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Emerging from the pond in the BBC's production of Pride And Prejudice may have been the moment that crystallized his unique brand of surly sensuality, but Firth is currently one of the most versatile leading men in British cinema. Born in 1960 to university lecturer parents, he debuted on stage in Another Country opposite Rupert Everett and, like him, went on to star in the 1984 film. Good TV followed and then the lead in Valmont, Milos Forman's take on Les Liaisons Dangereuses (somewhat overshadowed by the successful Frears version). Post-D'Arcy, Firth was catapulted to Hollywood fame - The English Patient, Shakespeare In Love and Fever Pitch followed in quick succession. Firth's supporting role in the 2001 comedy Bridget Jones's Diary earned him a BAFTA nomination, while Girl With A Pearl Earring proved he's still an arthouse favourite.
