Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Jonathan Rhys Meyers was born Jonathan Michael Francis O’Keeffe on July 27, 1977, in Dublin, Ireland. He is the eldest of four boys born to Geraldine (née Myers) and John O’Keeffe, a folk musician. His family moved to County Cork when he was nearly a year old. His father left the family when Jonathan was three, leaving his mother to raise him and his three younger brothers alone.

Early Life and Education

Rhys Meyers attended North Monastery Christian Brothers School in Cork but was expelled for truancy. He spent much of his time in pool halls, where he was discovered by casting agents looking for Irish boys to appear in the film “War of the Buttons.” Although he did not get the role, this encounter encouraged him to pursue acting.

Career Beginnings

Rhys Meyers made his film debut in “A Man of No Importance” (1994) with a small role. His first lead role came in “The Disappearance of Finbar” (1996). He gained further recognition for his role as Michael Collins’ assassin in “Michael Collins” (1996), directed by Neil Jordan.

Breakthrough and Major Roles

Rhys Meyers’ breakthrough role came in the film “Velvet Goldmine” (1998), where he played glam rock star Brian Slade. He continued to build his career with roles in “Titus” (1999), “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002), and “Match Point” (2005). His portrayal of Elvis Presley in the biographical miniseries “Elvis” (2005) earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination.

He is perhaps best known for his role as King Henry VIII in the historical drama series “The Tudors” (2007-2010), which earned him two Golden Globe nominations. Rhys Meyers also starred in “Mission: Impossible III” (2006) and “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” (2013).

Recent Work

In recent years, Rhys Meyers has continued to take on diverse roles. He starred in the film “Stonewall” (2015), “The 12th Man” (2017), and won the Best Actor award at the Manchester Film Festival for his role in “Damascus Cover” (2018). He also appeared in the History Channel series “Vikings” as Bishop Heahmund.

Personal Life

Rhys Meyers married Mara Lane in 2016, and the couple has one son, Wolf Rhys Meyers, born in December 2016. He has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction and has sought treatment multiple times. Despite these challenges, he remains dedicated to his craft and continues to work in the film industry.

Trivia and Interests

• Rhys Meyers has been the face of several Hugo Boss advertising campaigns.

• He is involved in various charitable causes, including the Hope Foundation and the children’s charity Barretstown.

• He is known for his distinctive looks and intense screen presence.

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