Sewell is a British actor who has a net worth of $8 million as of 2023. His financial standing is a testament to his three-decade-long career in both film and television, including standout performances in “The Man in the High Castle” and “Dark City.”
Controversy And Activism Of Rufus Sewell
Rufus Sewell is not a very controversial or activist actor, but he has expressed his opinions and views on some issues and causes. For example:
He has spoken out against the typecasting and stereotyping of actors based on their appearance, especially in Hollywood. He has said that he has been pigeonholed as a villain or a posh character, and that he has missed out on some roles because of his looks. He has also said that he is looking forward to losing his looks as he ages, so that he can play more diverse and interesting roles.
He has supported the charity War Child, which helps children affected by war and conflict around the world. He has visited some of the projects run by the charity in Afghanistan and Uganda, and has participated in fundraising events and campaigns. He has said that he was inspired by his father, who was a pacifist and an anti-war activist.
He has been vocal about his struggles with alcoholism and depression, and how he overcame them. He has said that he started drinking heavily in his 20s, and that it affected his personal and professional life. He has also said that he suffered from low self-esteem and anxiety, and that he used alcohol as a coping mechanism. He has said that he quit drinking in 1999, and that it was the best decision he ever made. He has also said that he is grateful for the support of his friends and family, and that he tries to stay positive and healthy.
These are some of the examples of Rufus Sewell’s controversy and activism, but there may be more that I am not aware of. He is a talented and honest actor who does not shy away from sharing his thoughts and feelings. He is also a compassionate and generous person who cares about the world and the people in it.
Conclusion
Rufus Sewell is a versatile and charming actor who has proven his skills in various genres and mediums. He has a loyal fan base who appreciate his talent and charisma. He is also a humble and honest person who does not take himself too seriously. He is one of the most underrated and underappreciated actors of his generation, and deserves more recognition and appreciation.
