Biography
Date of Birth
11 December 1983, Devon, England, UK
Birth Name
Bradley James Gregory
Height
6' (1.83 m)
Mini Biography
British-American actor, Bradley James, won his first role on the BBC pilot Dis/Connected. Show creators were so impressed with his work that they would go on to cast him as the young King Arthur in the hit show Merlin (2008) which aired on BBC & NBC. Of the eventual cast, James was the only cast member who the creators originally had in mind for the role to land the part. Merlin (2008) would go on to have huge global success and air in over 180 countries giving James a worldwide following.
James would fit in a role on the first season of CW show iZombie. His portrayal proved incredibly popular with fans, who voiced massive disappointment when he left the show. Show creator Rob Thomas later admitted that they had cast someone 'too good' for the role, citing a William Goldman story in which a young Susan Surandan is killed off midway through the 'Robert Redford' film 'The Great Waldo Pepper'_ leading to the audience never forgiving them. James however had already signed on for his next role so couldn't have continued on the series anyway.
It was in the A&E Omen-based series Damien (2016) that James would really shine in the title role. Producers had been struggling to find their leading man but said that the decision was made the second they saw Bradley. Show creator Glen Mazzara stated that Damien (2016) was the hardest role he ever created, given the complex nature of his journey and the history that came with the role, yet James brought the character to life in a way that nobody expected. "Hollywood legend has it that you never name a show after your lead character because very often those actors end up becoming difficult as time goes on. Bradley is not that guy. He is one of the kindest, most talented, hard-working actors I've ever had the pleasure of working with."
Although born in Devon, England, he moved to his father's homeland America at an early age. He would later return to England in his teenage years shortly before beginning his classical training at the Drama Centre London, stating that he had 'three of the most enjoyable years of his life' there. He became the next in line of the Drama Centre leading man conveyor belt that trained the likes of Colin Firth, Michael Fassbender, and Tom Hardy. It is said that he was signed by his agent when still in his first year at the school after showing her to her seat. He has suggested that 'there was a little more too it than that.'
He is a keen sportsman and it is said that he could have been a professional football player had he not chosen the acting route although he has played that down. He has had chance to show off his skills though by playing in many charity football and cricket matches.
Underworld co-star Theo James has hinted in interviews that Bradley is set to become the new lead of the Underworld film franchise following his own departure in the latest installment Underworld: Blood Wars (2016).
In 2017 James was cast as Giuliano de' Medici in Medici: The Magnificent (2018) alongside Daniel Sharman as Lorenzo de' Medici. In 2018 James was cast in the lead roll of American War hero Felix Sparks in the The Liberator (2020) Netflix's four-part World War II drama series based on the book by Alex Kershaw. This is the first project produced in Trioscope, a new enhanced hybrid technology that combines state-of-the-art CGI with live-action performance.
Trivia
Went to the Drama Centre London with Santiago Cabrera.
He enjoys playing football.
Has 2 sisters named Natalie and Stephanie.
He has a niece called Lauren.
Supports the Miami Dolphins.
Attended Crown Point Elementary School and then Fletcher Middle School in Florida.
In August 2014 took part in the 'Ice Bucket Challenge' to raise money for charity.
Attended Madeley High School in Madeley, England, UK.
Born at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Exeter, England, UK. Others who have been born in this hospital are: Chris Martin, Matthew Goode, Harry Treadaway, Luke Treadaway, Ben Lamb and Luke Newberry.
Attended Roundstone Preparatory School in Trowbridge, UK before moving to the US.
His family moved to Jacksonville, Florida when he was 9 years old.
Bradley supports The National Health Service (NHS), the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), and organizations that support rescue animals.
Bradley is an alumni of Drama Centre London, following in the footsteps of leading men Colin Firth, Michael Fassbender, and Tom Hardy.
Bradley James has starred in three adaptations from books.
Quotes
(About being voted 'Hottie of the Week' by MTV watchers) It has very little effect on my life, it was very flattering. I look like my Mum so I said: 'Mum, there you go, the gene pool is top trumps'.
As an actor, when you go for auditions, there are certain roles that come along and you think, I really want that one, and Prince Arthur was definitely one of those. I remember the last audition I did was this workshop where they had lots of Arthurs there, and me looking at each one thinking they weren't right for the part, because they weren't me!
When I first met Colin I... I couldn't understand what he was saying. It was purely because I wasn't used to his accent and, and also he's got this very... you wouldn't think when you look at him, this very dark sense of humor you don't know about it
My earliest memory from the theatre was going to see a pantomime in Bath and Aladdin said something like: 'Oh, what's in that cave?' or something and: 'I'm a bit scared. I don't want to go in.' And the audience was really quiet. And a little voice that belonged to a four year old went: 'I'll go in there!' And everyone turned round to the little voice and my parents suddenly looked down to see me, jumping up and down: 'I'll go in there!' And I shouted out loud at a pantomime. And I'd honestly been that sort of engrossed in the performance in the world that they'd created that I felt the need to rescue Aladdin from his peril and help him out by going in the dark cave.
[on Merlin] For Arthur, I think when you find someone in your life who you love more than anything, you will do anything for them. And I believe that Arthur would do anything for Guinevere.
For Arthur to find out about Merlin's magic, I think, again, it has to happen in a way that suggests that Arthur can think for himself. And I think, by accident, and without Merlin knowing, I think Arthur has to witness something or just have something click. So that he knows before Merlin knows that he knows. So that there's a time period where Arthur has to decide what to do.
Because of the nature of King Arthur and the resonance he has, not only with within the UK, but right around the world, I have found it a huge honor to play the part. I will look back on it very fondly and be very proud to have been King Arthur when I finally hang up the chain mail!
I grew up very much in a sporting background. I always wanted to be an actor, but my escapism always came in sports.
The post-'Merlin' era is an exciting time to look forward to. Variety is the spice of life. That's the fantastic thing about acting - all the different challenges it can provide you with. To limit yourself just to one would be foolish; therefore, I'm looking forward to different things that come my way.
In Merlin, Arthur has a very loyal friend who keeps him on his toes. Arthur enjoys those challenges, and there is a lot of great banter between them. Meanwhile, in Arthur, Merlin has a friend he can really rely on. Merlin knows that when it comes the crunch, Arthur will always do the right thing.
As an actor, when you go for auditions, there are certain roles that come along and you think, 'I really want that one,' and Prince Arthur was definitely one of those.
I equate playing Felix to being like a quarterback. You not only have to know your role within each scene, you have to know everyone else's role and where they are supposed to be.
We grew a bond that you are not guaranteed on a set. The harmony isn't always there.
The Liberator characters are based on real men, many of whom did not survive the war. There was a great responsibility in playing them and we felt truly honored in doing so.
