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Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen
Born: 5 FEB 1969
Place of Birth: Newport
School: Glanafan School, Port Talbot
 

Famous For: One of the hottest properties in Hollywood, on Broadway and in the West End and well-known for his portrayal of Tony Blair.

"He's Welsh in the tradition of Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton - fiery, mercurial, unpredictable" - Sam Mendes

Trivia: When in London he shares a house with fellow Welsh stars Ioan Gruffudd and Matthew Rhys. His dad Meyrick works as a Jack Nicholson lookalike!

Biography:

He was awarded the OBE in the 2009 New Years honours and has been heavily tipped for his performance as Sir David Frost in the screen version of Peter Morgan's play about the great man's interview of disgraced US president Richard Nixon.

The real interviews - there were four of them - are part of television history - attracting as they did the largest audience for a news programme - more than 45 million viewers!

This Welsh actor is both at home on the stage and on the screen, having won particular acclaim for his portrayals of real-life characters - the latest will be his depiction of controversial football manager Brian Clough.

Michael Sheen is made a freeman of Port Talbot

He was granted the freedom of the borough of Neath Port Talbot in July 2008 - discover more about NPT freemen here.

Michael described being given the Freedom of the Borough as a huge honour and a humbling experience. He said, "I am proud to come from such a community as Port Talbot and although I no longer live in the community, the community lives in my heart and I've taken Port Talbot with me wherever I've gone."

Never one to forget his roots, he announced the long-list for the second Dylan Thomas prize at the Margam Festival in the same month.

Even though he was was born in Newport (SE Wales), Michael Sheen was raised and educated in the industrial town of Port Talbot. In 2005 he told the Daily Telegraph magazine that one thing that stood him out from his friends was how he was one of the few children in the area who wasn't 'desperate to escape'. "It was a good place to grow up," he said. "I always loved it even though everyone else hated it and said, 'I can't wait to get out.' I suppose I always assumed that I would leave anyway so I never had a problem with it."

In the magazine he also revealed how his first close encounter with national success came aged just 12, when Arsenal Football club spotted his skills on the pitch. Tony Adams's father spotted Sheen bossing the midfield player during a family stay in a holiday park on the Isle of Wight; however his own father vetoed the move due to his young age.

After completing secondary school, his passion for theatre fired up from his spell in the Port Talbot Youth Theatre, he went to RADA (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London to pursue his dream. In so doing he was following a remarkable dramatic heritage for a town that had also produced stage greats Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. It was during his second year at RADA he won the Laurence Olivier Bursary for outstanding performances.

Whilst still a student at RADA Michael stared opposite Vanessa Redgrave in 'When She Danced' at the West End. He had to wait two years to get his TV debut, in 1993's BBC TV mini series 'Gallowglass', playing a mentally unstable man who becomes enmeshed in a kidnapping plot.

Michael's first feature film role was in 1996's 'Mary Reilly', where he played Dr. Jekyll's footman. It was in 1999 that he came to much wider attention in America's entertainment community, on starring in the Broadway revival of 'Amadeus'.

Other film roles have included 'Othello' (1995), 'Wilde' (1997), 'Heartlands' (2002) and Stephen Fry's directorial debut 'Bright Young Things' (2003).

Michael playing Kenneth WilliamsOn the small screen Michael has the rare achievment of having played Tony Blair twice - in 2003's TV drama 'The Deal', charting the prime minister's complex relationship with Gordon Brown, and also in 'The Queen', a film about the week of Princess Diana's death in 1997. He also took on the role of Kenneth Williams in the BBC TV drama 'Fantabulosa!'

His performance as Caligua in 1993 at the Donmar Warehouse was another critical success, earning him Best Actor Awards from the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards and London Theatre Critics Awards, along with a Laurance Olivier Award Best Actor nomination. He returned to the stage in 2005, starring in 'The UN Inspector', in London's National Theatre.

Michael received high praise in June 2006, with director Sam Mendes describing him as a 'future Richard Burton or Anthony Hopkins'. The Western Mail newspaper reported that Mendes attributed the 36-year-old's talent to his Welsh roots:
"I'm serious - he's Welsh in the tradition of Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton - fiery, mercurial, unpredictable. There is no doubt he is going to follow in their footsteps."

Mendes was speaking having directed Sheen in 'Frost/Nixon', a dramatisation of the legendary 1977 interview between David Frost, then a leading British TV talk-show host, and the infamous Richard Nixon. The interview came after the Watergate scandal and drew the largest-ever audience for a news interview.

In January 1999 Michael became a father with then long-term partner Kate Beckinsale, the British actress famous for roles in such films as 'Pearl Harbour' and 'Underworld'. Michael splits his time living in London and Los Angeles, where he can spend time with Lily, who lives with her mother.

Michael is the Vice President of the Swansea Bay Film Festival.


Mari from Salamanca Spain says:
"I'm one of the Spanish Michael Sheen fans. I think he's a very good actor and a very good radio speaker too. I hope he continues because it's a pleasure to see him working."

