Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh

Born:December 10, 1960

Place of Birth:Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

Known For:Acting

Biography

Sir Kenneth Charles Branagh, born on December 10, 1960, is a distinguished British actor and filmmaker. Hailing from Belfast and primarily raised in Reading, Berkshire, Branagh's career is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. He honed his skills at RADA in London and even served as its president from 2015 to 2024, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.

Branagh's illustrious career is adorned with numerous prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, four BAFTAs, two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Olivier Award. In 2012, he was rightfully knighted as a Knight Bachelor, and in 2018, he was granted Freedom of the City in his hometown of Belfast, a testament to his significant contributions to the arts. His impact on the industry is further solidified by his placement on The Irish Times's list of Ireland's greatest film actors.

Renowned for his adaptations of William Shakespeare's plays, Branagh has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His directorial and acting prowess shine through in films such as "Henry V," "Much Ado About Nothing," "Hamlet," and "As You Like It," garnering critical acclaim and award nominations. His ability to breathe new life into classic works is a testament to his deep understanding of storytelling and the human experience.

Apart from his Shakespearean endeavors, Branagh has showcased his versatility by directing and starring in a diverse range of projects. From the Academy Award-nominated "Swan Song" to blockbusters like "Thor" and "Cinderella," his filmography is a testament to his range as a filmmaker. Notably, his semi-autobiographical film "Belfast" garnered widespread acclaim, earning him multiple Academy Award nominations and a win for Best Original Screenplay.

In addition to his directorial ventures, Branagh has delivered captivating performances on screen, captivating audiences with his portrayal of iconic characters. His embodiment of Hercule Poirot in the film series of the same name has been particularly lauded, showcasing his ability to bring beloved literary figures to life with depth and nuance. Furthermore, his roles in films like "My Week with Marilyn" and Christopher Nolan's works have further solidified his status as a versatile and esteemed actor.

Beyond the silver screen, Branagh has graced television audiences with his presence, delivering compelling performances in series such as "Fortunes of War," "Shackleton," and "Wallander." His portrayal of SS leader Reinhard Heydrich in the HBO film "Conspiracy" not only earned him critical acclaim but also prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and an International Emmy Award for Best Actor. Branagh's ability to immerse himself in complex characters is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his unparalleled talent.

Sir Kenneth Branagh's impact on the world of entertainment is immeasurable, with his body of work standing as a testament to his artistry and versatility. Whether he is directing, acting, or producing, Branagh's commitment to storytelling and his ability to bring characters to life with depth and authenticity have solidified his legacy as one of the most revered figures in the industry. His contributions to film and television continue to inspire audiences and aspiring artists alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

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Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh

Filmography

Acting

Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer

Niels Bohr

2023

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Infinity War

Asgardian Distress Call (voice) (uncredited)

2018

As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Gilderoy Lockhart

2002

Cars fly, trees fight back, and a mysterious house-elf comes to warn Harry Potter at the start of his second year at Hogwarts. Adventure and danger await when bloody writing on a wall announces: The Chamber Of Secrets Has Been Opened. To save Hogwarts will require all of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s magical abilities and courage.
Tenet

Tenet

Sator

2020

Armed with only one word - Tenet - and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.
Dunkirk

Dunkirk

Commander Bolton

2017

The story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from Belgium, Britain, Canada and France, who were cut off and surrounded by the German army from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk between May 26th and June 4th 1940 during World War II.
Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express

Hercule Poirot

2017

Genius Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of an American tycoon aboard the Orient Express train.
The Road to El Dorado

The Road to El Dorado

Miguel (voice)

2000

Stowing away after a failed con, a pair of swindlers end up on El Dorado, the fabled "city of gold", where they quickly get in over their heads when they are mistaken as gods by the inhabitants.
Valkyrie

Valkyrie

Henning von Tresckow

2008

Wounded in Africa during World War II, Nazi Col. Claus von Stauffenberg returns to his native Germany and joins the Resistance in a daring plan to create a shadow government and assassinate Adolf Hitler. When events unfold so that he becomes a central player, he finds himself tasked with both leading the coup and personally killing the Führer.
Death on the Nile

Death on the Nile

Hercule Poirot

2022

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot's Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple's idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short.
A Haunting in Venice

A Haunting in Venice

Hercule Poirot

2023

Celebrated sleuth Hercule Poirot, now retired and living in self-imposed exile in Venice, reluctantly attends a Halloween séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Viktor Cherevin

2014

Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.
Wild Wild West

Wild Wild West

Dr. Arliss Loveless

1999

Legless Southern inventor Dr. Arliss Loveless plans to rekindle the Civil War by assassinating President Ulysses S. Grant. Only two men can stop him: gunfighter James West and master-of-disguise and inventor Artemus Gordon. The two must team up to thwart Loveless' plans.
Chariots of Fire

Chariots of Fire

Cambridge Student at Society Day (uncredited)

1981

In the class-obsessed and religiously divided UK of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell, a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart in his single-minded quest.
Hamlet

