Jude Law biography, wife, young, net worth, kids, age 2025

Jude Law Biography

Jude Law is a British stage and screen actor who's earned multiple Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and César nominations, and holds the French Order of Arts and Letters.

His filmography includes standout projects like "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "Cold Mountain," "Closer," "Sherlock Holmes," "Gattaca," "Anna Karenina," and "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword."

Die-hard fans could probably keep adding to this list for hours, but for those just discovering this remarkable actor, let's dive into the fascinating details of his life story.

Childhood. Early Roles

Jude was born on December 29, 1972, in Lewisham, a southeast London borough. His parents were Margaret Anne Heyworth, an English teacher, and Peter Robert Law, who taught primary school. The family already included his older sister Natasha (now a photographer and graphic designer), who's nearly three years his senior.

The future actor was named after Paul McCartney's song "Hey Jude!" – his parents were huge fans. Though there's another version that credits Thomas Hardy's novel "Jude the Obscure" for inspiring his name.

Jude's parents were passionate theater lovers who passed that love onto their son. At 6, little Jude Law made his debut in a children's production, and by 13, he'd joined the National Youth Music Theatre company. There he appeared in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (1989), "The Ragged Child" (1988), and "Indiscretions" (1995).

His role in the latter earned him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for "Outstanding Newcomer," and he was the only cast member invited to join the Broadway version. Audiences dubbed "Indiscretions" a scandalous production since Jude Law appeared completely nude in one scene.

Young Jude Law in the play 'The Tailor from Gloucestershire'

His first TV appearance came in 1986 when he was invited onto an episode of the youth talk show "Pocket Money."

Jude Law on 'Pocket Money' show

At 16, he dropped out of school after landing the role of troubled teenager Nathan Thompson in the British soap opera "Families."

'Families': Jude Law and Jonny Lee Miller

In 1994, Law made his feature film debut in the low-budget movie "Shopping," which also starred his future wife Sadie Frost.

Career Breakthrough

In 1996, Jude appeared in the romantic drama "Love, Honour and Obey," followed by the drama "Bent." A year later, the actor landed a role in the biographical drama "Wilde," exploring the creative genius and scandalous personal life of Oscar Wilde. The Evening Standard tabloid called Law's performance the best debut of the year.

Jude Law in his youth: the years before popularity

After his success at home and on Broadway stages, Law began working with Hollywood directors. In 1997, he starred in the sci-fi thriller "Gattaca" alongside Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. He played Jerome Eugene Morrow – a genetically perfect human (called "Valids" in the film) who became disabled due to an accident. Unfortunately, the film received a lukewarm reception from audiences and flopped at the box office.

That same year, the actor appeared in Clint Eastwood's film "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" alongside Kevin Spacey and John Cusack.

Although all three films turned out to be commercial disappointments, critics singled out Jude Law's performance, describing him as "a charming young man with natural magnetism and smoldering good looks."

Jude Law looks like a young Clint Eastwood (left)

His next films received a warmer reception: the romantic drama "Love, Honour and Obey" (1997), "Music from Another Room" (1998), and "The Wisdom of Crocodiles" (1998).

In fall 1997, Jude Law married Sadie Frost and that same year, together with his wife and friend Ewan McGregor, founded the film company Natural Nylon, which lasted until 2004. Under its banner came films like "eXistenZ," "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow," and "The Reckoning" – with Law himself starring in the lead roles.

The founders of Natural Nylon film studio

But Law's truly breakthrough role came as the wealthy playboy Dickie Greenleaf in the drama "The Talented Mr. Ripley" alongside Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow in the leading roles. For this performance, Jude Law earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor. He also remembered the shoot for breaking a rib during a yacht scene and taking saxophone lessons.

The Talented Mr. Ripley - Everybody Should Have One Talent

In 2001, Law appeared in the Hollywood drama "Enemy at the Gates," based on the historic Battle of Stalingrad. Critics gave the film a lukewarm reception – it contained numerous historical inaccuracies and blunders.

Jude Law in the movie Enemy at the Gates

Around the same time, Jude accepted Steven Spielberg's offer to star in the sci-fi film "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" about a time when robots live alongside humans. Law's character – a robot created specifically for sexual pleasure – added another Golden Globe to the actor's collection of awards.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence: Jude Law as an erotic android

Another surge of audience interest in the actor came with the historical epic "Cold Mountain," which told the story of the devastating Civil War period for millions of Americans. The film was a box office success, earning $173 million worldwide, and brought Jude another Oscar nomination.

