Ioan Gruffudd facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ioan Gruffudd
Gruffudd at 2011 Comic-Con International
Born	(1973-10-06) 6 October 1973 (age 51) Aberdare, Wales
Citizenship	United Kingdom United States
Education	Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1986–present
Spouse(s)	Alice Evans ​ ​ (m. 2007; div. 2023)​
Partner(s)	Bianca Wallace (2021–present; engaged)
Children	2

Ioan Gruffudd (born 6 October 1973) is a famous actor from Wales. He has starred in many films and TV shows in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

You might know him from his roles as Harold Lowe in the movie Titanic (1997). He also played Horatio Hornblower in the popular Hornblower TV series (1998–2003). Later, he became Lancelot in King Arthur (2004). He was also Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic in the superhero films Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). He played William Wilberforce in Amazing Grace (2006) and even Tony Blair in W. (2008). More recently, he appeared as Adam Lockwood in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024).

Early Life and Education

Ioan Gruffudd was born on 6 October 1973 in Aberdare, Wales. He is the oldest of three brothers. His parents, Gillian and Peter, were both teachers. Ioan uses the traditional Welsh spelling of his family name, Gruffudd.

His family moved to Cardiff when he was young. Ioan went to Welsh-language schools. He also played the oboe very well as a teenager. He played in the South Glamorgan Youth Orchestra for several years. He also won awards for his singing. Ioan has said that growing up in Wales, with its strong culture of singing and performing, helped him gain confidence as an actor.

Starting His Acting Journey

Ioan Gruffudd in 2005

Ioan Gruffudd began acting at age 13. His first role was in a Welsh TV film called Austin (1986). After that, he joined the Welsh soap opera Pobol y Cwm (meaning People of the Valley). He was on the show from 1987 to 1994.

In 1992, when he was 18, Ioan went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. This is a very famous acting school. At first, he felt a bit lost and almost quit. But in his final year, he got a big role in a play called Hedda Gabler. This performance helped him get noticed. Soon after, he was cast in the 1996 TV remake of Poldark.

Becoming a Star

After playing a small role in the 1997 film Wilde, Ioan got a part in James Cameron's huge movie Titanic. He played Fifth Officer Harold Lowe. This role helped him become known around the world.

His next big role was Horatio Hornblower in the Hornblower TV series. This show was based on popular books. Ioan played the character from 1998 to 2003. He has said that he is very thankful for the Hornblower role because it gave an unknown actor a lead part. He even said he would love to play Hornblower through all stages of his life.

Ioan also appeared in other TV shows like Great Expectations (1999) and The Forsyte Saga (2002). He also starred in films such as 102 Dalmatians (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001), and King Arthur (2004).

In 2003, Ioan was honored in Wales. He was inducted into the Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain (the Bardic Order of Great Britain). This is a special group that celebrates Welsh culture. He was given the bardic name "Ioan."

Ioan Gruffudd in 2007

In 2007, he starred in the historical drama Amazing Grace. He played William Wilberforce, who was a British leader who worked to end slavery. Ioan received great reviews for this role.

He has also played characters from both Marvel Comics and DC Comics. He was Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic in Marvel's Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). He also voiced Mister Miracle in DC's animated show Justice League Unlimited (2005).

Ioan has continued to work in many films and TV shows. In 2009, he played Tony Blair in the movie W., which was about US President George W Bush. In 2017, he began starring in the British TV thriller Liar. From 2018 to 2021, he played Dr. Daniel Harrow in the Australian TV show Harrow. This show was filmed in Brisbane, Australia. His character is a forensic pathologist who solves unusual cases.

Besides acting, Ioan appeared in the music video for Westlife's song "Uptown Girl" (2001). He also helped present at the Live Earth concert in London in 2007.

Personal Life

Ioan Gruffudd met actress Alice Evans in 1999 while they were working on the film 102 Dalmatians. They moved to Los Angeles in 2003. They got married on 14 September 2007, in Mexico. Ioan's best man was his friend, fellow Welsh actor Matthew Rhys. Ioan and Alice have two daughters, born in 2009 and 2013. The couple separated in 2021 and were legally divorced in 2023. In 2024, Ioan confirmed he was engaged to Bianca Wallace.

Filmography

Film

Video games

Television

Theatre

Music video

See also

In Spanish: Ioan Gruffudd para niños