Ioan Gruffudd

Profession: Actor

Nationality:

Biography: Ioan Gruffudd is a Welsh actor who came to fame through the Hornblower series and mainstream success with roles in Titanic, Fantastic Four, and as William Wilberforce in Amazing Grace. His career spans stage, screen, and voice work, and he is also known for his cultural contributions as a native Welsh speaker.

Gruffudd's early acting experience began with the Welsh television film Austin (1986) when he was 13 and the soap opera Pobol y Cwm (1987-1994). He honed his skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His career was spurred by his role as Fifth Officer Harold Lowe in Titanic (1997) and continued to rise with the Hornblower series (1998-2003). His role as Horatio Hornblower earned him critical acclaim.

In the 2000s, Gruffudd secured roles in several high-profile films. He portrayed Lancelot in King Arthur (2004) and entered the superhero genre as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Additionally, he portrayed historical figures such as William Wilberforce in Amazing Grace (2006) and Tony Blair in W. (2008).

On the personal front, Gruffudd married actress Alice Evans in 2007, whom he had met in 1999, but the couple separated in 2021 and divorced in 2023. He is engaged to Bianca Wallace as of 2024. Gruffudd maintains a close friendship with actor Matthew Rhys and supports charitable endeavors, including Trust PA.

Gruffudd is also celebrated for his commitment to his Welsh heritage, achieving distinction by being inducted into the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod. He is actively involved in promoting Welsh culture.

Born: October 6, 1973
Birthplace: Aberdare, Wales
Age: 50 years old

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Libra