From Ysgol Maes Garmon to the Hollywood hills, Rhys is one of NE Wales' most famous stars.
Although he didn't land his long-cherished role alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar in the 'Scooby Doo' movie, Rhys Ifans has carved a niche for himself as a popular, idiosyncratic Welsh movie star.
From humble beginnings as part of comedy duo The Two Franks and the cult success of the film 'Twin Town' (which co-starred his brother Llyr), Rhys moved on to win acclaim for his portrayal of Hugh Grant's flatmate in the smash hit comedy 'Notting Hill' and a host of other film roles.
Rhys, who changed his name from Evans to Ifans "just to be difficult", has been voted one of 'Hollywood's hottest comedy imports' by Entertainment Weekly magazine. He teamed up with Robert Carlyle in 'Once Upon A Time In The Midlands'. He also starred alongside Kevin Spacey and Judy Dench in 'The Shipping News', and Tim Robbins in 'Human Nature'.
But in Autumn 2007 he changed tack, working with fellow Welshman and Super Furry Animals drummer Dafydd Leuan to produce a 15-track album.
Maintaining strong links with his roots, he returns regularly as his family live there to Ruthin and in March 2000 he opened the £400,000 Theatre John Ambrose, and sent a message to his old secondary school as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold marked the occasion with special events and a 121-page commemorative book written by former headmaster Aled Lloyd Davies and teacher Iwan Jones. Rhys, described in the book as a 'notorious' but 'fondly remembered' pupil, was unable to attend due to filming commitments, but sent on a congratulatory letter. In the message he apologised for his poor handwriting, hoping that "my welsh spelling is aciwret!" - which was no excuse when both parents were teachers in local schools.
In December 2007, when talk should have been about his role in the film Chromophobia alongside Ralph Fiennes, Penélope Cruz, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ian Holm, all the world's Press seemed more interested in his relationship with flatmate and actress Sienna Miller.
They even tried hiding away from the Press by visiting family in Ruthin before Christmas - but by June 2008 their relationship was over. [Use this Google news search - Rhys Ifans - to find out the latest news about the actor].
It was in this month his band, The Peth, announced tours in Wales ahead of the release of their debut album, 'The Golden Mile', in September.
Larger-than-life Hollywood actor, and proud Welshman.