Comment on this story

Marcia Crocker, United States
Michael is one of those rare actors that loses hinself in the character. Anyone that can go from playing Lucien...to Tony Blair and be totally believable in both is one of our greatest actors.
Tue May 19 11:25:27 2009

Linda Riley Ohio USA
He is fantastic at every role he plays! Michael is my favorite actor by far.
Thu Feb 26 12:30:41 2009

Charlotte of Kent
I love him in 'Underworld'.
Tue Mar 25 10:20:37 2008

Ana Lu / Brazil
I think he is great...and there are not words to explain it.
Thu Aug 23 16:31:12 2007

Fiona Williams, Surrey
I first saw Michael Sheen in the school play back in Glanafan Comprehensive School in 1983/4/5. I had no doubt that at some time I'd be seeing him fill a much wider stage, and I was right!
Tue Jun 12 15:38:22 2007

Karen from Chicago, USA
Count me in - very much so - on the growing voices of praise here. Mr. Sheen, I'm confident you do indeed catch wind of these comments, and I can't reiterate enough what a rare talent you are. And as I said in my comment (as yet to be visible) on your other BBC page (sorry - I saw that one first :), we haven't even tapped the surface. I have no doubt there's much more in store, and I'll be keen to be there. Thanks for all you do.
Fri Dec 1 09:20:05 2006

Labbette Hendra born Port Talbot
He's my cousin, and I think he is a superb actor too. I'll be looking out for him in the future.
Mon Nov 27 09:00:46 2006

S Caines from Bristol, England
Sorry I have another comment about Michael Sheen. I don't know if he reads this but if he does, I wonder if he realises how many fans he has who admire his work. I've just sen him in two more films 'Heartlands' and 'Laws of attraction'. How different were thoughs characters and so well played too with the different acccents that he does. I also saw him in 'Bright Young Things' and 'Underworld'. These two films are deffinately my favourite by far. Does anyone agree with that comment?
Wed Oct 11 13:41:30 2006

S Caines from Bristol, England
Me again. Just a second message to say that I saw Michael Sheen on tv on Saturday 30th Sept on BBC2 and watched him play H G Wells. A truley amazing role. It was inspirational and encouraged me to write...
Mon Oct 2 13:12:25 2006

S Caines from Bristol, England
He is truely amazing to watch. In every part he plays he become that person whether it was Kenneth Williams, Tony Blair or Nero. Does he know how to be himself?
Mon Sep 25 14:32:43 2006

Ellie London
I've just watched the BBC drama doc on ancient rome and then wathced Fantabulosa. Michael Sheen is obviously a very versatile actor.. I enjoyed his performance in both. I'll keep an eye out for any other programmes he is in from now on.
Mon Sep 25 10:11:03 2006

L.A. Butler, WV

I am definitely a fan of Michael Sheen and although I have only seen him in two other movies, 'UnderWorld' is one of my favourite movies. I love vampire/horror/ghost movies. "Lucian" is my favorite character and he really does bring his character to life. In my opinion he was made to play the role of "Lucian". He has the most dark, intense but gentle, kind, alluring green eyes that I have ever seen any man possess.

I really love the sound of his voice. It's so strong and demanding and yet arousing. It's no wonder he has narrated poetry. I am really blown away at how his looks can change so much from one character to another. But his look in "UW" suited him to a T....

His looks are hypnotic. I absolutely look forward to seeing him in more movies in the future. Especially if there was to be a third installment of "UW", where the focus would be on Lucian in the past and his love affair with Viktor's daughter Sonja. I don't know if that is possible or if it will ever happen but I'm sure I'm not the only female fan of his that would love more than anything to see their story brought to life on the big screen someday.
Thu Aug 24 16:09:05 2006

Denham
What is the name of your latest play as Frost interviewing Nixon. Where is it on?
Mon Aug 14 09:28:17 2006

Lisa Armstrong-Cook, Blue Mountains - Australia
Saw Michael for the first time in Underworld. Brilliant (Lucian is the man of my dreams now!). Saw him for the second time in the League of Gentlemen movie. Even more brilliant, and funny as well! Will definately be exploring the works of this fine actor.
Wed May 31 09:39:03 2006

Angela Hartz
Michael is awesome! I've watched most of his films (those available in the US) and he has a very passionate, commanding presence regardless of the role. Best wishes in your future projects Michael.
Tue Apr 18 10:50:20 2006

GRIS- ILLINOIS
I seem to have jumped on the Michael Sheen bandwagon! Since he starred in Underworld I have watched everything I can get my hands on that he has acted in. His characters seem so real. I'll be a forever fan.
Tue Mar 28 00:52:48 2006

Jan. Surrey, England
Michael's performance as Kenneth Williams last night on tv was wonderful. As the previous comment says, he deserves a BAFTA..... Meyrick and Irene should be very proud of their boy!!!
Tue Mar 14 09:02:37 2006

N Damus, London
I haven't seen Fantabulosa - it's shown tomorrow for the first time, but I predict that Sheen (as Kenneth Williams)will win a BAFTA - playing a tortured, lonely and tragic comedian guarantees a win (e.g. Rhys Ifans as Peter Cook last year).
Sun Mar 12 10:51:25 2006

Sarah Baer, Colorado USA
I have always thought Michael was a wonderful actor, even if he never came to my mind often. I saw him for the first time without realizing it in "Mary Reilly" when I was under ten, at the time I was watching it for John Malkovich, but now I must see it again for his performance.

