Why are they famous: Rufus Sewell
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Main claim
Smouldering, Byronic, ringletted hero. Smouldered in crippling nether garments through Middlemarch, Cold Comfort Farm, The Woodlanders. Hates the smouldering tag and has tried non-smouldery roles in films like Martha - Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence. Now attempting not to smoulder in the title role in Macbeth on stage, which has received mixed reviews. School contemporary of Patsy Kensit, has stepped out with Kate Winslet, and ran away from Madonna half way through a "date" at Le Caprice. Has just married fashion buyer girlfriend Yasmin Abdallah in a low-key register office ceremony, and went straight to work after the big event. "It's very exciting but there's a play to put on."
Appearance
Dark-haired, chiselled, pouting smoulderer. "Impossibly handsome", "ridiculously handsome", "smoulderingly handsome" etc. Hunky young gypsy cleaned up and put in a frock coat. Bags-under-the-eyes new-lad scruff. "I have my friends round, shout, throw things, drink beer, watch telly," he confesses shyly.
Typecast
Likes to point out earlier roles as a Scottish heroin addict and a phone sex-pest, with absolutely no smouldering involved. And! Shock! He longs for short hair: "I look like an Eighties queen". Directors don't agree. "They always say, `No, dear, leave it, hmmm?'" His elegantly cropped bride has less hair than he does.
Misspent youth
Turned up at Richmond College with two-tone hair, nail varnish and Victorian frock coat. Slept in a loft above the stage at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Gathered the obligatory inferiority complex. "I have a profound feeling of ugliness." Smouldering ugliness? Nah.
Fame prospects
Denies any desire to make it big in the US. "You end up worrying about paying your swimming-pool cleaner. You play villain number four in a mindless movie to support this lifestyle," he says astutely. With plenty of Austens and Eliots ripe for the adapting, he need never sully his art - as long as he keeps smouldering.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments