RUPERT EVERETT
Date of Birth: May 29, 1959
In the 1996 edition of Baseline's Encyclopedia of Film,
Rupert Everett was labeled "Handsome young lead of the 1980s"
- indicating that his star had long ago burnt out.
But that was before he portrayed Julia Roberts' "real"
best friend (the funny, gay one) in My Best Friend's Wedding.
Rupert's performance- highlighted by his glorious rendition of
Burt Bacharach's "I Say A Little Prayer" -- was such
a showstopper that many people are still amazed he didn't get an Oscar nomination.
The dashing Brit was indeed a sensation in his homeland in the
early '80s. A rebellious youth, he was turfed from London's Central
School of Speech and Drama for his insolence. He honed his acting
skills with Scotland's Glasgow Citizen's Theatre, touring in productions
across the U.K.
In 1982 he appeared in the London Stage production of Another
Country. When he reprised the role on the screen in 1984,
Everett became a media darling. He turned in a series of sterling
performances in Dance With A Stranger, Duet For One, and
the television movie Arthur The King.
Unfortunately, the love affair between the press and the outrageous
actor was short lived. His fits of ego alienated reporters, the
public and, worst of all, producers. By 1987 roles became scarce
and, in 1989, Everett openly acknowledged his homosexuality -
an act that would have had more impact if the press still cared.
His roles in the '90s were generally haughty, nasty-types, as in
Ready To Wear and Dunston Checks In.
With his star back on the rise, Everett has plans to reteam with
Julia Roberts in Martha and Arthur. There's also buzz about
a second "Best Friend" flick (My Best Friend's Divorce?).
As Everett says, "I'm putting myself up to be a major star.
I want to conquer Hollywood by becoming the first openly gay
leading man in films -- it's time someone did that, without all
the lying. Can't we all tell the truth about who we are?"
Filmography
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) (voice)
Separate Lies (2005)
...and Quiet Flows the Don (2004)
A Different Loyalty (2004)
People (2004)
Stage Beauty (2004)
Shrek 2 (2004) (voice)
To Kill a King (2003)
The Wild Thornberrys (2002) (voice)
The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
The Next Best Thing (2000)
An Ideal Husband (1999)
B. Monkey (1998)
My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
Dunston Checks In (1996)
Cemetery Man (1995)
Ready To Wear (1994)
The Madness Of King George (1994)
Inside Monkey Zetterland (1993)
Shooting Angels (1993)
The Comfort Of Strangers (1991)
Tolerance (1989)
Chronicle Of A Death Foretold (1987)
Duet For One (1987)
Hearts Of Fire (1987)
The Man With The Gold Rimmed Glasses (1987)
The Right Hand Man (1987)
Dance With A Stranger (1985)
Another Country (1984)