Jeremy Irons

Born:September 19, 1948

Place of Birth:Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, UK

Known For:Acting

Biography

Jeremy Irons, born on September 19, 1948, is a versatile English actor known for his remarkable performances on stage, screen, and television. With a strong foundation in classical training from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Irons embarked on his acting journey in 1969, captivating audiences with his compelling portrayals in various West End theatre productions. His commanding presence and nuanced performances in Shakespearean plays such as The Winter's Tale, Macbeth, and Richard II established him as a formidable talent in the theatrical realm.

In 1984, Irons made a memorable Broadway debut in Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing, a performance that garnered him the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. However, it was his breakthrough role in the acclaimed ITV series Brideshead Revisited (1981) that catapulted him to international fame. Renowned for his portrayal in literary adaptations, Irons's depiction in Brideshead Revisited continues to be lauded as one of the greatest in British television history, earning him a Golden Globe Award nomination.

Transitioning seamlessly to the silver screen, Irons showcased his versatility in a myriad of roles, from the romantic drama The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) to the psychological thriller Dead Ringers (1988), where he delivered a chilling performance as twin gynaecologists. His portrayal of Claus von Bülow in Reversal of Fortune (1990) further solidified his reputation as a powerhouse actor, earning him critical acclaim and the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor.

Throughout his illustrious career, Irons has demonstrated his range by taking on diverse roles in films such as The Lion King (1994) as the iconic villain Scar, Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) as the cunning Simon Gruber, and The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) as the charismatic Aramis. His ability to inhabit complex characters with depth and authenticity has garnered him numerous accolades and accolades, showcasing his immense talent and dedication to his craft.

In addition to his success on the big screen, Irons has made a significant impact on television, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of Pope Alexander VI in the historical series The Borgias and Adrian Veidt / Ozymandias in HBO's Watchmen. His compelling performances have earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award, solidifying his status as a versatile actor capable of embodying a wide range of characters with finesse and gravitas.

Beyond his acting prowess, Irons is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2011. His dedication to humanitarian causes reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on the world beyond the realm of entertainment. Jeremy Irons's enduring legacy as a consummate actor, activist, and philanthropist continues to inspire audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a true cinematic icon.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Beekeeper

Wallace Westwyld

2024

One man's campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as Beekeepers.

The Lion King

Scar (voice)

1994

Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life.

The Flash

Alfred Pennyworth

2023

When his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry Allen becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. In order to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry's only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

Kingdom of Heaven

Tiberias

2005

After his wife dies, a blacksmith named Balian is thrust into royalty, political intrigue and bloody holy wars during the Crusades.

Justice League

Alfred Pennyworth

2017

Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans consisting of Barry Allen, Arthur Curry and Victor Stone to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and the Parademons who are on the hunt for three Mother Boxes on Earth.

Zack Snyder's Justice League

Alfred

2021

Determined to ensure Superman's ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne aligns forces with Diana Prince with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Alfred

2016

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.

Margin Call

John Tuld

2011

A thriller that revolves around the key people at an investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the financial crisis.

Red Sparrow

Vladimir Korchnoi

2018

Prima ballerina Dominika Egorova faces a bleak and uncertain future after she suffers an injury that ends her career. She soon turns to Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people to use their minds and bodies as weapons. Dominika emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow after completing the sadistic training process. As she comes to terms with her new abilities, she meets a CIA agent who tries to convince her that he is the only person she can trust.

Die Hard: With a Vengeance

Simon

1995

New York detective John McClane is back and kicking bad-guy butt in the third installment of this action-packed series, which finds him teaming with civilian Zeus Carver to prevent the loss of innocent lives. McClane thought he'd seen it all, until a genius named Simon engages McClane, his new "partner" -- and his beloved city -- in a deadly game that demands their concentration.

Assassin's Creed

Alan Rikkin

2016

Through a technology that unlocks the generic memories of his ancestor in 15th century Spain, Callum Lynch discovers he is a descendant of an ancient line of Assassins and amasses lethal skills to take on the oppressive Templar Order.

The Man in the Iron Mask

Aramis

1998

Years have passed since the Three Musketeers, Aramis, Athos and Porthos, have fought together with their friend, D'Artagnan. But with the tyrannical King Louis using his power to wreak havoc in the kingdom while his twin brother, Philippe, remains imprisoned, the Musketeers reunite to abduct Louis and replace him with Philippe.

The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl

Self

2025

In honor of “The Lion King's” 30th Anniversary, the Hollywood Bowl transforms into the Pride Lands for an immersive concert event. This music event celebrates the franchise's evolution, from the 1994 animated film to the Tony Award-winning musical, and the 2019 and 2024 live-action films, honoring the music and characters that made it a global phenomenon.

