Jude Law
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David Jude Heyworth Law (born 29 December 1972) is an English actor. He began his career in British theatre before landing small roles in various television productions and feature films. Law gained international recognition for his role in Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and was nominated for the Academy Award in the same category.
Law found further critical and commercial success in Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), Sam Mendes' Road to Perdition (2002), Minghella's Cold Mountain (2003), for which he earned Academy Award and BAFTA nominations, in addition to the drama Closer (2004) and the romantic comedy The Holiday (2006). His subsequent roles were as Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), a young Albus Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), and Yon-Rogg in Captain Marvel (2019); all of which rank among his highest-grossing releases. Other notable films include Contagion (2011), Hugo (2011), Side Effects (2013), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), and Spy (2015), as well as the television series The Young Pope (2016), The New Pope (2020), and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024).
In addition to his film work, Law has performed in several West End and Broadway productions including Les Parents terribles in 1994, Hamlet in 2010, and Anna Christie in 2011. These earned him nominations for two Tony Awards. He has also been awarded the Honorary César and was named a knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.
Early life and education
David Jude Heyworth Law<ref name=Barratt>Template:Cite news</ref> was born on 29 December 1972 in the London borough of Lewisham.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> to Peter Robert Law and Margaret Anne Heyworth, both teachers who had married five years earlier.<ref name=Barratt/> His father later became, according to Law, "the youngest headmaster in London".<ref name=tca>Inside the Actors Studio Template:Webarchive Jude Law, Season 10, Episode 1008. Bravo. Original Airdate: 21 December 2003. Retrieved 25 May 2008.</ref> He is of Welsh descent through his maternal grandmother, who had originally been "long lost" from his family because Law's mother had been put up for adoption as a child.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Law was given the first name David after the best friend of his father, but has always been referred to by his middle name, Jude,<ref name="Wired2018">Template:Cite AV media</ref> which was taken both from the protagonist of Thomas Hardy's novel Jude the Obscure and the Beatles' song "Hey Jude".<ref name="CBS-2002">Template:Cite news</ref> He grew up in Blackheath, an area in the borough of Greenwich, with his older sister,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Natasha,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> where he was educated, first at John Ball Primary School,<ref name="SLP-2018">Template:Cite news</ref> then briefly at Kidbrooke School,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and then at Alleyn's School.<ref name="SLP-2018"/>
Career
1987–1999: Early work and breakthrough
Law began acting in 1987 with the National Youth Music Theatre,<ref>"Alumni" Template:Webarchive. National Youth Music Theatre. Retrieved 21 November 2007.</ref> though his interest in performing began during his childhood, having been previously cast in a Saint George and the Dragon rendition as a five-year-old. Having grown a dislike for school, Law dropped out at age 17 to pursue acting,<ref name="WashingtonPost-2004">Template:Cite news</ref> playing various roles in the Edinburgh Fringe-awarded play The Ragged Child.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> One of his first major stage roles was Foxtrot Darling in Philip Ridley's The Fastest Clock in the Universe, which he performed at the Hampstead Theatre in London.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Law went on to appear as Michael in the 1994 West End rendition of Jean Cocteau's tragicomedy Les Parents terribles, directed by Sean Mathias.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This performance earned him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Outstanding Newcomer,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> as well as a Ian Charleson Award under the same category title.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following a title change to Indiscretions, the play was reworked and transferred to Broadway in 1995, where Law acted opposite Kathleen Turner, Roger Rees and Cynthia Nixon.<ref>Vincent Canby. "Theater Review: Indiscretions: Cocteau's Ferocious View Of the Rolls-Royce of Families" Template:Webarchive. The New York Times. 28 April 1995. Retrieved 19 November 2007.</ref><ref>Template:IBDB name Retrieved 1 March 2008.