Clive Owen is a renowned British actor known for his versatility in both art house and mainstream films. He typically plays characters with a balance of physical strength, intellect, and conflicting soul, but forceful will. Born in Coventry, England, on October 3, 1964, Owen is the fourth of five brothers, raised by his mother and stepfather after his father abandoned the family when he was three years old.
Owen's early interest in acting led him to join the youth theater at 13, after playing the role of the Artful Dodger in a production of "Oliver!". He attended Binley Park Comprehensive School and later graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1987. Owen honed his craft with the Young Vic Theatre Company, performing in several Shakespearean productions.
Clive made his film debut in the British-made "Vroom" (1990) and gained popularity with his role as Stephen Crane in the TV series "Chancer" (1990). However, he abandoned the show at its peak due to unwanted invasion of privacy and fear of typecasting. He then appeared in "Close My Eyes" (1991),which raised eyebrows due to his portrayal of a brother with incestuous desires for his older sister.
Owen's reputation as a lovable shyster was shattered, and he lost commercial endorsements. He continued with stage work, including a production of Noël Coward's "Design For Living" and various TV roles. In 1997, he had a hit on the London stage with "Closer", a cynical ensemble piece about relationships.
Owen's breakout film role was in "Croupier" (1998),as a struggling writer-turned-casino employee who gets in over his head with a femme fatale scam artist. The film received critical acclaim, and Hollywood took notice of Clive, who was virtually unknown outside of England.
Since then, Owen has focused primarily on film, including "Greenfingers" (2000),"Gosford Park" (2001),"The Bourne Identity" (2002),"King Arthur" (2004),and "Closer" (2004),for which he received an Academy Award nomination and won both the Golden Globe and BAFTA awards for "Supporting Actor".
Owen has also appeared in "Inside Man" (2006),"Children of Men" (2006),"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (2007),"Hemingway & Gellhorn" (2012),and numerous other films, including "The International" (2009),"Duplicity" (2009),"The Boys Are Back" (2009),"Trust" (2010),"Intruders" (2011),"Blood Ties" (2013),"Last Knights" (2015),"The Confirmation" (2016),and "Anon" (2018).
Owen is married to former actress Sarah-Jane Fenton, with whom he has two daughters.
