Colin Firth biography, wife, young, net worth, height, age, Oscar 2025

The biography of Colin Firth

Colin Andrew Firth – the British actor who became Britain's heartthrob during the mid-90s. He shot to fame playing Mr. Darcy in the mini-series «Pride and Prejudice» based on Jane Austen's novel. Another of his characters (ironically, also named Darcy) from «Bridget Jones's Diary» became iconic in the early 2000s. His leading role in «The King's Speech» earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. Net worth: $25 million.

Childhood

Though Colin Firth was born into what seemed like an ordinary British family – to religion and history lecturers Shirley Jean and David Norman Firth – his childhood was anything but typical. With his grandparents, who were British Christian missionaries, he traveled throughout Nigeria, spent time in St. Louis, and eventually returned to his parents in the small English town of Winchester.

Colin Firth with his youngest sister Kate (then and now)

However, Colin's school years were far from happy, as he tells it. When he turned 11, his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was constantly bullied at the local junior high school. As a result, he lost much of his interest in academics. But he found a new passion – at age 10, he'd become a regular at the drama club, falling in love with theater. By 14, he was determined to become a professional actor and began diving deep into Stanislavski's system, becoming a devoted follower.

Colin Firth started loving theater from his early childhood

Colin Firth was an unconventional teenager: instead of focusing on chemistry and physics, he threw himself into learning guitar, played in a band, smoked pot with friends, and rejected social and racial stereotypes. In his youth, he was a committed leftist who read Marx and, like many young rebels, dreamed of revolution.

After graduating high school, he enrolled at Barton Peveril College to study English literature. He loved his studies, but after two years decided to leave and join the National Youth Theatre in London.

Acting career

Unfortunately, his experience acting at the drama club was not enough for him to be accepted as an actor at the theater. For some time, he was working in the wardrobe department, peeking into the stage during performances and wished that someday, he would similarly hold his audience on the edge of their seats. At that time, he was so broke that he could only get around on foot. Coming back to his dingy rented room, he'd sit on his bed, strumming his guitar and dreaming of ways his luck might change.

It wasn't long before they did. Having saved up some money, he enrolled in the Drama Centre in London and made his debut playing Hamlet in the play with the same name. His performance caught the eye of renowned playwright Julian Mitchell, who cast the young actor in the leading role of his production «Another Country». «He was quite reserved, quiet in himself, though I liked him at once. We cast him as Bennett, and though he was not obviously flamboyant, you don't have to become the part you're playing. He gave a fantastic performance and I felt he could be one of the most talented actors of his generation.» – said Mitchell later on.

On the photo: Colin Firth and Julian Mitchell

In 1984, it was decided to bring the play to the big screen. The screen adaptation of «Another Country» exploded with audiences like a ticking time bomb. Telling the story of two childhood friends, the film exposed the dark underbelly of British high society, dismantling the rigid hierarchy of England's elite private schools. Colin Firth played Tommy, whereas the other leading role, of Guy Bennett, was played by Rupert Everett, also at the start of his acting career. Having attended an all-boys private school himself, Colin was no stranger to the atmosphere that permeated those hallowed halls.

Colin Firth's first role («Another Country», 1984)

In 1988, he got the leading role in the war drama «Tumbledown». His character, a soldier named Robert, was living life to the fullest until an enemy bullet shattered half of his brain.

The following year, Colin Firth got the title role in Miloš Forman's «Valmont». The film explores the web of scheming sexual relationships among viscounts and marquises, and audiences embraced it warmly. Colin Firth's portrayal of the seductive Vicomte de Valmont absolutely mesmerized female audiences.

The next roles followed in quick succession: «Wings of Fame», «Mad at the Moon», «Femme Fatale», «Hostages», «Playmaker», «The Advocate», «Circle of Friends», «Easy Virtue». But most agree that his role as Darcy in «Pride and Prejudice» (1995) catapulted Colin Firth into the spotlight. After the premiere, Colin Firth was crowned the «perfect man» and «Britain's sex symbol».