House of Gucci

Rodolfo Gucci

2021

When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.

Eragon

Brom

2006

In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon's egg -- a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realized he's the one person who can defend his home against an evil king.

The Time Machine

Über-Morlock

2002

Hoping to alter the events of the past, a 19th century inventor instead travels 800,000 years into the future, where he finds mankind divided into two warring races.

Damage

Dr. Stephen Fleming

1992

The life of a respected British politician at the height of his career crumbles when he becomes obsessed with his son's lover.

Once Upon a Studio

Scar (voice)

2023

Created for Disney's 100th anniversary, the short features Mickey Mouse corralling a gallery of legendary Disney characters for a group photo.

The Man Who Knew Infinity

G. H. Hardy

2016

Growing up poor in Madras, India, Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar earns admittance to Cambridge University during WWI, where he becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor, G.H. Hardy.

The Pink Panther 2

Avellaneda

2009

When legendary treasures from around the world are stolen, including the priceless Pink Panther Diamond, Chief Inspector Dreyfus is forced to assign Inspector Clouseau to a team of international detectives and experts charged with catching the thief and retrieving the stolen artifacts.

The Words

The Old Man

2012

The Words follows young writer Rory Jansen who finally achieves long sought after literary success after publishing the next great American novel. There's only one catch - he didn't write it. As the past comes back to haunt him and his literary star continues to rise, Jansen is forced to confront the steep price that must be paid for stealing another man's work, and for placing ambition and success above life's most fundamental three words.

Race

Avery Brundage

2016

Based on the story of Jesse Owens, the athlete whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy.

The House of the Spirits

Esteban Trueba

1993

A rancher, his clairvoyant wife and their family face turbulent years in South America.

Inland Empire

Kingsley Stewart

2006

As a Hollywood actress begins to adopt the persona of her character in a film, her world becomes nightmarish and surreal.

Stealing Beauty

Alex Parrish

1996

Lucy Harmon, an American teenager is arriving in the lush Tuscan countryside to be sculpted by a family friend who lives in a beautiful villa. Lucy visited there four years earlier and exchanged a kiss with an Italian boy with whom she hopes to become reacquainted.

Dead Ringers

Beverly Mantle / Elliot Mantle

1988

Elliot, a successful gynecologist, works at the same practice as his identical twin, Beverly. Elliot is attracted to many of his patients and has affairs with them. When he inevitably loses interest, he will give the woman over to Beverly, the meeker of the two, without the woman knowing the difference. Beverly falls hard for one of the patients, Claire, but when she inadvertently deceives him, he slips into a state of madness.

Casanova

Pucci

2005

With a reputation for seducing members of the opposite sex, regardless of their marital status, a notorious womanizer discovers a beauty who seems impervious to his charms. However, as he continues to pursue the indifferent lady, he finds himself falling in love.

High-Rise

Anthony Royal

2015

Life for the residents of a tower block begins to run out of control.

Appaloosa

Randall Bragg

2008

Two friends hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher find their job complicated by the arrival of a young widow.

Reversal of Fortune

Claus von Bülow

1990

Wealthy Sunny von Bülow lies brain-dead, husband Claus guilty of attempted murder; but he says he's innocent and hires Alan Dershowitz for his appeal.

Night Train to Lisbon

Raimund

2013

Raimund Gregorius, having saved a beautiful Portuguese woman from leaping to her death, stumbles upon a mesmerizing book by a Portuguese author, which compels him to suddenly abandon the boring life he has led for years and to embark on an enthralling adventure. In search of the author, Gregorius acts as detective, pulling together pieces of a puzzle that involves political and emotional intrigue and the highest possible stakes. His voyage is one that transcends time and space, delving into the realms of history, medicine and love, all in search of true meaning to his life.

The Merchant of Venice

Antonio

2004

Venice, 1596. Bassanio begs his friend Antonio, a prosperous merchant, to lend him a large sum of money so that he can woo Portia, a very wealthy heiress; but Antonio has invested his fortune abroad, so they turn to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, and ask him for a loan.

Their Finest

Secretary of War

2017

During the Blitz of World War II, a female screenwriter works on a film celebrating England's resilience as a way to buoy a weary populace's spirits. Her efforts to dramatise the true story of two sisters who undertook their own maritime mission to rescue wounded soldiers are met with mixed feelings by a dismissive all-male staff.

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Self (archive footage)

2009

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. These conditions produced a series of box-office flops and pessimistic forecasts: maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn't care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It's the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits - "Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast ," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and more - over a 10-year period.