Theo James biography, wife, age, net worth, height, children 2025

Theo James Biography

Theo James is a British actor who shot to Hollywood stardom with the first "Divergent" film. He's also starred in the sci-fi thriller "Archive", HBO's "The Time Traveler's Wife", and Guy Ritchie's "The Gentlemen".

Childhood

Born December 16, 1984, in Oxford, Theo James was the youngest of five kids in his family. His dad Philip Taptiklis, a business consultant, has Greek roots but grew up in New Zealand after his family relocated from the Peloponnese. His mom Jane Martin, who's Scottish, works for the National Health Service.

James describes his childhood as blissfully happy—he was absolutely showered with love from his parents. That's why his parents became his biggest role models: "My main inspiration is my parents. They raised five children and gave them all the best."

Theo James's childhood and youth were carefree

Theo got his distinctly un-British looks—dark hair and nearly black eyes—from his dad, plus those striking full lips from his mom. James admits his "sensual macho" vibe is what first catches directors' eyes: "I know I often get work because of how I look, but I hope I keep it because of how I act."

Theo James was an ordinary British teenager and did not dream of a career as an actor

Looking back at Aylesbury High School, James recalls: ""I was just your typical middle-class kid, always listening to hip-hop and playing basketball. I definitely tried to seem way cooler than I actually was. We had this whole crew of guys who called ourselves a team.""

After graduating in 2001, Theo headed to the University of Nottingham and earned his philosophy degree. He was dating a girl who dreamed of stage acting and talked him into auditioning for drama school with her. Ironically, fate had other plans: James got accepted into Bristol Old Vic Theatre School as a "promising" candidate, while his girlfriend didn't make the cut.

Theo James became an actor by a lucky chance

James never looked back: ""I'd considered writing as a career, but I always really wanted to act and join the ranks of respected artists. So I probably wouldn't have used my philosophy degree anyway."" Even though he worked as a barista, bodyguard, and hospital cleaner to pay his way through school, he excelled in every production and quickly caught directors' attention.

First Roles

Theo James got his start on stage, making his debut in the play "Tomorrow's Stars" in 2009.

In 2010, the rising actor landed a small TV role in an episode of "A Passionate Woman." The 25-year-old heartthrob played Alexander Craisenovsky – Betty's lover, with Betty portrayed by Billie Piper.

The series 'A Passionate Woman' – Theo James's first role

James's brief three-minute stint in hit series "Downton Abbey" didn't go unnoticed either. He played the doomed suitor – Turkish diplomat Kemal Pamuk, who sets his sights on Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery).

Theo James's brief but spectacular appearance in 'Downton Abbey'

That same year, Theo James broke into film, playing Ray in Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger."

In 2011, Theo James landed major roles in several projects. His first significant role was in the drama series "Bedlam," broadcast on Sky Living. Soon after, James landed a role in sitcom "The Inbetweeners," a comedy about British teenagers' misadventures while vacationing in Crete.

Theo James in the sitcom 'The Inbetweeners'

In 2012, Måns Mårlind cast the young actor in the lead role for the fourth "Underworld" installment, "Underworld: Awakening." To nail the character, Theo and Kate Beckinsale trained in parkour and put in serious practice time with knives and whips. James's portrayal of vampire David was so convincing that producers brought him back for the franchise's fifth installment, "Underworld: Blood Wars."

The 'Underworld' franchise: Theo James as a vampire

That same year, James snagged several smaller roles in films by acclaimed directors. Theo played a dinner party guest in Paula van der Oest's "The Domino Effect" and an officer in Anthony Hemingway's war film "Red Tails," based on John Holway's book. He also appeared in ITV's crime drama "Case Sensitive." After these roles, British magazine Screen International named him "a star of tomorrow."

Theo James in the series 'Case Sensitive'

In 2013, James set his sights on conquering the USA. In Hollywood, he made his debut as Detective Walter Clark in crime drama "Golden Boy." To prep for filming, the young actor learned police work "from the inside," spending several days alongside New York Police Department detectives. The project didn't meet producers' expectations and got canceled after the first season.

Divergent

In March 2013, Theo James landed an audition for the film adaptation of Veronica Roth's dystopian bestseller "Divergent". The novel depicts a future society split into five factions, where 16-year-olds take a test that determines which faction they'll join.

After multiple audition rounds, Theo James landed one of the main roles – Tobias Eaton, an instructor for the so-called "divergents" (extraordinary individuals with multifaceted abilities). At the auditions, Theo beat out his main competitors – Alex Pettyfer and Jeremy Irvine.

Theo James' Tattoo in the Movie 'Divergent'

After the March 21, 2014 premiere, Tobias "Four" Eaton became a heartthrob for millions of teenagers. "I was very lucky with the team and the director. Neil Burger is a true professional, very intelligent and with excellent taste. It was also great to work with Shailene Woodley. We had this really warm, family-like atmosphere on set, which definitely helps a newcomer," Theo James shared about filming in "Divergent".

There Was a Real Chemistry Between Theo James and Shailene Woodley

In May 2014, filming began for the sequel "Insurgent". The global premiere of the second part of the franchise took place on March 20, 2015, and exactly a year later, in March 2016, audiences saw the third installment, "Allegiant".

Divergent Star Theo James Talks Chemistry With Shailene Woodley

Further Career in Film

Between "Divergent" shoots, Theo James squeezed in the drama "Franny." The film explores the messy dynamics between Richard Gere's character and newlyweds Luke and Olivia, with Theo starring alongside Dakota Fanning. It hit theaters in 2015.

That same year, the actor became the face of the fragrance The Scent by Hugo Boss.

