15 Famous Actors You Probably Didn’t Know Were British

Some of the brightest talents known for their iconic roles in Hollywood have roots across the pond, and many fans are shocked to learn their favorite big and small screen idols hail from the UK. From award winners to blockbuster leads, discover the faces you’ve seen everywhere and learn the British backstory you never knew.

Rosamund Pike

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Known for her captivating performances in thrillers and period dramas alike, Rosamund Pike has become a mainstay in both British and American cinema. Her critically acclaimed role in Gone Girl earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, as reported by Variety. A proud English actress, she often credits her London roots for shaping her polished screen presence.

Will Poulter

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With his signature sharp wit and remarkable adaptability, Will Poulter often surprises fans with his British accent off-screen. Born in Hammersmith, London, he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2014 and later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, per Variety. His commitment to his craft has solidified him as one of Britain’s most versatile young actors.

Damian Lewis

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Few actors are as comfortable in regal dramas as they are in contemporary thrillers, and Damian Lewis is one of those rare talents. His performance as Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody in Homeland won him both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, as reported by NPR. His dedication to every character highlights his accomplished theatrical background from London.

Rebecca Hall

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Rebecca Hall has made her mark with powerful performances in both films and theatre, moving seamlessly between genres and continents. Born in London, she is the daughter of Sir Peter Hall, the former stage and artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, per TV Insider. Audiences worldwide have been drawn to her nuanced portrayals, often unaware of her strong British roots.

Gillian Anderson

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Best known as Agent Dana Scully, Gillian Anderson‘s unique career blends the best of British and American work. While many recognize her from iconic television roles, Anderson has spent much of her life in London and was appointed an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for her services to drama, according to The Official Gillian Anderson Website. Her international career continues to bridge both sides of the Atlantic.

Michael Sheen

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Master of transformation, Michael Sheen‘s dynamic portrayals of real-life figures and distinctive fictional roles reveal his deep theatrical roots. Raised in Wales and trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), he starred in a trilogy of films as British Prime Minister Tony Blair, for which he was nominated for both a BAFTA and an Emmy, per GOV.WALES. Sheen’s diverse filmography showcases his ease in shifting between British and American roles.

Naomie Harris

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Whether holding her own in action-packed blockbusters or mesmerizing in indie dramas, Naomie Harris is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Islington, London, she starred as Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond films Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to drama, as reported by Britannica. Harris’s elegance and resilience remain distinctly influenced by her London upbringing.

Andrew Lincoln

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He’s best known for leading survivors through a zombie apocalypse, but Andrew Lincoln hails proudly from the UK. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and had to learn and maintain a convincing Southern American accent for his role as Rick Grimes, according to Undead Walking. Lincoln’s early work in British television shaped the steady confidence he brings to every role.

Matthew Rhys

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With a reputation for intense and layered performances, Matthew Rhys has won over audiences in both historical and contemporary series. Born in Cardiff, Wales, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 for his role in The Americans, as reported by The Television Academy. His acclaimed work on both sides of the ocean speaks to his impeccable range as a British actor in Hollywood.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

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Dynamic and unpredictable, Aaron Taylor-Johnson‘s performances have captivated critics and fans from superhero epics to psychological thrillers. Born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Nocturnal Animals, per Britannica. Taylor-Johnson’s versatility and bold career choices mark him as one of Britain’s most daring exports to Hollywood.

Andrew Garfield

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Charismatic and endlessly talented, Andrew Garfield‘s range covers everything from beloved superhero blockbusters to moving stage performances. Though born in Los Angeles, his parents moved the family to Surrey, England when he was three years old, where he spent his formative years and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, as reported by EBSCO Research. Garfield’s distinctive blend of sensitivity and charisma has been shaped by his cross-Atlantic heritage.

Charlie Hunnam

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Charlie Hunnam brings an edge to every role, whether he’s leading an outlaw biker gang or journeying through epic adventures. Despite his convincing American characters, the Sons of Anarchy alum was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on April 10, 1980, according to Biography.com. His career bridges both British television and global hits, making him a beloved international star.

Naomi Watts

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Naomi Watts‘s chameleon-like roles have earned her a place among Hollywood’s elite, but her earliest roots are in the UK and Australia. Born in Shoreham, Kent, England, she emigrated with her family to Australia at the age of 14, according to Britannica. Watts continues to impress audiences worldwide while staying true to her heritage.

Hugh Laurie

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Widely thought of as a quintessentially American doctor on screen, Hugh Laurie is actually a Cambridge-educated British actor. So convincing was his American accent on House that director Bryan Singer was unaware Laurie was British when he cast him in the role, per Britannica. Laurie’s remarkable transformation into beloved characters continues to delight fans who are often surprised to learn about his real British background.

This story 15 Famous Actors You Probably Didn’t Know Were British first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Follow InTouch Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.