News
2nd January 2023
Top 10 Best American Playwrights
News
Famous British Actors | Who Are The Most Famous British Actors
4th June 2021
News
4th June 2021
Acting is what makes the movie. Actors carry the plot by bringing characters to life and enrich it with unforgettable performances. In this article, you will find the list of the most famous British actors that definitely fit this description.
From legendary actors to rising stars, let’s find out who the most popular British actors and actresses are.
Audrey Hepburn is not only one of the most famous British female actors of all time, but also a definition of timeless beauty and a style icon.
She rose to fame after her portrayal of Princess Anne in Roman Holiday, for which she was awarded an Oscar, a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA award.
Furthermore, in later years she went on to capture the audience’s hearts with roles in the popular My Fair Lady, Charade and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Although mainly known for her acting skills, Hepburn displayed many talents. From ballet to speaking multiple foreign languages, she’s the actress many will continue looking up to.
Among the most famous British actors, Anthony Hopkins is certainly a talent that’s difficult to sum up in just a few words.
Known best for portraying the charismatic and frightening Hannibal Lecter, he left a lasting impression with a screen time of only 16 minutes.
Hopkins has the ability to transform on the screen and successfully brings his every performance to life. His most noteworthy roles include The Elephant Man, The Remains of the Day, and Nixon.
Two-time Oscar winner, he received awards for The Silence of the Lambs and The Father just this year. With his ongoing popularity and great acting skills, we can expect more memorable roles to come.
When Emma was only 11 years old, the world saw her debut as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. A few years later, nearly everyone on the planet knew her name.
Although the portrayal of the clever witch gained her the most notoriety, she didn’t shy from more versatile roles. After the final Harry Potter movie, she starred as an adventurous student in the American movie, The Perks of Being A Wallflower.
A year later, she surprised fans with a feisty character in Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring. Her greatest achievements include winning the Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actor and joining the group of UN Women Goodwill ambassadors. Talk about talented and kind!
Known for his irresistible smile and frequent appearances in romantic comedies, Grant started the acting journey from costume dramas. Slowly climbing the career ladder, he landed his first leading role in Maurice.
When he was about to quit acting, he was offered to star in Four Weddings And A Funeral. The movie won him two best actor awards and made him an international star.
60 years old today, he remains young on the screen thanks to beloved roles in romantic comedies. From the iconic Notting Hill and Bridget Jones Diary to the heart-warming Love Actually, he might be recognised for one genre. But, each of his roles is unforgettable.
The audience caught a glimpse of Millie Bobby Brown for the first time in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, where she debuted as young Alice. But it wasn’t until Stranger Things that she gained recognition and became one of the most famous female child actors in the current era.
Unsurprisingly, the memorable portrayal of Eleven earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for outstanding performance.
In 2020, she appeared on the big screen for the second time and charmed the audience with her role of Enola Holmes. Looks like her career can only flourish from here.
When there’s a talk about the most famous English actors, Rowan Atkinson has to make the list. In 2014, he was voted one of the personalities most associated with British culture by adolescents from abroad.
He is a multidimensional actor who can boast an array of comedic roles. From the iconic Mr. Bean to his portrayal of an unintelligent spy in Johnny English, he set a high standard for goofy performances we all love.
His talent was widely recognised by critics. Winning him Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance and British Comedy Award for Best Entertainment Performer.
Non-arguably one of the greatest female actresses of classic cinema, Elizabeth Taylor made a name for herself after breakout roles in National Velvet and Father of the Bride.
Taking on more mature roles in the 1950s and starring as the iconic Cleopatra in 1963, she cultivated her image as a femme fatale both on- and off-screen. It’s hardly a secret that Taylor’s acting career was marked by numerous divorces and love scandals.
Still, she received two Oscars and her private life didn’t distract from the undeniable talent and beauty.
Alan Rickman started his acting career from stage productions and debuted on the big screen as Hans Gruber in Die Hard.
His deep voice and the ability to deliver well-crafted roles made him one of the most admired and popular British actors of all time. He was awarded a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Bafta for his outstanding performances.
Perhaps the most memorable include the role of Severus Snape in Harry Potter movies. Dark, but multilayered and great character development. Unfortunately, he isn’t with us anymore but his legacy will live on forever and always.
Among all of the most famous British female actors, Emilia Clarke is certainly the most positive and bubbly. With a smile that lights up a room, it’s hard to say if she owes her popularity to talent or irresistible charm.
Moreover, she rose to fame after landing a role as Daenerys Targaryen in the Game of Thrones series. Which gained her 6 awards and multiple nominations.
From there, she starred in franchise movies such as Star Wars and romantic comedies like Last Christmas. Fun fact: she has an exceptional musical talent. She can sing and play the piano, flute, and guitar. On top of that, Emilia supports several charitable organisations. What’s not to love?
Most of us were introduced to Benedict Cumberbatch after his take on the modern version of Sherlock. The favourite English detective in a TV miniseries.
The humour, in combination with a brilliant and engaging plot, won him 6 awards and numerous nominations for Best Actor. Instead of resting on his laurels, he went on to expand his acting career.
Lastly, from The Imitation Game to The Hobbit, he proved versatility and talent. In 2022, he is set to appear in the Doctor Strange continuation. So stay tuned for his expanding tenure in the Marvel universe!
Fame comes and goes, but the legacy of some will live forever. From Audrey Hepburn to today’s stars like Millie Bobby Brown, the most famous British actors receive support for their iconic roles and continue to inspire younger generations.
We hope that you enjoyed this article! Whilst you’re here, why not check out some more of our articles on our blog? We recommend The Ultimate Guide On How To Learn Lines and How To Audition For A Movie to get you started!
Allow Center Stage to sky-rocket your career and surface your talents to casting agents, booking agents, directors, and modelling agents worldwide. Pre-register by clicking the button below!