</ref> This role earned him a Tony Award nomination for best supporting actor,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and the Theatre World Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1989, Law received his first television role in a film based on the Beatrix Potter children's book, The Tailor of Gloucester. Following this, he took on minor roles in various British television series, including a two-year stint in the Granada TV produced ITV soap opera Families.<ref name="TelegraphInterview">Template:Cite news</ref> He also appeared in the episode "Shoscombe Old Place" in ITV's Sherlock Holmes,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and he played the leading role in the BFI/Channel 4 short The Crane (1992).<ref name="indp">Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1994, Law appeared in his first major leading film role with the British crime drama Shopping, which also starred his then future wife, Sadie Frost.<ref name="indp"/> He later gained prominence for his role in the Oscar Wilde biopic Wilde (1997), for which he won the Evening Standard British Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer as well as a London Film Critics Circle Award for his portrayal of Lord Alfred Douglas,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="CBS">Template:Cite news</ref> the glamorous young lover of Stephen Fry's Wilde.<ref name="WashingtonPost-2004"/> The New York Times reviewer Janet Maslin noted that Law's "voluptuous beauty and mocking, boyish petulance gives [Douglas] a rock star's presence."<ref name="WildeReview">Template:Cite news</ref> Other reviewers including William Gallagher also complimented Law's appearance as the character.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In Andrew Niccol's science fiction film Gattaca (1997), Law took on the role of a disabled former swimming star living in a eugenics-obsessed dystopia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In Clint Eastwood's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), he played the role of Billy Hanson, a male prostitute killed by his partner, an art dealer portrayed by Kevin Spacey.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Law also played Steven Grlscz, a vampire and an expert seducer, in The Wisdom of Crocodiles (1998).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1999, Law starred alongside Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, and Philip Seymour Hoffman in the psychological thriller film The Talented Mr. Ripley, directed by Anthony Minghella.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Law learned to play the saxophone for his role in the film,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and his performance earned him the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role,<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">"Full list of Bafta winners" Template:Webarchive, BBC News, 9 April 2000.</ref> as well as nominations for the Golden Globe Award and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw commented on Law giving "a very stylish and charismatic performance as the exquisite Dickie, all cruelty and caprice."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
At this time, Law and his then-wife Sadie Frost were members of the Primrose Hill set,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> which, along with other members such as Jonny Lee Miller,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> led to the 1996 creation of production company Natural Nylon,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> which he would later leave in 2003.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2000–2008: Expansion and critical recognition
In 2001, Law starred as Russian sniper Vasily Zaytsev in the film Enemy at the Gates, and learned ballet dancing for the film A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001).<ref>"Law Is Natural Ballet Star" Template:Webarchive. contactmusic.com, 26 August 2005. Retrieved 20 November 2007.</ref> In 2002, Law played a mob hitman in Sam Mendes's 1930s period drama Road to Perdition.<ref name="CBS-2002"/> In 2003, he again collaborated with director Minghella for the period war film Cold Mountain opposite Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger, for which he received nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="CBS"/> the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and the Academy Award for Best Actor.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Law, an admirer of Laurence Olivier, suggested the actor's image be included in the 2004 film Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Using computer graphics technology, footage of the young Olivier was merged into the film, playing Dr. Totenkopf, a mysterious scientific genius and supervillain.<ref>"Olivier Resurrected for Film Role" Template:Webarchive. BBC News. 26 July 2004. Retrieved 12 December 2007.</ref><ref>M. Faust. "Branagh & Caine " Template:Webarchive. artvoice.com. Retrieved 13 December 2007.</ref> Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow would be the final film produced by Natural Nylon, which had folded with the departure of its founding members, including Law. The company did not see major successes.