Jeremy Irons, a renowned British actor, was born on the picturesque Isle of Wight, a small island situated off the southern coast of England. His parents, Barbara Anne Brereton (Sharpe) and Paul Dugan Irons, an accountant, welcomed him into the world. Despite his father's profession, Jeremy showed little interest in figures, and his family's annual visits to mainland England were a rare treat.
As a young boy, Jeremy's family relocated to Hertfordshire, where he was grounded and developed a passion for horse-riding. At the age of 13, he enrolled in Sherborne School, Dorset, where he could pursue his love for the sport. Before embarking on a career in acting, Jeremy considered becoming a veterinarian surgeon.
Jeremy's theatrical training began at the Bristol Old Vic School, where he spent two years honing his craft. He then joined the Bristol Old Vic repertory company, gaining valuable experience in a wide range of productions, from Shakespearean classics to contemporary dramas. In 1971, Jeremy made the move to London, where he worked in various jobs before landing the role of "John the Baptist" in the hit musical "Godspell".
His early career in the West End theatre and on television was marked by a string of successful performances. Jeremy's on-screen debut in Nijinsky (1980) was followed by his breakout role in the Granada Television serial adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel Brideshead Revisited (1981). This critically acclaimed performance catapulted him to international recognition, cementing his status as a romantic leading man.
The 1980s saw Jeremy establish himself as a respected film actor, with notable roles in Dead Ringers (1988) and Reversal of Fortune (1990). The latter earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Actor. His iconic portrayal of Professor Higgins in Loewe-Lerner's musical "My Fair Lady" remains one of his most enduring performances.
Jeremy is married to actress Sinéad Cusack, with whom he has appeared in several productions, including Waterland (1992) and Royal Shakespeare Company plays. His son, Samuel Irons, is also an actor, and his father-in-law, Cyril Cusack, appeared alongside him in the film Danny the Champion of the World (1989).