Divorce and Creative Crisis

While Jude Law's career was skyrocketing, his family life was falling apart. His marriage to Sadie, who gave the actor two children (son Rafferty in 1996 and daughter Iris in 2000), was crumbling. Law was giving his wife far too little attention. And when their third child Rudy arrived in 2002, Jude's work schedule only allowed him to spend four days with his newborn and wife before he had to leave for filming.

Family tensions escalated after press reports surfaced about Jude's romance with Nicole Kidman, his "Cold Mountain" co-star, who had just gone through her own high-profile split from Tom Cruise. The actors denied the relationship, but it couldn't save Jude and Sadie's marriage. They divorced in 2003.

Jude Law and Sadie Frost divorced in 2003

After the divorce, Sadie accused Jude of causing her severe depression through his behavior. Even worse, she claimed that little Iris had found one of his ecstasy pills on the floor, swallowed it, and ended up hospitalized, barely escaping death.

Iris Law swallowed her father's ecstasy as a child and nearly died

Throughout 2003, the press feasted on every detail of the divorce proceedings and Jude Law's new romance with Sienna Miller, his co-star from "Alfie."

Career Revival

Despite his tabloid troubles, Lowe's career bounced back in 2004. He landed small but memorable roles in "The Aviator" with Leonardo DiCaprio and "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" with Jim Carrey: in the first film, he transformed into 1930s Hollywood idol Errol Flynn, while in the second, he became the narrator Lemony Snicket himself. That same year, People magazine named him one of the sexiest men alive.

The imposing Jude Law in The Aviator (2004)

Worth noting is the psychological drama "Closer," about the romance between a struggling writer who makes ends meet writing obituaries and a stripper (Natalie Portman). The film pulled in $115 million at the box office.

In 2009, Guy Ritchie delivered audiences another film adaptation of the legendary Baker Street detective's adventures. This time, Robert Downey Jr. stepped into the role of Sherlock Holmes, while Jude Law played his faithful companion Dr. Watson – chosen from over 20 seasoned actors for the part. The classic story in the controversial director's version proved so popular with audiences that the Downey-Law duo returned in 2011's sequel "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows."

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law – another Holmes and Watson

Jude Law's participation in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," also released that year, was tied to tragic circumstances – the death of Heath Ledger, who had been playing Tony Shepard, a key character in the film. When Ledger died, not all his scenes had been shot, so the crew found a creative solution by having his character pass through a magic mirror that changes appearances. In the end, Tony was played by Jude Law, Colin Farrell, and Johnny Depp. All three actors donated their fees to Ledger's daughter, Matilda.

A shot from The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

In 2012, Jude Law delighted classic literature fans by starring in Hollywood's adaptation of "Anna Karenina" alongside Keira Knightley. He took on the role of Karenin, the main character's husband.

2013 brought "Side Effects." In this psychological thriller by Steven Soderbergh, Law played Dr. Jonathan Banks, a psychiatrist who prescribes experimental antidepressants to a patient (Rooney Mara) suffering from depression. The medication leads to tragic consequences. Critics called the film "a smart, devious thriller with plenty of disturbing twists," and praised Law's performance as one of his most mature works in years.

The real test came with filming "Dom Hemingway." To convincingly play the safecracker Dom Hemingway, fresh out of prison after 12 years behind bars, Law packed on 30 pounds. The character was the complete opposite of his usual elegant Englishman persona: a rough cockney with yellow teeth, a beard, and a habit of launching into three-minute monologues about his own greatness, wielding profanity like a weapon.

The film received mixed reviews with a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but critics unanimously praised Law's boldness in taking on such a radical transformation.

Jude Law in a suit jacket smiles against a backdrop of bright yellow light streaks — Jude Law in "Dom Hemingway"

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014) offered Law a completely different experience, working within Wes Anderson's meticulously crafted universe. Though Jude's role was relatively small, participating in this project proved significant for the actor. Law plays a writer who listens to the story of a legendary hotel concierge from its owner (F. Murray Abraham). The film earned 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and became one of Anderson's most successful movies.