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Also in 2004, Law portrayed the title character in Alfie, a remake of Bill Naughton's 1966 film, playing the role originated by Michael Caine;<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> the remake received negative reviews and flopped at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Law later took on another of Caine's earlier roles in the 2007 film Sleuth, adapted by Nobel Laureate in Literature Harold Pinter and playing opposite Caine himself, who took on the mentor role originated by Laurence Olivier.<ref>Martyn Palmer. "Double Act: Michael Caine and Jude Law (Lunch and Discussion)" Template:Webarchive. The Times. 17 November 2007.</ref> People magazine named Law the Sexiest Man Alive in their November 2004 issue, with his I Heart Huckabees co-star Naomi Watts quoted as saying "He's the most beautiful man who ever walked the earth — an absolutely perfect oil painting".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2006, he portrayed the role of a single parent in the American romantic comedy film The Holiday, written, produced and directed by Nancy Meyers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2007, Law starred alongside Norah Jones in the romantic drama My Blueberry Nights, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, he received the Honorary César at the 32nd César Awards,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and was named a knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by Gerard Errera, the French ambassador.<ref name="uk.reuters.com">"French Honour for Jude Law" Template:Webarchive, Reuters (UK), 2 March 2007. Retrieved 20 November 2007.</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By the end of the year, Law was one of the Top Ten A-list of the most bankable film stars in Hollywood, according to the Ulmer Scale.<ref name="chinadaily.com.cn">"Tom Cruise and Hanks Top New Power List" Template:Webarchive, World Entertainment News Network, 10 April 2006.</ref>
2009–present: Return to theatre and other projects
In May 2009, Law returned to the London stage to portray the title role in William Shakespeare's Hamlet at the Donmar Warehouse West End season at Wyndham's Theatre. The BBC reported "a fine and solid performance" but included other reviews of Law's interpretation that were mixed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> There was a further run of the production at Elsinore Castle in Denmark from 25–30 August 2009.<ref>"Jude Law to play Hamlet at 'home' Kronborg Castle." Template:Webarchive Daily Mirror. 10 July 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2009.</ref> In September 2009, the production transferred to the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The Washington Post felt the much-anticipated performance was "highly disappointing".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Nonetheless, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play and at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards ceremony, he was presented with the John and Wendy Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Also in 2009, Law became one of three actors who took over the role of actor Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam's film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Along with Law, actors Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell portray "three separate dimensions in the film".<ref>Bonnie Malkin. "Heath Ledger 'replaced' by Hollywood stars" Template:Webarchive. The Daily Telegraph. 26 February 2008. Retrieved 12 March 2008.</ref><ref>Marsha Lederman. "They did it for Heath" Template:Webarchive. The Globe and Mail. 19 April 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2008.</ref>
In 2010, Law appeared opposite Forest Whitaker in the dark science fiction comedy Repo Men,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and also starred as Dr. Watson in Guy Ritchie's adaption of Sherlock Holmes, alongside Robert Downey, Jr. and Rachel McAdams,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> as well as the 2011 sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2009, Law starred as a drag-performing supermodel in Sally Potter's film Rage.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He portrayed blogger Alan Krumwiede in the 2011 medical thriller Contagion. The Hollywood Reporter critic Todd McCarthy called the character "excellent" and praised the "compelling ferociousness" of Law's portrayal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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In May 2015, it was announced that Law would portray Lenny Belardo/Pius XIII, an American cardinal who becomes the pope.