Hamlet

Prince Hamlet

1996

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother now marrying the murderer... his uncle. Meanwhile, war is brewing.
Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing

Benedick

1993

In this Shakespearean farce, Hero and her groom-to-be, Claudio, team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro, the week before their wedding to hatch a matchmaking scheme. Their targets are sharp-witted duo Benedick and Beatrice -- a tough task indeed, considering their corresponding distaste for love and each other. Meanwhile, meddling Don John plots to ruin the wedding.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein

1994

Victor Frankenstein is a promising young doctor who, devastated by the death of his mother during childbirth, becomes obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. His experiments lead to the creation of a monster, which Frankenstein has put together with the remains of corpses. It's not long before Frankenstein regrets his actions.
The Boat That Rocked

The Boat That Rocked

Dormandy

2009

An ensemble comedy, where the romance is between the young people of the 60s, and pop music. It's about a band of DJs that captivate Britain, playing the music that defines a generation and standing up to a government that wanted control of popular culture via the British Broadcasting Corporation. Loosely based on the events in Britain in the 60's when the Labour government of Harold Wilson, wanted to bring the pirate radio stations under control, enough to see the passage of the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act on 15 August 1967. Also known as "Pirate Radio".
Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe

Self

2014

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."!
Rabbit-Proof Fence

Rabbit-Proof Fence

A. O. Neville

2002

In 1931, three Aboriginal girls escape after being plucked from their homes to be trained as domestic staff, and set off on a trek across the Outback.
Henry V

Henry V

Henry V

1989

In the midst of the Hundred Years War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France in 1415.
Conspiracy

Conspiracy

Reinhard Heydrich

2001

At the Wannsee Conference on January 20, 1942, senior Nazi officials meet to determine the manner in which the so-called "Final Solution to the Jewish Question" can be best implemented.
Mindhorn

Mindhorn

Himself

2016

A washed up actor best known for playing the title character in the 1980s detective show "Mindhorn" must work with the police when a serial killer says that he will only speak with Detective Mindhorn, whom he believes to be real.
As You Like It

As You Like It

Self (voice)

2006

Witty, playful and utterly magical, the story is a compelling romantic adventure in which Rosalind and Orlando's celebrated courtship is played out against a backdrop of political rivalry, banishment and exile in the Forest of Arden - set in 19th-century Japan.
With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

Self

2010

At 89 years old, Stan Lee's name appears on more than one BILLION comics in 75 countries in 25 languages. Arguably the most recognized name in comics, Stan Lee has co-created over 500 legendary pop culture characters including Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Thor and The Hulk. Stan continues to create new material and entertain fans of all ages with fantastic stories and characters in all areas of entertainment. With Great Power: the Stan Lee Story, explores the vivid life and imagination of Stan Lee, from the early days of his Depression-era upbringing through the Marvel Age of Comics and beyond! The film uncovers original transcripts, illustrations, photographs and stories of Lee's fascinating journey from his early years at Timely Comics and World War Two, the comic book industry's censorship battle of the 1950's led by Dr. Fredric Wertham, the dawn of Marvel Comics and the legendary characters Stan co-created, to his current company POW! Entertainment.

Production

Cinderella

Cinderella

Director

2015

When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger in the woods.
Thor

Thor

Director

2011

Against his father Odin's will, The Mighty Thor - a powerful but arrogant warrior god - recklessly reignites an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World

Producer

2013

Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos… but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.
Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express

Producer

2017

Genius Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of an American tycoon aboard the Orient Express train.
Death on the Nile

Death on the Nile

Producer

2022

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot's Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple's idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short.
A Haunting in Venice

A Haunting in Venice

Producer

2023

Celebrated sleuth Hercule Poirot, now retired and living in self-imposed exile in Venice, reluctantly attends a Halloween séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Director

2014

Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.
Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl

Producer

2020

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius and descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. He soon finds himself in an epic battle against a race of powerful underground fairies who may be behind his father's disappearance.
Hamlet

Hamlet

Adaptation

1996

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother now marrying the murderer... his uncle. Meanwhile, war is brewing.
Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing

Writer

1993

In this Shakespearean farce, Hero and her groom-to-be, Claudio, team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro, the week before their wedding to hatch a matchmaking scheme. Their targets are sharp-witted duo Benedick and Beatrice -- a tough task indeed, considering their corresponding distaste for love and each other. Meanwhile, meddling Don John plots to ruin the wedding.
Belfast

Belfast

Director

2021

Buddy is a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Co-Producer

1994

Victor Frankenstein is a promising young doctor who, devastated by the death of his mother during childbirth, becomes obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. His experiments lead to the creation of a monster, which Frankenstein has put together with the remains of corpses. It's not long before Frankenstein regrets his actions.
Henry V

Henry V

Writer

1989

In the midst of the Hundred Years War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France in 1415.
As You Like It

As You Like It

Producer

2006

Witty, playful and utterly magical, the story is a compelling romantic adventure in which Rosalind and Orlando's celebrated courtship is played out against a backdrop of political rivalry, banishment and exile in the Forest of Arden - set in 19th-century Japan.