Biography of David Thewlis
David Thewlis is an English actor, screenwriter, and director with a creative portfolio that boasts over eighty vivid, memorable, and sometimes even controversial film characters. He has portrayed the werewolf and Hogwarts professor Remus Lupin, the poet Paul Verlaine, the Nazi official Ralph, and the cynical murderer Christopher Edwards—just a few of the roles that have brought the actor global fame and acclaim.Childhood and Youth
The future actor was born in the coastal resort town of Blackpool, located in the northwest of England, in Lancashire county. His real name is David Wheeler, and Thewlis is his mother's maiden name. He adopted it as a stage name in 1984 when he decided to join the Actors' Union and discovered that someone with his exact name was already registered.Together with friends Cliff Ashcroft and Chris Swift, the young man played bass guitar in the rock band QED. The guys performed in hotels, restaurants, and clubs, and participated in local music festivals. David played the instrument well, and was invited to join the punk band "Door 66," with whom he went on tour in London. As it turns out, David didn't even consider an acting career in his youth and was exclusively interested in music. After arriving in London, he decided to apply to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where many of his friends had studied. The school alternated music lessons with acting classes, and David found this very interesting.
In 1984, having successfully completed his studies, the graduate registered with the Actors' Union and began looking for work in the theater. His debut on the professional stage was a performance in a play about musician Buddy Holly, staged in Greenwich.
Acting Careers
David started acting in films in 1986, and initially, as it often happens, he played minor characters in small episodes. Among these was a tiny, unnamed part in the film "Life Is Sweet" by the cult director Mike Leigh. For Mike, the young actor's unique dramatic talent was a revelation, and a few years later, he invited David to play the role of the wandering philosopher Johnny in the movie "Naked" (1993).At the same time, David continued to surprise audiences with a diverse range of screen characters, and that same year, he brilliantly transformed into the fairytale King Einon in the children's adventure movie "Dragonheart."
David Thewlis's Personal Life
David Thewlis's first wife was actress and director Sarah Sugarman, whom he married in 1992. Their union was short-lived, as was his second marriage to actress Kate Hardie, which took place in 1998.Anna Friel did a lot for David – thanks to her, he gave up bad habits, started eating right, and took care of his health. She also gave him a daughter, whom Thewlis adores, cares for, and tries to participate in her upbringing as much as possible.
David Thewlis Now
On December 6, 2021, the premiere of the TV series "Landscapers" took place, in which David Thewlis played the main role. The film is based on true events that occurred in Nottinghamshire in May 1998 and sparked a strong reaction in English society. The story centers around a seemingly well-off and elderly couple, Susan and Christopher Edwards, who fifteen years ago killed the wife's parents, buried them in their backyard, and lived comfortably on the elderly couple's pensions all this time.Interesting Facts
- Thewlis is passionate about painting, plays the guitar and piano, writes poetry and prose. In 1999, he published his first novel "The Late Hector Kipling," which became a bestseller in England in 2007.
- While studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, David earned a living through music performances and commercials.
- During the filming of the thriller "The Island of Dr. Moreau," the actor fell off a horse and broke his leg. He vowed never to watch the film and kept his promise, not even attending the premiere.
- Thewlis auditioned for the role of Professor Quirrell in the first part of the "Harry Potter" series, but at that time the role went to Ian Hart. However, he was cast as Remus Lupin without an audition – J.K. Rowling and director Alfonso Cuarón envisioned only David for the role of Lupin.
Zoomboola