Rupert James Hector Everett was born on May 29, 1959, in Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, to Sara (Maclean) and Anthony Michael Everett, a Major in the British Army, who later worked in business. He is of primarily English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry with a dash of German and Dutch heritage.
Growing up in privileged circumstances, Everett was a rebel from an early age. At seven, he was placed in the care of Benedictine monks at Ampleforth College, where he trained classically on the piano. He was expelled from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London for clashing with his teachers and instead apprenticed himself at the avant-garde Glasgow Citizen's Theatre in Scotland.
Everett made his mark on British TV in 1982 with sophisticated appearances on series such as "Strangers," "Play for Today," and "The Agatha Christie Hour." He then moved on to film, earning a BAFTA nomination for his leading role in the collegiate-themed picture "Another Country" (1984). This led to top patrician roles in quality films, including "Dance with a Stranger" (1985) and "Duet for One" (1986).
In the late 1980s, Everett's star began to fade due to his clashes with the press and his own fans. However, he re-energized his career with a series of critically acclaimed performances, including his portrayal of the Prince of Wales in "The Madness of King George" (1994) and Lord Rutledge in "Dunston Checks In" (1996).
Everett's popularity was further boosted by his role as Julia Roberts' gay confidante in the box-office hit "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997),earning him BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. He continued to impress with performances in classical-styled pieces, such as "Shakespeare in Love" (1998),"A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1999),and "An Ideal Husband" (1999).
In the 2000s, Everett continued to work in film, television, and theater. He appeared in a range of roles, including "The Importance of Being Earnest" (2002),"Inspector Gadget" (1999),and "The Judas Kiss" (2013). On television, he played Sherlock Holmes in "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking" (2004) and the Marquis de Feron in "The Musketeers" (2014).
In addition to his acting career, Everett has also pursued writing. He published his first novel, "Hello, Darling, Are You Working?" (1989),and two volumes of memoirs: "Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins" (2006) and "Vanished Years" (2012). He has also produced documentaries and written and directed the film "The Happy Prince" (2018).
