Biography
Who is Jonathan Pryce?
Early life and education
Jonathan Pryce was born in Carmel, Flintshire, on June 1, 1947. His birth name was John Price. His father, Isaac, worked as a coal miner and later managed a small grocery store, while his mother was named Margaret Ellen. He grew up as part of a Welsh Presbyterian family alongside two older sisters.
He attended Holywell Grammar School during his youth. At sixteen, he began studying at an art college before training to become a teacher at Edge Hill College, which is now Edge Hill University. While at college, he participated in a theatrical production, which inspired him to apply to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He received a scholarship to the institution and graduated in 1971 with an acting diploma.
Starting a career on stage
Upon graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the actor joined Equity. Because another member already used his birth name, he adopted the stage name Jonathan Pryce. He initially struggled with the strict nature of his training, but he soon joined the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. He eventually served as the artistic director for that company. During this time, he also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Nottingham Playhouse.
He secured his first screen role in 1972 with a minor part in the television series Doomwatch. Later, he performed in Trevor Griffiths' play Comedians, a role written specifically for him. This production moved to London and eventually to Broadway. His work in Comedians earned him his first Tony Award in 1977 for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
Film and television success
Jonathan Pryce achieved a major film breakthrough in 1985 by playing the lead character, Sam Lowry, in Terry Gilliam's dystopian comedy Brazil. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he appeared in diverse projects, including the musical film Evita, the action movie Tomorrow Never Dies, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series. He also gained critical acclaim for his performance in the independent film The Wife.
His television work includes several well-known portrayals. He played Henry Kravis in the HBO film Barbarians at the Gate and Prince Philip in the series The Crown. He also took on the role of the High Sparrow in Game of Thrones and appeared as a retired officer in the series Slow Horses. In 2019, he received his first Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Pope Francis in The Two Popes.
Personal life and achievements
Throughout his career, Jonathan Pryce has earned numerous accolades for his dedication to drama. He has won two Laurence Olivier Awards and two Tony Awards for his stage performances. In 2021, he received a knighthood for his services to the dramatic arts. His spouse and partner is Kate Fahy.
He continues to work across different media, balancing stage roles with screen appearances. His theatrical work includes a highly regarded performance as Hamlet at the Royal Court Theatre in 1980. He also originated the role of The Engineer in the musical Miss Saigon, for which he received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1991.
Birthday and age
Jonathan Pryce was born on June 1, 1947, which makes Jonathan 79 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Jonathan shares the date with 40 other famous people.
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