Jude Law wearing glasses and a mustache in a suit looks with a serious gaze in the warm interior of a room — Jude Law in "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

"Spy" (2015) with Melissa McCarthy let Law showcase his comedic chops in an entirely new context. In this spy parody, the actor played an agent working with an unexpected partner in McCarthy's character. The film became a commercial success and proved that Law could seamlessly fit into modern Hollywood comedies.

2016 brought "The Young Pope," featuring Law as the fictional Cardinal Lenny Belardo, a 47-year-old elected as the youngest pope in history. The web of Vatican intrigue captivated audiences, and the series was renewed for a second season.

Spring 2017 saw the release of Guy Ritchie's new film "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" with Charlie Hunnam in the lead role. Jude Law played the antagonist, the treacherous King Vortigern who usurped the throne from Arthur's uncle.

"King Arthur: Legend of the Sword": Jude Law as Vortigern

Law's casting as young Albus Dumbledore in the "Fantastic Beasts" sequel – a film set in the "Harry Potter" universe that predates the boy wizard series – created quite a stir. Author J.K. Rowling hasn't hidden that Dumbledore is gay, and many fans wondered if Law would bring this aspect to his portrayal. "For me, it's just another layer that creates the image of the great wizard we've all come to love so much," he commented on the speculation.

January 2020 brought "The New Pope" back to HBO screens, continuing Paolo Sorrentino's Vatican drama. This time Law's character found himself overshadowed by a new pontiff played by John Malkovich, but even in a supporting role, he managed to outshine his colleague with sheer charisma.

The final notes of "The New Pope" had barely faded when viewers saw a completely different Jude that September in the mystical thriller "The Third Day." Here he appeared as Sam, a father who'd lost a child and found himself on a mysterious island among cultists.

Jude Law in dark clothing stands in a tall grass field at night, illuminated by harsh light — Still from the miniseries "The Third Day"

The series followed an unusual structure: the first three episodes ("Summer") told Law's character's story, followed by an interactive 12-hour online performance ("Autumn"), and the final trio of episodes ("Winter") switched focus to Naomi Harris's character.

While experimenting with mystical material, the actor didn't forget commercial cinema. In 2020 he starred in the psychological thriller "The Nest" alongside Carrie Coon, playing ambitious entrepreneur Rory O'Hara, whose schemes threaten his family's stability. The project was intimate and underappreciated by general audiences, but critics praised Law's nuanced performance.

2022 brought another transformation into a familiar character – Albus Dumbledore in "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore." Despite the lukewarm reception of this franchise installment, Law managed to create a convincing version of the young Hogwarts headmaster. Meanwhile, he deepened his involvement in producing through his company Riff Raff Films.

In 2023, Law appeared before audiences as the antihero Captain Hook in Disney+'s family film "Peter Pan & Wendy." The actor approached the villain not as a caricature but as a tragic figure, adding unexpected depth to the family project.

Peter Pan & Wendy | Official Trailer | Disney+

Spring 2024 saw the release of historical thriller "Firebrand," arguably Law's most daring work in recent years. As King Henry VIII, he presented a repulsive tyrant in his final stages of decay. For the role, the actor gained weight, studied the gait of a monarch afflicted with gout, and even used a special "scent" composed of imitation pus and excrement so surrounding actors would naturally recoil in disgust.

Jude Law in medieval costume with a beard smiles while sitting at a festive candlelit table — Jude Law in the film "Firebrand"

In December came the crime thriller "The Order." Law created the character of burned-out investigator Terry Husk, hunting a neo-Nazi terrorist group. The film earned 92% "fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, with Law's performance called "stoic" and "gripping."

The year concluded with the December premiere of "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" on Disney+. In this children's adventure series, Law plays the mysterious Jod Na Nawood, a character whose true motives remain secret for much of the story. The creators deliberately avoided overloading the project with Jedi and lightsabers, focusing instead on four children caught up in galactic adventures.

Jude Law's Personal Life

After his divorce from Sadie Frost, Jude Law dated Sienna Miller for three years until he was caught cheating with his children's nanny from his first marriage.

In 2008, he briefly dated model Samantha Burke, who gave birth to his daughter Sophia.

Shortly after splitting from Burke, the actor got back together with Sienna, but they broke up for good in 2011.

