Javier Bardem hails from a long line of thespians who have been actively involved in the Spanish film industry since its early days. Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, he is the son of actress Pilar Bardem and businessman José Carlos Encinas Doussinague. His maternal grandparents, Rafael Bardem and Matilde Muñoz Sampedro, were both actors, and his uncle, Juan Antonio Bardem, is a renowned screenwriter.
As a young boy, Javier began his acting career at the tender age of six, when he made his feature film debut in "El picaro" (1974),also known as "The Scoundrel". Throughout his teenage years, he continued to act in various TV series, played rugby for the Spanish National Team, and even toured the country with an independent theatrical group.
However, it was his role as a charming and sexy stud in the black comedy "Jamón, Jamón" (1992),also known as "Ham Ham", that catapulted him to instant stardom and threatened to typecast him as nothing more than a brawny sex symbol. Undeterred, Javier deliberately chose roles that showcased his acting range, and has since gone on to win numerous accolades for his ability to transform himself almost unrecognizably from film to film.
With over 25 films under his belt, Javier's stirring and passionate performance as the persecuted Cuban writer, Reynaldo Arenas, in "Before Night Falls" (2000) will be remembered as his breakthrough role. His outstanding portrayal earned him five Best Actor awards and a Best Actor Oscar nomination, cementing his status as a talented and versatile actor.
