Maggy Cave

Written by Maggy Cave

Published: 23 Apr 2025

36-facts-about-jonathan-pryce
Source: Hellomagazine.com

Jonathan Pryce is a name that resonates with fans of theater, film, and television. But who is this versatile actor, and what makes him so special? Born in Wales, Pryce has graced stages and screens worldwide, earning accolades for his compelling performances. From his early days in British theater to his memorable roles in blockbuster films and hit TV series, Pryce's career spans decades. Whether you recognize him as the High Sparrow in "Game of Thrones" or from his Oscar-nominated role in "The Two Popes," there's much to learn about this talented actor. Ready to dive into 36 fascinating facts about Jonathan Pryce? Let's get started!

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Pryce, a versatile actor known for his work on stage and screen, has an intriguing background that shaped his career.

  1. 01Born on June 1, 1947, in Holywell, Wales, Pryce grew up in a working-class family.
  2. 02His birth name is John Price, but he adopted the stage name Jonathan Pryce to avoid confusion with another actor.
  3. 03Pryce attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he honed his acting skills.
  4. 04Before pursuing acting, he briefly studied to become a teacher at Edge Hill College in Ormskirk.

Career Beginnings

Pryce's journey to stardom began with humble roles and gradually escalated to significant performances.

  1. 05His first professional acting job was with the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool.
  2. 06Pryce made his Broadway debut in 1976 with the play "Comedians," earning critical acclaim.
  3. 07He won his first Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in "Comedians."
  4. 08Pryce's early film roles include a part in the 1976 movie "Voyage of the Damned."

Breakthrough Roles

Pryce's talent soon led to more prominent roles that showcased his versatility.

  1. 09He gained international fame for his role as Sam Lowry in Terry Gilliam's 1985 film "Brazil."
  2. 10Pryce starred alongside Madonna in the 1996 film adaptation of the musical "Evita," playing Juan Perón.
  3. 11His portrayal of The Engineer in the musical "Miss Saigon" earned him a second Tony Award.
  4. 12Pryce played the villain Eliot Carver in the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997).

Stage Success

Pryce's stage performances have been as remarkable as his screen roles, earning him numerous accolades.

  1. 13He won an Olivier Award for his role in the 1980 production of "Hamlet."
  2. 14Pryce starred in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "Macbeth" in 1986.
  3. 15He played the title role in the 2003 Broadway revival of "The Caretaker."
  4. 16Pryce's performance in "The Merchant of Venice" at Shakespeare's Globe in 2015 was widely praised.

Television Appearances

Pryce has also made significant contributions to television, captivating audiences with his performances.

  1. 17He played Cardinal Wolsey in the BBC series "Wolf Hall" (2015).
  2. 18Pryce portrayed High Sparrow in the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones" from 2015 to 2016.
  3. 19He starred as Sir Stuart Strange in the BBC series "Taboo" (2017).
  4. 20Pryce took on the role of Pope Francis in the Netflix film "The Two Popes" (2019).

Awards and Honors

Pryce's exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

  1. 21He received a BAFTA nomination for his role in "The Two Popes."
  2. 22Pryce was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009 for his services to drama.
  3. 23He won the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award for his role in "The Age of Innocence" (1993).
  4. 24Pryce received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for "Miss Saigon."

Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Pryce's personal life adds another layer to his fascinating story.

  1. 25He has been married to actress Kate Fahy since 1974.
  2. 26The couple has three children: Patrick, Gabriel, and Phoebe.
  3. 27Pryce is an avid supporter of Liverpool FC.
  4. 28He enjoys painting and has had his artwork exhibited in galleries.

Interesting Tidbits

Pryce's life is filled with intriguing facts that highlight his unique personality and interests.

  1. 29He is fluent in Welsh and often incorporates his heritage into his work.
  2. 30Pryce has a passion for gardening and spends much of his free time tending to his garden.
  3. 31He has narrated several audiobooks, including works by Charles Dickens and J.R.R. Tolkien.
  4. 32Pryce is a patron of the charity Peace One Day, which promotes global ceasefire and non-violence.

Recent Projects

Even in recent years, Pryce continues to captivate audiences with his performances.

  1. 33He starred in the 2021 film "The Wife" alongside Glenn Close.
  2. 34Pryce played Prince Philip in the final seasons of the Netflix series "The Crown."
  3. 35He appeared in the 2022 film "All the Old Knives" with Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton.
  4. 36Pryce continues to work on various stage and screen projects, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for acting.

Jonathan Pryce: A Remarkable Journey

Jonathan Pryce's career is nothing short of impressive. From his early days in theater to his standout roles in film and television, he's proven his versatility time and again. Whether playing a villain in "Tomorrow Never Dies" or a religious leader in "The Two Popes," Pryce brings depth and nuance to every character. His dedication to his craft has earned him numerous awards and nominations, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry. Beyond acting, Pryce's commitment to social causes and his humble beginnings make his story even more inspiring. As fans, we can only look forward to what he'll do next. His journey reminds us that talent, hard work, and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. Jonathan Pryce isn't just an actor; he's a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.