Jude Law and Sadie Frost's children have grown up

In March 2015, Jude Law became a father for the fifth time. The mother of baby Ada was singer Catherine Harding, who performs under the stage name Cat Cavelli. But having a child together didn't lead to marriage – their month-long romance, which started with a meeting in London and continued in the Czech Republic on the set of "Spy," ended when filming wrapped.

In May 2019, Jude Law secretly married his girlfriend, 32-year-old Phillipa Coan.

Phillipa was the complete opposite of Law's previous partners. Fifteen years younger than her husband, she built her career not in show business but in academia: she earned a PhD in organizational psychology from the University of Leeds and founded consulting company STRIDE, which helps businesses implement environmental practices. They met through mutual friends in 2015, just as she was defending her dissertation and Law was preparing for "The Young Pope."

September 2020 brought joyful news to the family – the couple welcomed a child, Jude Law's sixth.

The pandemic, which became a nightmare for many, turned out to be a blessing for the new family. "We felt incredibly blessed that we could just nest and enjoy each other's company every day," the actor admitted in an interview with Jimmy Fallon.

In February 2023, the family welcomed a new member. As with their first child, the couple chose not to reveal the baby's name or gender.

Jude Law and Phillipa Coan sit side by side in the stands, smiling and looking at the camera — Jude Law with his wife

"Meeting Phil and falling in love with her has been such a huge influence on my life. I've never felt happier. Never felt more supported. My home has become an incredibly safe and secure place," Law confided in a GQ interview.

His older children have followed in their father's footsteps. In 2024, his son Raff, born from his first marriage to Sadie Frost, landed a notable role in the Apple TV war series "Masters of the Air" alongside Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan. In 2022, father and son Raff even became ambassadors for Italian brand Brioni.

Jude Law and his son in Brioni commercial

Daughter Iris isn't far behind – she's an in-demand model working with Dior and Dolce & Gabbana.

Fun Facts

He has a tattoo on his left hand dedicated to his first wife: "You came along to turn on everyone, Sexy Sadie." It's a line from The Beatles' song "Sexy Sadie."

In 2009, the actor pelted a group of New York University students with oranges after they were caught peeping through his apartment window.

Supermodel Kate Moss is the godmother to his daughter Iris.

In his youth, when Law was accepted into the National Youth Music Theatre troupe, he was mistakenly placed in the women's dormitory because the administration thought "Jude" was a female name. The aspiring actor said nothing and was about to move in with the girls, but they raised hell, and he was transferred to the men's dorm.

Jude Law In 'The Gentleman's Wager' For Johnnie Walker Blue

Jude Law is a die-hard fan of Tottenham Hotspur football club.

Jude Law Now

In early 2025, the actor was working on his role as Vladimir Putin in French director Olivier Assayas's political thriller "The Wizard of the Kremlin."

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Italian writer Giuliano da Empoli, published in 2022 and included by Bloomberg in its list of best books of the year.

Jude Law and Paul Dano in suits having a serious conversation — Jude Law and Paul Dano in "The Wizard of the Kremlin"

The plot spans from the early 1990s to the early 2000s and tells the story of young TV producer Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), who becomes an influential political strategist and helps a young FSB officer rise to power. Baranov's character is based on the real figure of Vladislav Surkov, former first deputy chief of the presidential administration.

Besides Law and Dano, the film stars Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright. An unexpected surprise was Zach Galifianakis's participation, hinting at a certain degree of absurdism in the material's interpretation.

Principal photography took place in March 2025, just five months before the premiere – a record-short post-production timeline for such a major project. Most of the filming happened in Latvia, which stood in for Russia since the country was inaccessible to the film crew. The world premiere took place on August 31, 2025, at the 82nd Venice Film Festival in the main competition program.

Jude Law: latest news and articles

Sara Bryant

That is sad that a charming actor has problems with his personal life. A lot of kids from different woman but doesn`t have a normal stable family.

2021-04-30 16:47:26
Joseph Jones

The Young Pope with Jude Law it is something special. Totally his role.

2021-03-10 22:13:10
Teresa Schultz

Dr. Watson performed by Jude Law is charming. The creative tandem with Robert John Downey Jr will not leave anyone indifferent.

2021-02-21 10:21:16
Edwin Hunt

The Talented Mr. Ripley is the best role of Jude Law In my opinion. I think after that he became popular.

2021-02-11 18:23:45
Megan Munoz

Even in the age Jude Law still an idol of a millions woman. Way to go!

2021-02-08 22:38:54

Jude Law

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