<ref name="Jude Law to play conservative Catholic Pope">Template:Cite web</ref> A ten-episode series titled The Young Pope was jointly produced by Sky Atlantic and Canal+ with HBO, and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. The series began airing in various countries in October 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In their respective reviews for The Guardian and The New York Times, Rebecca Nicholson praised the "surprising charm" with which Law strikes a balance between the qualities of a "vindictive authoritarian and wounded man-child", while James Poniewozik described his role as "saddled with stiff dialogue".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Law reprised in the role in the spin-off series The New Pope, which premiered on HBO on 13 January 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also starred in the miniseries The Third Day, which premiered on HBO on 14 September 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Law portrayed Albus Dumbledore, a wizard, in the fantasy film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was released on 16 November 2018 to mixed reviews.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Law acted as a screenwriter in Woody Allen's A Rainy Day in New York (2019).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Law also portrayed Yon-Rogg in the 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Captain Marvel,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which was a global box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2023, Law played Captain Hook in Peter Pan & Wendy, a live-action adaptation of the animated film Peter Pan, which was released directly onto Disney+.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is set to star in the limited series The Auteur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Law is starring in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which premiered on Disney+ on 2 December 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Law was attached to play artist Roland Penrose in Lee, a World War II-era drama film directed by Ellen Kuras,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but was later replaced by Alexander Skarsgård.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In Olivier Assayas's political drama The Wizard of the Kremlin, Jude Law steps into the shoes of a far more foreboding figure: Vladimir Putin.<ref name="The Guardian">Template:Cite news</ref> The film's premiere was at the Venice film festival.<ref name="The Guardian"/>
Other work
Activism
In 2002, Law directed a Respect for Animals anti-fur cinema commercial, titled "Fur and Against". It used music composed by Gary Kemp, and included appearances by Law, Chrissie Hynde, Moby, George Michael, Danny Goffey, Rhys Ifans, Sadie Frost, Helena Christensen, Sir Paul McCartney, Melanie C, and Stella McCartney.<ref>"New Nationwide Anti-Fur Commercial" Template:Webarchive, Respect for Animals, press release, 19 February 2002. "Fur and Against" Template:Webarchive on YouTube, added 6 December 2006. Retrieved 7 January 2009.</ref> In 2013, Law, representing PETA, wrote a letter to the World Trade Organization in support of keeping the European Union's restrictions against the seal trade; the restriction, which had been implemented three years prior, faced opposition from the Canadian government.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2011, Law joined street protests against Alexander Lukashenko and his brutal crackdown on the Belarusian democracy movement.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Afghanistan peace efforts
In July 2007, Law and Jeremy Gilley were in Afghanistan over a period of ten days to document peace commitments and activities there for an upcoming film and for marking the UN International Day of Peace.<ref>Charlie Rose. "A Conversation with Actor Jude Law" Template:Webarchive. The Charlie Rose Show, WNET (New York), broadcast 19–20 October 2007, streaming video posted 22 October 2007. Retrieved 3 March 2008.</ref><ref>Roshan Khadivi. "International Day of Peace ..." Template:Webarchive UNICEF. Official home page, 20 September 2007. Retrieved 21 November 2007.</ref> Accompanied by UNICEF Representative Catherine Mbengue, they travelled and filmed in dangerous areas of eastern Afghanistan with a film crew, interviewing children, government ministers, community leaders and UN officials.<ref>"American Actor Jude Law Promotes Peace Day During Afghan Travels" Template:Webarchive. Embassy of Afghanistan, Washington, D.C., Official home page. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref> They also filmed at schools and visited various UNICEF-supported programmes inside and outside the capital Kabul.<ref>"Peace One Day Ambassador Jude Law's 'secret' Mission to Afghanistan" Template:Webarchive. UNICEF, Official home page, 18 July 2007. Retrieved 21 November 2007.</ref><ref>Fiona Cummins. "Jude's Afghan Mission" Template:Webarchive. Daily Mirror. 12 September 2007.</ref> The efforts of Peace One Day are coordinated in celebration of the annual International Day of Peace, on 21 September.<ref>"Afghanistan: Press briefing, 11 September 2007" Template:Webarchive. United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). 