Averyl Bidwell

Written by Averyl Bidwell

Published: 19 Sep 2024

50-facts-about-charlie-hunnam
Source: Deadline.com

Who is Charlie Hunnam? Charlie Hunnam, born Charles Matthew Hunnam on April 10, 1980, in Newcastle, England, is a British actor and screenwriter known for his diverse roles in both television and film. With striking blue eyes and blonde hair, he stands at 6'1". Hunnam's journey began at 17 when he was discovered in a shoe store, leading to his first role in Byker Grove. He gained fame as Nathan Maloney in Queer as Folk and later as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy. Beyond acting, he has ventured into screenwriting, with projects like Vlad and a film about gypsy culture in Britain.

Key Takeaways:

  • Charlie Hunnam, the talented actor from Newcastle, England, rose to fame with his role as Jax Teller in "Sons of Anarchy." He's also a skilled screenwriter and a man of diverse interests, from painting to music.
  • From his early days in Newcastle to his Hollywood success, Charlie Hunnam's journey is filled with interesting facts. He's not just a talented actor, but also a dedicated screenwriter and a man with a deep appreciation for art and culture.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Career

Charlie Hunnam's journey to stardom began in Newcastle, England. His early life and career set the foundation for his future success.

  1. Full Name: Charles Matthew Hunnam.
  2. Date of Birth: April 10, 1980.
  3. Hometown: Newcastle, England, UK.
  4. Currently Resides: Los Angeles, California, USA.
  5. Eye Color: Blue.
  6. Hair Color: Blonde.
  7. Height: 6′ 1″.
  8. Siblings: Four brothers; he is the second oldest.
  9. Discovery: Hunnam was discovered at 17 in a JD Sports store while buying shoes with his brother.
  10. First Role: He was cast as Jason in the teen drama Byker Grove.
  11. Modelling Career: Briefly modeled for Kangol Caps but decided it wasn't for him.
  12. Major Role: At 18, he was cast as Nathan Maloney in Queer as Folk.
  13. Film Debut: Played Daz in Whatever Happened to Harold Smith? (1999).
  14. US Move: Moved to the US and appeared in Young Americans.

Notable Roles

Hunnam's acting prowess shone through in various roles, making him a household name.

  1. Undeclared: Played Lloyd Haythe in the Fox series Undeclared.
  2. Abandon: Appeared in Abandon (2002), Nicholas Nickleby (2002), and Cold Mountain (2003).
  3. Green Street: His Cockney accent in Green Street (2005) was criticized.
  4. Children of Men: Played Patric in Children of Men (2006).
  5. Sons of Anarchy: Best known for his role as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014).
  6. Pacific Rim: Starred as Raleigh Becket in Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim (2013).

Recent Work

Hunnam continues to captivate audiences with his recent projects.

  1. Last Looks: Portrayed Charlie Waldo in Last Looks (2022).
  2. Shantaram: Starred in Apple TV+'s Shantaram (2022).
  3. Rebel Moon: Joined Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon project in 2023.
  4. Rebel Moon Release: Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire released in December 2023, followed by Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver in April 2024.
  5. Criminal Series: Cast as Leo in Amazon Prime Video's adaptation of Criminal (2024).

Screenwriting

Hunnam's talents extend beyond acting; he's also a skilled screenwriter.

  1. Vlad: Sold his screenplay Vlad to Summit Entertainment.
  2. Edgar Valdez Villareal: Developing a screenplay based on a Rolling Stone article about the American drug lord.
  3. Gypsy Culture Film: Working on a film about gypsy culture in Britain, which he hopes to direct.

Personal Life

Hunnam's personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the roles.

  1. Family Background: His maternal grandmother was a premiere portrait artist in Newcastle.
  2. Education: Attended Heaton Manor School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Graduated with a degree in film theory and history from Cumbria College of Art and Design.
  3. Relationships: Met ex-wife Katharine Towne at a "Dawson’s Creek" audition.
  4. Friendships: Close friends with Jamie Bell, Anne Hathaway, and Romola Garai.
  5. Dietary Choices: Hasn't eaten pork in 25 years.
  6. Career Influences: Favorite actors are Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Penn.

Career Highlights

Hunnam's career is marked by numerous highlights and achievements.

