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Jonathan Rhys Meyers Profile |
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Birth Date: July 27, 1977
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Birth Place: Dublin, Ireland
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Birth Name: Jonathan Michael Francis O'Keefe
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Height: 5'10"
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Biography |
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers is an Irish actor and Golden Globe
winner for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in CBS'
mini-series, Elvis.
Born in County Dublin, Ireland, Rhys-Meyers began using his
mother's name, Meyers, when he began acting. Because
Rhys-Meyers was born with heart problems, he was baptised
very quickly because it was feared that he might die. He
spent a few months in the hospital. One year after his
birth, his family moved to County Cork, Ireland, where he
still resides. When Jonny, as he was called by his family
and friends, was 3 years old, his father left the family.
Rhys-Meyers has three younger brothers named Jamie, Alan and
Paul. His mother raised him and his brothers on her own in
rural Cork with little money. Rhys-Meyers has recalled that
a somewhat well-to-do Anglo-Irish family in Buttevant took
him under their wing. He also had a horse named Belle.
At the age of sixteen, Rhys-Meyers was permanently expelled
from school, but he was discovered by casting agents shortly
after at a Cork pool hall, the Victoria Sporting Club, and
began a career in acting.
Paparazzi images of him have revealed that he has an
uncircumcised penis, like many Irish and British actors
(such as Pierce Brosnan and Colin Farrell).
Rhys-Meyers has starred in television series like
Gormenghast (2000), as Elvis Presley in the CBS 4 hour
mini-series Elvis (2005), which earned him an Emmy
nomination and a Golden Globe win.
His films include Velvet Goldmine (1998), where he played a
glam rock star loosely based on David Bowie, and Bend It
Like Beckham (2002). In 2005 he starred in Woody Allen's
film Match Point with Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer and
Brian Cox. In 2006, he starred as Declan in the film
Mission: Impossible III.
Rhys-Meyers will next be seen in the Showtime series The
Tudors (2007) where he plays Henry VIII, August Rush (2006),
and is in talks to play Patrick Branwell Bronte in the movie
Bronte (2007)and rumored to be in the new Danny Glover
Haitian epic Toussaint (2007).
He is also a singer and musician, and sang some of the songs
found on the Velvet Goldmine soundtrack.
Rhys-Meyers has been romantically linked to several
actresses in the past, including Toni Collette, his co-star
in Velvet Goldmine, Asia Argento, Rachael Leigh Cook and
Estella Warren. Both he and Scarlett Johansson deny the
persistent rumors of them having a fling.
He recently ended a nearly two-year relationship with Reena
Hammer, 20, the daughter of George and Ruby Hammer. George
is the owner of Harrods Spa, and Ruby Hammer is the
co-creator of Ruby & Millie make-up. |
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Other Information |
Sang some of the songs that appear in Velvet Goldmine
(1998).
Uncle of his brother's child, Dylan.
Has three younger brothers: Jamie, Paul and Alan.
He was born with a heart condition, and was baptized rather
quickly for fear he would not live long.
Has a horse named Belle.
Choosen by Cosmopolitan Magazine at #34 of the 100 Most Sexy
Men In The World. [1998]
He changed his last name when he took up acting, taking his
mother's maiden name of Meyers.
"Rhys" is pronounced "reese."
Beat out at least 200 actors for the role of Elvis Presley
In order to avoid the boyish and somewhat androgynous
junkies and weak- willed characters he found himself
typecast as, he underwent a fitness regime in 2004 and
gained and maintained about 25 extra pounds of muscle, so he
can also be considered for more masculine roles.
Does a superb impression of his Match Point (2005) director
Woody Allen |
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