Colin Firth's tango in «Easy Virtue»

Believe it or not, both he and his friends were convinced he'd make a terrible Mr. Darcy. The role brought him fame and the love of an entire nation, but, as often happens, there were downsides too. The actor wasn't thrilled with the female obsession that followed. He got so fed up that he'd start every interview with: "Alright, if you even try to call me Britain's sex symbol, I'll just get up and leave!"

»Pride and Prejudice»: Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

In 1998, Colin Firth went head-to-head with Joseph Fiennes. On-screen, of course – they became rivals for the hand and heart of the wonderful Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) in the romantic comedy "Shakespeare in Love." The movie was nominated for 119 different awards. Half of the nominations turned into a win, including six well-deserved Oscars. Unfortunately, Colin Firth didn't get any award or nomination.

»Shakespeare in Love»: Colin Firth as the Lord Wessex

According to Zoomboola.com, in 2001, the actor landed one of the leading male roles in what would become an all-time audience favorite, the romantic comedy "Bridget Jones's Diary"; Colin Firth took up the roles two more times in 2004 and 2016.

Funny enough, he became Mr. Darcy once again – an accidental "Easter egg" left by the author whose book became the foundation for the movie adaptation. When writing her novel, she actually tailored the hero to match the physical appearance of... Colin Firth! Hence the name – because for many, Firth will always be Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice." That is why when the actor agreed to star in the movie, she was thrilled.

Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth's tandem was highly appreciated by millions of people

Mark Darcy – a lawyer and acquaintance of the clumsy, eccentric Bridget, who's constantly trying to pull herself together and sort out her love life. Her mother wants to set up Darcy and Bridget (Renée Zellweger), but the girl isn't fond of her "neighbor in a dumb sweater." According to Firth, he simply fell in love with this role which diluted his trademark of a «Victorian gentleman». He also fell in love with "Bridget Jones," even though he admitted "this movie is meant for lonely ladies over 30." After the movie's release, Colin found himself in the list of «50 most beautiful people on the planet», according to the «People» magazine.

2001: Colin Firth – the world's most handsome man according to «People»

It's worth noting that Colin never took on roles he wasn't passionate about. When developing a character, Firth always tried to capture their personality as accurately as possible, and he consistently strived to find joy in his work while gaining valuable experience.

The elegant drama «Girl with a Pearl Earring,» with its hidden eroticism and fear of new love, was based on Tracy Chevalier's novel. Here, Colin Firth paired with Scarlett Johansson to brilliantly play out the story behind Johannes Vermeer's renowned masterpiece. The passion of his character—a desolate, antisocial painter—for the modest maid was obvious in every gaze, gesture, and movement. "Not many would agree to take on a role based solely on gazing!" critics exclaimed.

On the photo: Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson

During that period, Firth appeared frequently on-screen with young Thomas Sangster, future star of "Maze Runner." They starred together in three movies: «Love Actually» (2003), alongside someone Firth already knew well—Hugh Grant, «Nanny McPhee» (2005), and «The Last Legion» (2006).

A still from the movie «The Last Legion»

In 2008, the musical "Mamma Mia!" hit the big screen—a delightful movie about three men trying to win back their long-lost love. Amazing actors (Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep, young Amanda Seyfried), ABBA's greatest hits, stunning Greek landscapes, and an inspiring romantic story made it a delightful addition to Colin Firth's filmography. The actor describes the movie with his trademark irony: "If you like watching an older man in a tight suit struggling to sing, then this movie is for you!"

Colin Firth sings in «Mamma Mia!»

Colin Firth's performance in the dark thriller "Dorian Gray" also caught attention. The actor delivered a brilliant performance as the corrupt Lord Wotton, who manipulated young, handsome Dorian (played by Ben Barnes) into exploring the darkest corners of his soul.

In his 50s, Colin Firth had achieved everything he dreamed of: renowned actor, elegant and charming heartthrob for women worldwide, BAFTA and Golden Globe winner, Britain's pride... And now, the Oscar he'd long coveted was finally his—Best Actor for the biographical drama "The King's Speech."

