Hugh Bonneville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Bonneville
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Bonneville in 2017
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| Born |
Hugh Richard Bonniwell Williams
10 November 1963 Paddington, London, England
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| Alma mater | Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (BA) Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Known for | Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey |
| Spouse(s) |
Lucinda Williams
(m. 1998; separated 2023) |
| Children | 1 |
Hugh Bonneville (born Hugh Richard Bonniwell Williams on November 10, 1963) is a famous English actor. Many people know him as Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, in the popular TV show Downton Abbey. This role earned him nominations for major awards like the Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards.
You might also recognize him as the kind Mr. Brown in the Paddington movies. He has also appeared in other well-known films like Notting Hill (1999), Iris (2001), and The Monuments Men (2014).
Contents
Early Life and Schooling
Hugh Bonneville was born in Paddington, London. His mother worked as a nurse, and his father was a surgeon. He went to school at Dulwich College Preparatory School and later Sherborne School.
After finishing his early education, he studied theology at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He then went to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London to train as an actor. As a young man, he was also a member of the National Youth Theatre.
Acting Career
Starting on Stage and Screen
Bonneville began his acting career in the theater. He performed with famous groups like the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In a 1992 production of Hamlet, he played Laertes alongside Kenneth Branagh.
His first movie role was in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in 1994. He also had small parts in big films, including the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). In the late 1990s, he often played friendly, slightly clumsy characters, like Bernie in Notting Hill.
Becoming a Famous Face
In the 2000s, Bonneville started playing a wider variety of characters. He played the kind young John Bayley in the movie Iris, which earned him a nomination for a BAFTA award. He also appeared in many popular TV shows, including Midsomer Murders.
His biggest role came in 2010 when he was cast as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the historical drama Downton Abbey. The show was a huge success all over the world. He played this character for all six seasons and returned for the two movies, Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).
Roles in Paddington and Other Projects
In 2014, Bonneville played the caring and funny Mr. Brown in the movie Paddington. The film was a big hit, and he returned for the sequel, Paddington 2, in 2017. He also appeared in the third film, Paddington in Peru, in 2024.
He has also been in comedy shows like Twenty Twelve and W1A. He voiced the character of Merlin in the Thomas & Friends movie Journey Beyond Sodor (2017). In 2017, he played Lord Mountbatten in the historical film Viceroy's House.
In 2023, Bonneville hosted the Coronation Concert for King Charles III, a special event watched by millions.
Personal Life
Bonneville married Lucinda Williams in 1998, and they have one son. The couple lived in West Sussex. In 2023, it was announced that they had separated.
He supports several charities, including the children's arts charities Go Live Theatre Projects and Scene & Heard. He is also an ambassador for WaterAid, an organization that works to provide clean water around the world. In 2019, he was given the honorary title of Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex for his service to the community.
Selected Works
Here are some of Hugh Bonneville's most famous roles:
Film
- Notting Hill (1999) as Bernie
- Iris (2001) as Young John Bayley
- The Monuments Men (2014) as Lieutenant Donald Jeffries
- Paddington (2014) as Henry Brown
- Viceroy's House (2017) as Lord Mountbatten
- Paddington 2 (2017) as Henry Brown
- Downton Abbey (2019) as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
- Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) as Mr. Delacroix
- Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
- Paddington in Peru (2024) as Henry Brown
Television
- Midsomer Murders (2002) as Hugh Barton
- Doctor Who (2011) as Captain Avery
- Downton Abbey (2010–2015) as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
- Twenty Twelve (2011–2012) as Ian Fletcher
- W1A (2014–2017) as Ian Fletcher
- The Hollow Crown (2016) as Duke of Gloucester
- The Gold (2023) as DCI Brian Boyce
- Douglas Is Cancelled (2024) as Douglas Bellowes
See also
In Spanish: Hugh Bonneville para niños
