Biography
Who is Rhys Ifans?
Early life and background
Rhys Ifans was born Rhys Owain Evans on July 22, 1967, in Haverfordwest, Wales. His parents were Beti-Wyn and Eirwyn Evans, both of whom worked in education. He grew up speaking Welsh as his first language in Ruthin. During his youth, he attended Ysgol Pentrecelyn and later Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, where he completed his O levels and A levels. He also gained early acting experience through classes at Theatr Clwyd.
After finishing his schooling, he presented Welsh-language television programs on S4C. He moved to London to pursue formal training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 1997. Before his major film career, he appeared in various Welsh-language productions and performed at the National Theatre in London and the Royal Exchange in Manchester.
Career highlights and film roles
His film career began with the 1997 movie Twin Town, where he acted alongside his brother, Llŷr Ifans. He achieved significant fame for his role as the slovenly housemate Spike in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill. Throughout the early 2000s, he appeared in diverse films such as Little Nicky, Kevin and Perry Go Large, The 51st State, Vanity Fair, and Enduring Love. In 2010, he joined the Harry Potter franchise, portraying Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1.
Rhys Ifans took on the role of Dr. Curt Connors, also known as the Lizard, in the 2012 film The Amazing Spider-Man. He later reprised this character through voice work and archival footage for the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: No Way Home. Other well-known film credits include his portrayal of Grigori Rasputin in The King's Man and the surrealist biopic Last Call, where he played the poet Dylan Thomas.
Television and stage work
On television, he played Hector DeJean in the espionage series Berlin Station on the Epix network. He also portrayed Mycroft Holmes in the CBS series Elementary and Otto Hightower in the HBO series House of the Dragon. His work in TV films earned him a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for his performance as Peter Cook in Not Only But Always. His stage career includes performances at the Donmar Warehouse, the National Theatre, and The Old Vic, where he played Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and the Fool in King Lear.
Music and personal interests
Beyond acting, he has a background in music. He was briefly the lead vocalist for the rock band Super Furry Animals before they released their records. Starting in 2007, he sang with the psychedelic rock band The Peth. He has also appeared in several music videos, including work for Oasis, Catatonia, and Tom Jones. In 2007, he received an Honorary Fellowship from Bangor University for his contributions to the film industry.
Birthday and age
Rhys Ifans was born on July 22, 1967, which makes Rhys 59 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Rhys shares the date with 43 other famous people.
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