11 September 2007.</ref><ref>Cf. "Peace One Day Concert" Template:Webarchive, Royal Albert Hall. home.i-concerts.com. 21 September 2007.</ref> The film, named The Day After Peace, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival,<ref>Anita Singh. "Cannes Film Festival: Jude Law's peace campaign". The Daily Telegraph. 19 May 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2008.</ref><ref>Mark Brown. "From Afghanistan to Cannes: how Jude Law joined film-maker's campaign for a world day of peace" Template:Webarchive. The Guardian. 20 May 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2008.</ref><ref>Simon Crerar. "Jude Law calls for more happy news from Afghanistan" Template:Webarchive. The Times. 20 May 2008. Retrieved 25 May 2008.</ref> after which it was further shown at a gala screening at the Royal Albert Hall on 21 September 2008.<ref>"Peace One Day Gala" Template:Webarchive. Peace One Day. Official home page. Retrieved 1 August 2008.</ref>
On 30 August 2008, Law and Gilley returned to Afghanistan to help keep up momentum around Peace Day. They met President Hamid Karzai, top NATO and UN officials, and members of the aid community, where they also screened The Day After Peace, which features activities that took place throughout Afghanistan in 2007. It also highlights support from UNICEF and the WHO for the peaceful immunisation of 1.4 million children against polio in insecure areas.<ref>Roshan Khadivi. "Actor Jude Law and director Jeremy Gilley in Afghanistan to promote peace" Template:Webarchive. UNICEF. Official home page. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref><ref>"UNICEF Special Reports" Template:Webarchive. UNICEF. Official home page, video linked. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref><ref>"Karzai meets British actor Jude Law" Template:Webarchive. AFP. 4 September 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref><ref>"Jude Law says: give peace a chance" Template:Webarchive. The Sunday Times. 14 September 2008. Retrieved 25 September 2008.</ref>
Philanthropy
In 2004, Law launched a campaign to raise £2.5 million towards the Young Vic Theatre's £12.5 million redevelopment project,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Ruth Gillespie. "Young Vic Project Backed by Jude Law" Template:Webarchive. The Stage. 10 February 2004.</ref><ref>"Law's Bid to Rebuild Young Vic" Template:Webarchive. BBC News. 10 February 2004.</ref> with the theatre successfully re-opening in 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As of 2007, Law was Chairman of the Young Vic committee, during which he expressed dignity for his contributions towards the theatre.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2006, he joined Robbie Williams in the "Soccer Aid" celebrity football match to benefit UNICEF.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
In 2006, he starred in an anthology of Samuel Beckett readings and performances directed by Anthony Minghella. With the Beckett Gala Evening at the Reading Town Hall, more than £22,000 was donated for the Macmillan Cancer Support.<ref>"Beckett event money handed over" Template:Webarchive. BBC News. 20 June 2006.</ref> Also in 2006, Frost and Law directed a Shakespeare play in a South African orphanage. He travelled to Durban with Frost and their children to help children who have lost their parents to AIDS.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In July 2007, as patron of the charity, he helped kick off the month-long tour of the AIDS-themed musical Thula Sizwe by the Young Zulu Warriors.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Also in 2007, he encouraged the Friends of the Earth/the Big Ask campaign, asking British government to take action against climate change.<ref>"Jude Law's video message". the Big Ask campaign. 4 July 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2008.</ref><ref>"The Big Ask Film" Template:Webarchive. The Big Ask campaign. Retrieved 26 January 2008.</ref><ref>"Radiohead's Thom Yorke to guest-edit Observer Magazine." Template:Webarchive 20 March 2008.</ref>
Law has done charity work for organizations such as Make Poverty History, the Rhys Daniels Trust, and the WAVE Trauma Centre.<ref>Cf. Rhys Daniels Trust Template:Webarchive and the WAVE Trauma Centre Template:Webarchive. Look to the Stars. looktothestars.org.</ref> He supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Pride of Britain Awards.<ref>"Jude Law – Foundation Supporter" Template:Webarchive. worldwish.org. (official site), featuring hyperlinked "Princess Erin meets her Prince at the Summer Ball" Template:Webarchive. Make-A-Wish Foundation.</ref><ref>"Make-A-Wish Valentine's Ball brings love to London" Template:Webarchive. Make-A-Wish Foundation. worldwish.org (official site). Retrieved 1 April 2009.</ref><ref>"Fundraiser of The Year, Kirsteen Lupton" Template:Webarchive, Pride of Britain Award Winners 2006, Official site.</ref><ref>"Celebrity Quotes" Template:Webarchive, Pride of Britain Award Winners 2006, Official site.</ref>