Theo James Hugo Boss Commercial Extended

In 2014, critics were calling Theo James "breakthrough of the year" and "young talent," but just two years later, audiences had crowned him one of Hollywood's hottest new stars.

2016 was a busy year for Theo James, with four major releases: the fifth "Underworld" film, dark comedy "War on Everyone" with Alexander Skarsgård, Jim Sheridan's drama "The Secret Scripture" starring Rooney Mara, and the third "Divergent" installment.

A scene from the filming of London Fields

In 2018, he appeared in three feature films. First up was crime thriller "London Fields," based on Martin Amis's novel and co-starring Amber Heard and Jaimie Alexander—though it flopped at the box office. Theo played the lead role in the Netflix sci-fi blockbuster "How It Ends," and alongside Ewan McGregor and Léa Seydoux, he starred in the sci-fi drama "Zoe."

Next, he shot crime thriller "Lying and Stealing" with Emily Ratajkowski. He also joined the cast of the series "The Witcher," voicing young Vesemir, a role he later reprised in the animated feature "The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf."

Theo James voiced young Vesemir

2020 brought the sci-fi drama "Archive," where Theo plays scientist George Almore, who's developing human-like androids. Grieving his dead wife, he uploads her consciousness into one of his creations.

Together with Rose Leslie, Theo James played the lead role of Henry DeTamble, a librarian with a rare disease that allows him to time travel, in the series "The Time Traveler's Wife." Unfortunately, the adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger's bestseller bombed with critics and got the axe after one season.

Theo James and Rose Leslie in The Time Traveler's Wife

Music

Theo has always been open about his passion for music: "I adore music! Nothing beats listening to music after you come home tired from a trip." The actor boasts a solid baritone voice and can also play guitar, piano, saxophone, and harmonica.

During his university years, James fronted the band Makora, and in 2010, he formed his own band called Shere Khan, named after the iconic tiger from Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Alongside Theo, who handled lead vocals and guitar, the lineup featured bassist Joy Sharratt, rhythm guitarist Will Earl, and drummer Sam Sweeney.

Theo James and the band Sher Khan

The members of Shere Khan described their music as a mix of dance, indie, rock, and punk. Rather than hitting the big stage circuit, they shared their music through MySpace and SoundCloud. Their compositions "Straight Up," "Skin," and "Can't Complain" were particularly well-received by online listeners. However, Theo's increasingly packed schedule led to an official announcement in November 2012 that Shere Khan had called it quits.

Theo James' Personal Life

In 2009, Theo met rising Irish actress Ruth Kearney during their time together at acting school. The couple's decision to keep things private only fueled endless rumors and speculation.

When the first "Divergent" film hit theaters, fans couldn't help but wonder if Theo James and Shailene Woodley were an item, convinced "they portrayed love too convincingly." Theo only added fuel to the fire with his take on Four and Tris's first kiss: "Sometimes you have to manufacture chemistry on set. You have to force it. But when you don't have to because everything feels real and natural, it elevates the scenes. Shailene and I have natural chemistry." Later, the actors even received the Teen Choice Award for "Choice Movie Liplock."

Theo James and Shailene Woodley's romance remained within the confines of the set

Summer 2014 brought fresh speculation when pop superstar Taylor Swift hinted that Theo was Hollywood's sexiest actor. Fans immediately went into overdrive speculating about a potential romance, but James stayed true to form and kept quiet about the rumors.

By 2015, Theo and Ruth Kearney were back in the spotlight when paparazzi spotted them browsing rings at a jewelry store. The couple frequently found themselves in photographers' crosshairs during strolls through New York. In September 2018, the couple got married.

The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in August 2021, though they've kept her name private. Their second child arrived in June 2023, with the couple keeping both the name and gender under wraps this time.

Theo James Now

In 2022, Theo James landed one of the lead roles in the second season of HBO's hit dramedy "The White Lotus." He brought to life Cameron Sullivan, a cocky young investor who embarks on an affair with his best friend's wife (Aubrey Plaza).

A scene from the TV series 'The White Lotus'

In March 2024, Netflix dropped Guy Ritchie's series "The Gentlemen," with Theo James taking center stage. The series spins off from Ritchie's film of the same name, with Theo playing Eddie Halstead, a duke's heir who discovers his inherited estate has become entangled in Mickey Pearson's sprawling drug empire.

Theo James in the TV series 'The Gentlemen'

Theo James: latest news and articles

Jared Tyler

I didn`t hear about him. Did he play in `Divergent`? He looks like very loved by many girls, probably he has a lot of fans :)

2021-05-08 11:09:01
Ruth Hicks

James was playing in my favorite series `Downton Abbey` but at that moment I did not appreciate :) But then I watched `Backstabbing for Beginners` and this is love!

2021-05-03 09:49:53
Gwendolyn White

Wooow Theo James is a hot handsome guy! I have no words! I could jump into the TV when I see him!

2021-04-16 22:39:03
Ruby Peterson

So handsome like crazy :) I didn`t watch any movie with him but now i have to...

2021-03-10 20:56:02
Leo Adkins

After all knowingly say that a talented person is talented everywhere. Great actor, musician and just a nice guy.

2021-02-27 08:38:48
Keyamara2006

I'm also inspired by him, his acting skills his music skills his goofy comments someday I hope I can meet him and tell him in person how gifted and talented he is and just how much I am inspired Thank you

2018-11-28 00:05:43
Keyamara2006

I'm happy he doesn't hide his gifts and that he loves his wife he's one of my most favorite actor's

2018-11-27 23:42:10

Photos: Theo James