Many viewers, reading the film's synopsis, wondered why critics initially dismissed it: "A prince trying to overcome his stutter? That sounds ridiculous!" The premise might sound unusual, but the film delivered a true and inspiring story about someone who overcame his affliction and united his nation during turbulent times.

Colin Firth as George VI («The King's Speech», 2010)

Ironically, Colin Firth has battled stage fright his entire life (though not stuttering), and it only worsened with age. Notably, Guy Pearce played George VI's brother, the Duke of Windsor. Interestingly, Pearce is actually 7 years older than Firth.

In 2015, he captivated audiences as special agent Harry Hart, in the action-packed comedy «Kingsman», and then he played a soviet intelligence officer taken prisoner in the historical drama «Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy».

Colin Firth's interview (about the movie «Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy» and some revelations

In 2016, Colin Firth hit the screen as publisher Mark Perkins, an editor and close friend of writer Thomas Wolfe (Guy Pearce).

»Genius»: Colin Firth as publisher Mark Perkins

The same year, audiences got the long-awaited premiere of the third part of «Bridget Jones's Diary», where Colin reprised his role as Mr. Darcy.

2016: Colin Firth at the premiere of «Bridget Jones's Diary 3»

Colin Firth's personal life

Colin Firth is a devoted family man. In his youth, he married actress Meg Tilly in a whirlwind romance after meeting her on the set of "Valmont."

Colin Firth and Meg Tilly (a still from «Valmont»

The couple relocated to her homeland of Canada, where they lived in a mountain house and welcomed their son Will. But without his beloved acting career, Colin quickly grew restless, creating tension in their marriage.

In 1995, Firth met charismatic Italian director and playwright Livia Giuggioli. Since then, the actor has split his time between Britain and Italy.

Colin Firth and his wife, Livia Firth (Giuggioli)

The couple raised two children: Luca (born in 2001) and Matteo (born in 2003). Colin and Livia also run a small eco-friendly products shop.

His eldest son from his first marriage followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor. Unlike his father's refined looks, Will often found himself cast as villains and troubled characters.

Colin Firth's eldest son is also an actor

In summer 2018, cracks began showing in their marriage when it emerged that Livia had an affair with journalist Marco Brancaccia. Though the affair was brief, Brancaccia went public with their relationship. The couple separated in December 2019.

The Firth family has another actor: Colin's younger brother Jonathan. While not as famous as Colin, Jonathan has tackled compelling roles, including Girolamo Aleandro in the historical drama "Luther."

Back home in Britain, Colin is also recognized as a writer, having penned "The Department of Nothing." He's also politically active, working with Amnesty International to advocate for migrants' and refugees' rights.

Colin Firth now

Firth keeps surprising fans with diverse roles. In 2019, he appeared in the acclaimed British war film "1917," which critics praised as "technically perfect" for its meticulous attention to detail. In 2020, he joined the cast of "The Secret Garden" adaptation.

Colin Firth: latest news and articles

This 8 Films Will Motivate You to Self-Development

9 Apr 2020

Sentimental actors who got tattoos in honor of their roles

4 Feb 2019

Steven Michael Gonzalez

From his last works, I remember he used to play in Easy Virtue, maybe I didn`t pay attention to his other movies.

2021-05-10 22:59:07
Zachary Connor Edwards

Interestingly, Colin is playing nowadays or not because I don`t hear from him anymore.

2021-04-23 17:17:01
Scott Barnett

I can`t remember any movie with him, this actor has a totally nondescript appearance

2021-04-20 19:36:00
Laura Martinez

Ohh, who don`t know this handsome man from Bridget Jones’s Diary :) every girl wish to have some romantic moments like that

2021-03-28 18:44:53
Angel Joseph White

One of the most talented actors I know. With any roles of him, he is dealing very good

2021-03-17 12:27:52

Photos: Colin Firth