50 Facts About Eddie Redmayne

Early Life and Education

Eddie Redmayne's journey to stardom began in London, where he was born into a family with no prior ties to acting. His early years were marked by a strong academic background and a budding interest in the arts.

1. Full Name: Edward John David Redmayne
2. Birthdate: January 6, 1982
3. Birthplace: Westminster, London, England
4. Nationality: British
5. Occupation: Actor
6. Education: Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge (BA in Art History)
7. Spouse: Hannah Bagshawe (married in 2014)
8. Children: Two children with Hannah Bagshawe
9. Family Background: Redmayne is the first in his family to pursue a career in acting.
10. Siblings: He has an older brother named James Redmayne.
11. Great-Grandfather: Richard Redmayne, a notable figure in the history of thermodynamics.
12. Influences: His early influences include musicals like Les Misérables, which he saw with his family at the age of 7.

Early Career

Redmayne's first steps into acting were taken on stage, where he quickly made a name for himself with his talent and dedication.

13. Stage Debut: Redmayne made his stage debut in his early teens in a London production of Oliver! directed by Sam Mendes.
14. Minor Role: He played a minor role as workhouse boy number 40 in Oliver!.
15. Training: He trained at the Jackie Palmer Stage School and performed with the National Youth Music Theatre.
16. Student Productions: During his time at Trinity College, Cambridge, Redmayne performed in student productions while studying art history.

Early Professional Roles

Redmayne's professional career began with notable roles in theater, showcasing his versatility and earning him critical acclaim.

17. First Professional Role: Redmayne's first professional role was in the 1994 production of Oliver! at the London Palladium.
18. Shakespeare’s Globe: He starred as Viola in a 2002 production of Twelfth Night at the Shakespeare’s Globe.
19. Edward Albee’s The Goat: Redmayne played a gay teenager in Edward Albee’s The Goat; or, Who Is Sylvia? in 2004, earning him an Olivier Award nomination.

Television Roles

Redmayne's talent soon caught the attention of television producers, leading to several significant roles on the small screen.

20. Television Debut: Redmayne made his television debut in 1998 with an episode of Animal Ark.
21. BBC Miniseries: He appeared in the BBC miniseries Tess of the d'Urbervilles and The Pillars of the Earth.
22. WWI Soldier: His performance as a WWI soldier in Birdsong was described as "mesmerising" and "astonishing" by David Chater.

Film Breakthrough

Redmayne's film career took off with a series of roles that showcased his range and depth as an actor.

23. First Leading Role: Redmayne’s first leading film role was in Like Minds (2006).
24. Supporting Roles: He took supporting roles in Savage Grace (2007) and The Yellow Handkerchief (2008).
25. Breakthrough Role: His breakthrough came with the roles of Colin Clark in My Week with Marilyn (2011) and Marius Pontmercy in Les Misérables (2012).

Awards and Accolades

Redmayne's performances have earned him numerous awards, solidifying his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

26. Academy Award: Redmayne won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything (2014).
27. Golden Globe: He also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for the same role.
28. BAFTA Award: Redmayne won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Theory of Everything.
29. Tony Award: He won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in Red (2010).
30. Olivier Award: Redmayne earned two Olivier Awards, one for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in Cabaret (2022) and another for Best Actor in a Musical for the same role when it transferred to Broadway in 2024.

Notable Roles

Redmayne's ability to transform into his characters has led to some of the most memorable performances in recent cinema.

31. Stephen Hawking: Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything was widely acclaimed and earned him numerous awards.
32. Lili Elbe: He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl (2015).
33. Newt Scamander: Redmayne starred as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts film series from 2016 to 2022.
34. Tom Hayden: He portrayed Tom Hayden in The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020).
35. Charles Cullen: Redmayne played Charles Cullen in The Good Nurse (2022).

Other Projects

Redmayne has also taken on a variety of other roles, showcasing his versatility and willingness to take risks.

36. Jupiter Ascending: Redmayne appeared in the Wachowski sisters’ film Jupiter Ascending (2015) as Balem Abrasax, earning him a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor.
37. The Aeronauts: He played a meteorologist in The Aeronauts (2019), an action-adventure film based on an actual balloon expedition in 1862.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Redmayne has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and hobbies.

38. Marriage: Redmayne married Hannah Bagshawe in 2014.
39. Family Life: He has two children with his wife.
40. Hobbies: Redmayne enjoys horseback riding, although he has admitted to lying about his experience during auditions for Elizabeth I.

Interesting Facts

Redmayne's life is filled with interesting tidbits that add to his charm and appeal.

41. Classmates with Prince William: Redmayne was classmates with Prince William at Eton College and even played rugby together.
42. Colorblind: Redmayne is colorblind, although he can distinguish between certain colors.
43. First Man Born in the 1980s to Win an Oscar: He became the first man born in the 1980s to win an Academy Award for acting.
44. Recognized on a Plane: Redmayne first realized his level of fame when he was recognized on a plane while sleeping.

Career Milestones

Redmayne's career has been marked by several significant milestones that highlight his talent and dedication.

45. West End Debut: Redmayne made his West End debut in The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? in 2004.
46. Broadway Debut: He made his Broadway debut in the transfer of Red in 2010, earning a Tony Award.
47. Cabaret Revival: Redmayne starred as The Emcee in a West End revival of Cabaret in 2022, earning an Olivier Award.

Impact and Legacy

Redmayne's impact on the film industry and his legacy as an actor are undeniable, with performances that have touched audiences worldwide.

48. Portrayal of Stephen Hawking: Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking was praised by Hawking himself, who stated that Redmayne portrayed him very well.
49. Relevance to ALS Patients: The film The Theory of Everything was found to be very relevant to patients and carers of motor neurone disease (MND) by Dr. Katie Sidle.
50. Continued Success: Redmayne continues to be one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, with a wide range of roles in both film and theater.

Eddie Redmayne: A Remarkable Journey

Eddie Redmayne's rise from a minor role in Oliver! to an Academy Award-winning actor showcases his dedication and versatility. With standout performances in The Theory of Everything and Fantastic Beasts, he's proven his ability to transform into diverse characters. His education at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, laid a strong foundation for his career. Redmayne's accolades, including an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Tony Award, highlight his talent and hard work. Beyond acting, he's a devoted family man, married to Hannah Bagshawe with two children. His journey is inspiring, showing that passion and perseverance can lead to incredible success. Whether on stage or screen, Eddie Redmayne continues to captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His story is a testament to the power of following one's dreams and the rewards that come with unwavering commitment.