Rhys Ifans was born and raised in the charming town of Haverfordwest, nestled in the picturesque county of Pembrokeshire, Wales. His upbringing was marked by the influence of his teacher parents, Beti Wyn (Davies) and Eirwyn Evans, who instilled in him a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Ifans' early years were spent in two Welsh language schools, Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Maes Garmon, where his mother taught and he developed a passion for performing.
As a child, Ifans attended youth acting school, nurturing his talent and laying the groundwork for a successful career in the performing arts. He later honed his craft at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he received comprehensive training in acting.
Ifans' small screen debut was as the host of the popular Welsh children's television show, Stwnsh. He then went on to appear in various theater productions and Welsh language television shows, gradually building a reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
His breakthrough on the big screen came with the British hit film Twin Town (1997),in which he shared the screen with his younger brother Llyr Ifans. This marked the beginning of a successful film career, with notable roles in Notting Hill (1999),Dancing at Lughnasa (1998),Little Nicky (2000),Enduring Love (2004),Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007),Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010),and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012).
In 2004, Ifans portrayed the iconic British comedian Peter Cook in the television film Not Only But Always (2004),earning him an Emmy nomination and a BAFTA award for Best Actor.