Then when "Four Feathers" came out, I was watching it for Heath Ledger, which I still do, but when I saw it, I fell in love with his character Trench, and from them on I remembered him in anything else I saw.

When I saw him in Wilde, his character was so wonderful I instantly fell in love with him, but not only the character, Michael himself, because he is such a emotional, open person, that he makes a believable homosexual. He was able to pull this off again in "Bright Young Things" he is my favorite character in that as well and his scene at the end is quite moving.

When I saw Underworld, before I even knew the story behind the war, I was in Love with Lucian, even if, at the time I thought, he may be the bad guy. So when I found out the truth I loved him all the more... and be sexy as hell, and just wanted things to end between the two species....it was very hard for me to disagree with the Vampires, because I usually side with them no matter what.

I still have many of his works to see, some of which are on my Netflix list, but I hope I get to see them all, even the ones only in the UK.

Thank you Michael for being such a wonderful talent.


Thu Feb 16 02:21:49 2006

Aroha from Wellington, NZ
I saw him in "Dirty Filthy Love" opposite the wonderful Shirley Henderson and was completely blown away. He is definately a name to watch out for.
Fri Jan 27 20:13:50 2006

James, London
He will win an Oscar for the just-been annouced film about Dylan Thomas - you heard it here first.
Fri Dec 23 10:12:52 2005

Carl, Manchester
It must be very hard for Mike to rationalise his considerable talent with the fact that many of his friends (Jude Law, Orlando Bloom) are now huge mega stars, while Mike, though respected in theatrical circles, has never been A-list Hollywood leading man material. Which is a great pity, because he is a great actor.
Wed Dec 14 19:57:53 2005

Chelle Tennessee USA
I saw Underworld a while back, and then saw Laws of Attraction today. I had no idea he was in both movies but I kept staring at him in Laws of attraction thinking something about him was familiar, but he was very sexy in Laws and his looks were very downplayed in Underworld. He is very sexy and his on screen presence is captivating. I hope to see more of him!!!
Mon Nov 14 07:16:43 2005

Vanessa from Glasgow
I absolutely adore Michael! He is so talented... Lucien was so sexy. I thought The League Gentlemen's Apocalypse was pure hilarity! Love yah Michael! Your my favourite!
Wed Oct 19 22:20:33 2005

ashley port talbot
Micheal is the best actor of all times. I met him in my school. I was in the same class as him in glan afan.
Sat Sep 3 15:00:17 2005

Pauline, Port Talbot
He is my young cousin, and I believe he is the foremost actor of our time.
Thu Aug 4 20:54:02 2005

Rafik Dathi, Kent England
Michael Sheen was a most entertaining actor in The UN Inspector at the National Theatre in London. Very funny and full of vitality. Look forward to seeing him in many more such roles.
Thu Jul 7 10:16:01 2005

shellie pylant from texas
michael sheen is one of the BEST actors to come along in a long time. he was a total badass as lucian and i could watch him everyday. i have a minor crush on him and hope he has many, many more years of success! :)
Fri May 20 23:30:19 2005

Meliss from Germany
I love Michael Sheen
Wed May 11 11:22:15 2005

Mike P
I trained with Mike at RADA and he was outstanding even then, and he's also a really nice guy. He came in to RADA with more technical skills than many left with after 3 years of training. For example, he played a tiny part in Lorca's The House of Bernada Alba - he was on stage for just a few minutes, but he acted with such complete emotional commitment and focused relaxation, that it was one of the most moving and impressive performances I have ever seen.

We couldn't have known then that he was going to have such a meteoric career - since we all believed that we were going straight to the top. But it doesn't suprise me. Just hope that Richard Dormer and Sophie Stanton get the credit they deserve soon.
Thu May 5 15:00:18 2005

Martin Ensor from Hollywood UK
Michael Sheen is an absorbing actor, I loved the film Heartlands and he recently acted in a key role in an itv play on OCD. We don't see enough of him!
Fri Mar 11 01:08:05 2005

Kaxt, England
Michael's role in Dirty Filthy Love is moving.
Tue Mar 1 21:31:59 2005

Denise Bennett Pensylvania, USA
In every generation, there are born the greats: in science, in education, in the arts, and so on. These people redefine out culture and better our world by expanding our horizons. Michael Sheen is such an actor. Happy Birthday, Michael. Hope to see much more of you because you are truly as pleasure to watch.
Sat Feb 5 17:34:02 2005

B from Florida, USA
Michael Sheen is worthy of the numerous awards and accolades he has gathered. He is a complete pleasure in Wilde and a sheer delight in Heartlands. I sincerely hope BBC America airs some of his work currently confined to GB.
Wed Jan 26 05:08:15 2005

Radhika Stein Oregon USA
Well... from what I've seen Michael is a great actor... and my favourite role would definately have to be Lucian in Underworld... that was great role - Applaudes-(s'cuse my spelling).
Sat Jan 1 00:02:29 2005



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