Biography
Colin Firth was born in 1960 in Grayshott, Hampshire, England. As a child he lived in the US and Nigeria as his teacher father moved across the world. After settling in Hampshire, his education proceeded much like that of any other English boy, though Firth was always active in theater and continued his education at the Drama Centre in London.
Colin Firth
Though technically his first performance was as an infant in a Christmas play, he made his mark on the grown-up acting world on the London stage in 1983. His first screen role was in the same work, though cast in a different part. He went on to appear in numerous British TV and film roles throughout the 1980s, including a highly acclaimed turn as Mr. Darcy in the BBC’s mini-series production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
After that his success became international with roles in such high profile films as Shakespeare in Love, Love Actually, Bridget Jones Diary and The English Patient. Firth’s first Academy Award nomination came for Lead Actor in 2009’s A Single Man, his second only a year later for The King’s Speech. No longer considered a “romantic comedy actor” by the masses in the US, he has become an A-list leading man and dramatic actor.
Firth is a longtime supporter of Survivor International, a group supporting the rights of tribal peoples as well as campaigns to stop the deportation of people to the Democratic Republic of Congo and to promote fair trade. Firth has a son with actress Meg Tilly, with whom he co-starred in Valmont. The two did not marry. He married Livia Giugiolli in 1997 and the couple has two sons.
–S. Millinocket
photo by Rathika Mawtus
Posts
New on Netflix – November 15th and November 22nd
Short Days, Long Nights, New DVDs It’s getting dark pretty early these days in the hinterland. As we hunker down and wait for the inevitable deep, dark winter it’s time to stock up on entertainment. Some books, some CDs and a whooooooole lot of movies. This is the time of year when I start to [...]
New on Netflix – April 19th and April 26th
It’s a Spring Bonanza! Oh, my. It’s a good two weeks in Netflix land! We’ve got Oscar nominees and winners bursting out all over the place. A little Colin Firth here, a little Natalie Portman there and a dash of Nicole Kidman to add some icy chilliness. Of course we also have our required dose [...]
Dissecting Oscar
Love it? Hate it? Let’s dig in! Anne and James Okay, let’s start with our hosts, Anne Hathaway and James Franco. In an attempt to make the broadcast more relevant to a younger demographic, we got young, supposedly hip hosts. While I suspect abject failure in attracting younger viewers, I didn’t think the [...]
Rooting for Colin and the King
Late to the party, but an enthusiastic guest… Fine, so I may be the last person on Earth to see The King’s Speech. I’m okay with that. I’m just glad I managed to see it before the Oscar broadcast – this is a movie really worth rooting for. Historical drama has never really [...]
Prepping for Oscar – The Movies
From 5 to 10, more to love… Now that we’re mere days from Oscar, let’s take a look at the movie nominated for Best Picture. Since last year’s switch from 5 nominees to 10, things have gotten a little more interesting. It isn’t like any more have a chance of winning, but I like the [...]
2011 Oscar Movies on Netflix
Dates here, get your dates here! Netflix and DVD release dates for 2011 Oscar nominated films Just a quickie to give all you Netflix fans the scoop on what’s available on DVD and Blu-Ray and at Netflix for Oscar movies. At this point some of the Best Picture nominees are out for both rent or purchase, some [...]
The Golden Globes Were Sunday. Whoopee.
Don’t let my enthusiasm overwhelm you. Sure, I’m supposed to be the Movie Lady. I’m supposed to Love Movies. I’m even supposed to Write About Movies. And I am, I am and I do. But I have no love for the insipid Golden Globe Awards. Or most other awards shows, for that matter. This time [...]
New on Netflix – November 2nd and November 9th
It’s that time again! Time to check out what’s new on DVD and what’s new over at Netflix. As we know, the two aren’t always the same anymore, with delays on some Netflix releases and even an occasional Netflix scoop. Let’s see what’s up for the next couple of weeks. November 2nd Splice (sci-fi thriller, [...]
New on Netflix – August 24th and August 31st
You want the scoop? I got the scoop. Another two weeks, another batch of new movies to watch on DVD! Though usually something of a technophobe, I have to say….I LOVE MY BIG HDTV! It isn’t huge by industry standards, but I remember well the days of 13 inch CRT TVs with coat hanger rabbit ears [...]
Knight and Day Trailer Release Sparks Interest – HSX Today
Knight and Day Trailer Release Sparks Interest – HSX Today
Can We Have Oscar Movies on DVD from Netflix? Pleeease???
Providing DVD dates for the Big Movies. A Public Service just for you. I know – I feel it, too. I want to know when I can get all the big Oscar movies on DVD from Netflix. Well, how about I tell you! Lots are already released (more nominees, fewer releases to theaters at the last minute). [...]
The Oscars Are Coming! The Oscars Are Coming!
Academy Award Nominations make me giddy and cranky So here’s the poop. I love the Oscars. The rest of the awards shows, whatever, but the Oscars are king. Each year I watch for the nominations, try and see as many of the movies as I can (unless I don’t want to – yes I [...]
Reviews
Bridget Jones Diary – Can Colin save Renee from her nattering neuroses?
Love Actually – Cute and complicated romantic comedy
Nanny McPhee – Colin sweetly bumbles while Emma Thompson makes with the magic
Then She Found Me – Charming and lovable Colin in a romance with Helen Hunt
A Single Man – Colin should have won the Oscar for this brilliant performance
The King’s Speech – And Colin deserved the Oscar he did win for this one