He is the chairman of the Music For Tomorrow Foundation to help rebuild Katrina-devastated New Orleans.<ref name=Message>Jude Law, "A Message from Our Chair" Template:Webarchive, Music for Tomorrow. Retrieved 10 September 2009. Cf. "Jude Law's Charity Work" Template:Webarchive. Look to the Stars. looktothestars.org. with hyperlinked featured Video.</ref><ref>Nell Nolan. "Annual events call for perennial parties" Template:Webarchive. The Times Picayune. 7 May 2007.</ref>
Law serves as an ambassador of the Prince of Wales' Children and the Arts Foundation.<ref>"TRH host a gala evening ..." Template:Webarchive. HRH The Prince of Wales, Official website. Retrieved 1 August 2008.</ref> He supports Breast Cancer Care,<ref>"Celebrity Auction Pinkridges" Template:Webarchive. Selfridges. Retrieved 5 April 2009.</ref> and in December 2008 he supported the Willow Foundation by creating a small canvas for their campaign Stars on Canvas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In April 2009 he supported the charity Education Africa with the gift of a mask he had painted and signed himself. The campaign was launched on eBay by Education Africa.<ref>"MAKE A FACE CAMPAIGN" Template:Webarchive. Education Africa. Retrieved 5 April 2009.</ref>
Law, alongside Judi Dench, helped save St Stephen's Church in Hampstead. They supported the campaign, which raised £4.5 million to refurbish the Victorian church in North London. The building reopened in March 2009 as an arts and community centre.<ref>"Dame Judi Dench and Jude Law help save Victorian church" Template:Webarchive. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 5 April 2009.</ref><ref>"About St. Stephen's" Template:Webarchive. Antic Disposition. Retrieved 5 April 2009.</ref>
Realtime Movie
In early 2007, Law shot the short film Realtime Movie Trailer at Borough Market, South London. Instead of promoting a film, this "trailer", which appeared among regular trailers in selected cinemas across London starting 19 November 2007, advertised a live event, Realtime Movie by Polish artist Paweł Althamer. Hundreds turned up for this unfilmed reenactment, in real time, of the sequence of events shown in Realtime Movie Trailer by the same actors, including Althamer as a Polish labourer, held on 30 November 2007. The performance was commissioned by Tate Modern as part of its "The World as a Stage" exhibition, which explored the boundaries between arts and reality.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Music
Law is a featured artist on Vampire Weekend's 2019 album, Father of the Bride, in which he recites Thomas Campbell's poem "Lord Ullin's Daughter" during the song of the same name.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Modelling
Since 2005, Law has represented Dunhill as an "apparel ambassador" in Asia,<ref>Jiang Jingjing. "Touch of Class". China Daily. (English version), 6 March 2006. Template:Webarchive Retrieved 18 January 2008.</ref> where in 2008 he became the international face of the brand and began appearing in worldwide advertising campaigns.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> That same year, Law became the face of the men's perfume, Homme Sport by Dior.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>"Christian Dior Perfumes." Template:Webarchive. Retrieved 30 September 2009.</ref> In 2022, both Law and his son Raff became ambassadors for Italian luxury brand Brioni.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Personal life
In 2010, Law purchased a property in Highgate, London,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> moving from Primrose Hill with his then-partner Sienna Miller.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His residence was at The Grove, a street known for its notable residents.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Throughout the 2000s, an "unhealthy amount of information" about Law's life had been in the possession of the media, prompting his involvement in the News International phone hacking scandal. Additionally, a family member of his was alleged to have been paid by News of the World to share information with them.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Family and relationships
Law is the younger brother of Natasha Law, an illustrator and artist based in London.<ref>"Natasha Law" Template:Webarchive. Eleven Fine Art Gallery, London.</ref><ref>Dolly Jones. "Fashion Law" Template:Webarchive. Vogue. 10 May 2006. Retrieved 19 November 2007.</ref> His parents live in Vaudelnay, France, where they run their own drama school and theatre.<ref name="Rose">Charlie Rose. "A Conversation with Actor Jude Law" Template:Webarchive. The Charlie Rose Show broadcast on WNET (New York); video clip posted 27 October 2007. Retrieved 12 November 2007.</ref> Law has been a supporter of the Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur since 1981, a love which came from his grandfather Eric. When asked whether acting on stage or supporting Spurs was more stressful, Law replied "Oh, supporting Spurs, undoubtedly!"