  1. Emporio Armani Campaign: Face of Emporio Armani’s campaign in 2005 and Calvin Klein’s Reveal campaign in 2014.
  2. Photography and Music: Enjoys painting, making music, and photography.
  3. Music Preferences: Likes folk, blues, bluegrass, hip-hop, Van Morrison, and Tom Waits.
  4. Elle Girl’s List: Ranked #9 in Elle Girl’s ’50 Sexiest Guys’ list in 2005.
  5. Sons of Anarchy Co-stars: Great friends with many Sons of Anarchy co-stars.

Interviews and Insights

Hunnam has shared many personal insights in various interviews.

  1. Interview with Men’s Health: Discussed his workout routine, clothing habits, and why he won't watch 50 Shades of Grey.
  2. Interview with The Talks: Talked about his inner journey and how his films reflect it.
  3. Dragon Concept: Described his relationship with the "dragon" as a lifelong journey.
  4. Fear of the Dragon: Admitted being terrified of the dragon but feels compelled to fight it.
  5. Confidence in Fighting the Dragon: Unsure if he can vanquish the dragon but remains determined to fight.

Miscellaneous Facts

These additional facts offer a deeper look into Hunnam's life and personality.

  1. Los Angeles Landmarks: Knows his Los Angeles masturbation landmarks, including a bathhouse in Beverly Hills.
  2. New Year’s Tradition: Tends to go to bed early on New Year’s Eve.
  3. Relationship with Sutter: Has a deep bond with Sons of Anarchy co-star Kurt Sutter.
  4. Fame Inconvenience: Views fame as an inconvenience to be managed.
  5. Lady Fans: Doesn't care about making lady fans scream; focuses on his girlfriend.
  6. Overfishing Documentary: The documentary End of the Line deeply affected him, leading to a temporary aversion to eating fish.

Charlie Hunnam: A Multifaceted Talent

Charlie Hunnam's journey from a young actor in Newcastle to a Hollywood star is nothing short of impressive. Known for his iconic role as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, he's shown versatility in both television and film. His work in Pacific Rim, Shantaram, and the upcoming Rebel Moon highlights his ability to tackle diverse roles. Beyond acting, Hunnam's passion for screenwriting and his interest in unique cultural stories showcase his creative depth. Personal insights, like his dietary choices and friendships, add layers to his public persona. Whether it's his early discovery in a shoe store or his intense preparation for roles, Hunnam's dedication to his craft is evident. Fans and newcomers alike can appreciate the multifaceted talent that is Charlie Hunnam. His career continues to evolve, promising more exciting projects and performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Charlie Hunnam?
Charlie Hunnam is a British actor best known for his roles in TV series like "Sons of Anarchy" and movies such as "Pacific Rim" and "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword." Born on April 10, 1980, in Newcastle, England, he's carved out a successful career in Hollywood with his rugged looks and versatile acting skills.
What was Charlie Hunnam's first acting role?
Hunnam's first major acting role was as Nathan Maloney in the British drama series "Queer as Folk" in 1999. His performance in this groundbreaking series helped launch his career and opened up opportunities in both the UK and the US.
Has Charlie Hunnam won any awards for his acting?
While Hunnam has received critical acclaim for several of his performances, especially as Jax Teller in "Sons of Anarchy," he hasn't snagged any major awards yet. Despite this, his work continues to draw attention and praise from both fans and critics alike.
Did Charlie Hunnam ever turn down a major movie role?
Yes, he famously turned down the role of Christian Grey in "Fifty Shades of Grey" due to scheduling conflicts with "Sons of Anarchy" and his desire to not be typecast. This decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and media.
What's Charlie Hunnam's approach to preparing for roles?
Hunnam is known for his method acting approach, often immersing himself deeply into his characters. For instance, to prepare for his role in "The Lost City of Z," he isolated himself in the jungle and lost a significant amount of weight to portray explorer Percy Fawcett accurately.
Is Charlie Hunnam involved in any charity work?
Yes, he's involved in various charitable efforts, particularly those focusing on children and education. Hunnam often uses his platform to raise awareness and funds for causes close to his heart.
What's next for Charlie Hunnam?
Hunnam continues to work on a variety of film and television projects. Fans eagerly await his next move, as he's known for choosing diverse and challenging roles that showcase his range as an actor. Keep an eye out for his upcoming projects, which promise to add more depth to his already impressive career.

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