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 2 September 1997, Law married actress Sadie Frost,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> whom he had met in 1992 on the set of Shopping.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They have three children, including Raff and Iris.<ref name="JudeLawsChildren">Template:Cite news</ref> On 29 October 2003, the couple divorced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> While filming Alfie (2004) in late 2003, Law and co-star Sienna Miller began a relationship then became engaged in 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 8 July 2005, Law issued a public apology to Miller for having an affair with his children's nanny.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Miller and Law ended their relationship in November 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2008, Law was in a brief relationship with American model Samantha Burke,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>"US model is mother of Law's child" Template:Webarchive. BBC News. 31 July 2009. Retrieved 9 September 2009.</ref> who gave birth to his fourth child in September 2009.<ref name="JudeLawsChildren"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His fifth child was born in 2015, to Catherine Harding.<ref name="JudeLawsChildren"/> On 1 May 2019, he married his girlfriend Phillipa Coan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2020, Law announced the birth of the couple's first child together, who is also his sixth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their second child, and his seventh, was born in February 2023.<ref name="JudeLawsChildren"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Acting credits
Awards and nominations
Film
Television
| Award | Year | Result | Category | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Globe Awards | 2017 | Template:Nom | Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film | The Young Pope |
| Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | 2025 | Template:Nom | Favorite Male TV Star (Family) | Star Wars: Skeleton Crew |
| Children's and Family Emmy Awards | 2026 | Template:Pending | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program | Star Wars: Skeleton Crew |
Theatre
| Award | Year | Result | Category | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurence Olivier Award | 1994 | Template:Nom | Best Newcomer in a Play | Les Parents terribles (1994) |
| 2010 | Template:Nom | Best Leading Actor in a Play | Hamlet (2010) | |
| 2012 | Template:Nom | Best Leading Actor in a Play | Anna Christie (2012) | |
| Ian Charleson Award | 1994 | Template:Won | Ian Charleson Award | Ion (1995) |
| 1999 | Commendation | Ian Charleson Award | 'Tis Pity She's a Whore (1999) | |
| Tony Award | 1995 | Template:Nom | Best Featured Actor in a Play | Indiscretions (1995) |
| 2010 | Template:Nom | Best Leading Actor in a Play | Hamlet (2010) | |
| Theatre World Award | 1995 | Template:Won | Theatre World Award | Indiscretions (1995) |
| Critics' Circle Theatre Award | 2010 | Template:Won | Best Shakespearean Performance | Hamlet (2010) |
| South Bank Show Award | 2010 | Template:Won | Best Leading Actor | Hamlet (2010) |
| Whatsonstage.com Award | 2010 | Template:Won | Best Leading Actor | Hamlet (2010) |
| 2012 | Template:Nom | Best Leading Actor | Anna Christie (2011) | |
| Falstaff Award | 2010 | Template:Won | Best Leading Actor | Hamlet (2010) |
| Outer Critics Circle Award | 2010 | Template:Nom | Best Leading Actor | Hamlet (2010) |
| Drama League Award | 2010 | Template:Nom | Best Performance | Hamlet (2010) |
| Drama Desk Award | 2010 | Template:Nom | Best Performance | Hamlet (2010) |
See also
- List of British actors
- List of Academy Award winners and nominees from Great Britain
- List of actors with Academy Award nominations
- List of actors with more than one Academy Award nomination in the acting categories
References
External links
- Template:IMDb name
- Template:IBDB name
- Template:Screenonline name
- Filmography Jude Law at the British Film Institute (BFI). Retrieved 25 May 2008.
- Pages with broken file links
- 1972 births
- Living people
- 20th-century English male actors
- 21st-century English male actors
- People educated at Alleyn's School
- Actors from the London Borough of Lewisham
- Actors from the Royal Borough of Greenwich
- Audiobook narrators
- Best Supporting Actor BAFTA Award winners
- César Honorary Award recipients
- Chevaliers of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
- Critics' Circle Theatre Award winners
- English male film actors
- English male Shakespearean actors
- English male stage actors
- English male television actors
- English male voice actors
- English people of Welsh descent
- Male actors from Kent
- Male actors from London
- People educated at Corelli College
- People from Blackheath, London
- People from Lewisham
- Theatre World Award winners
- People Sexiest Man Alive