10 fun and interesting Jonathan Rhys Meyers facts

1. From Farmhand to Hollywood Star

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, born into a working-class family, had a unique upbringing. His mother was a voluntary worker and his father was a musician, and as a result, he was exposed to a variety of different lifestyles. During his growing-up years, he worked as a farmhand, although he admitted that he was not particularly good at it. Despite this, his experiences as a farmhand gave him a unique insight into the lives of those from a working-class background.

Also → Matt Dillon: Early Career Highlights

2. 16-Year-Old Jonathan Rhys Meyers Moves In With A Farmer Family

At sixteen, Jonathan Rhys Meyers was expelled from school for truancy and decided to move in with a nouveau riche farmer family in the Irish countryside. He described the experience as the best thing to do at the time, as the family had expansive farms and provided him with a new home.

Also → Timothy Hutton's Acting Career Began with a Bang

3. From Pool Hall to Acting Stardom

While working as a farmhand, Jonathan Rhys Meyers spent all his spare time honing his skills in the pool halls. It was here that he was spotted by casting agents who were scouting for boys to play bit roles in the movie "War of the Buttons". Although he was rejected for the role, one of the agents saw potential in him and encouraged him to pursue an acting career. This chance encounter was the start of Jonathan's successful acting career, which has seen him star in a number of films and television shows.

Also → Omar Sharif: A Star in His Own Right

4. From schoolboy to Hollywood star

Jonathan Rhys Meyers made his acting debut in a Knorr soup commercial, launching his career in the entertainment industry. The commercial, which aired in the early 1990s, featured the young actor as a schoolboy enjoying a bowl of soup. His performance in the commercial was so impressive that it led to further acting roles, eventually leading to his breakout role in the 1997 film, The Maker. Since then, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has gone on to star in a number of critically acclaimed films and television shows, including Bend It Like Beckham, Match Point, and The Tudors.

Also → Sam Neill: an acclaimed actor with a long and successful career

5. Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Career Soars After 1998 Break

Jonathan Rhys Meyers' career skyrocketed after his first big break in the 1998 movie "Velvet Goldmine". In the film, he played the role of a rock star, inspired by the legendary David Bowie. His performance was so impressive that it earned him critical acclaim and opened the door to a successful acting career.

Also → Hugo Weaving: an acclaimed actor with a impressive list of accolades

6. Talented Actor of His Gen.

In 2005, Jonathan Rhys Meyers achieved critical acclaim for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the CBS mini-series. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination, cementing his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation. His portrayal of the iconic singer was praised by critics and fans alike, and is considered one of the best performances of his career.

Also → Clive Owen: A Career in Acting

7. Actor, Singer

Jonathan Rhys Meyers is an actor known for his roles in films such as "Bend It Like Beckham" and "Match Point". In the 1998 musical drama "Velvet Goldmine", Rhys Meyers not only acted, but also sang many of the songs himself. His performance in the movie was highly praised, and he was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. His singing in the movie was a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor.

Also → Robert Duvall: an American actor with a long and successful career

8. The Face of Hugo Boss Fragrances

For over a decade, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been the face of Hugo Boss fragrances, appearing in numerous campaigns and advertisements for the iconic brand. His partnership with Hugo Boss has been highly successful, with his image becoming synonymous with the luxury fashion house. His work has been featured in magazines, billboards, and television commercials, helping to make Hugo Boss one of the most recognizable names in the fragrance industry.

Also → Holly Hunter: A Star from an Early Age

9. His Violent and Alcoholic Past

Jonathan Rhys Meyers was notorious for his violent nature and alcoholism, which led to a particularly shocking incident at New York's JFK airport. He became so aggressive with American Airlines employees that he was barred for life from flying with the airline. This incident was a stark reminder of the dangers of his volatile behavior and substance abuse.

Also → Vince Vaughn: Early Career in Pictures

10. Jonathan Rhys Meyers Hospitalized After Suspected Suicide

In June 2011, paramedics were called to Jonathan Rhys Meyers' London home, where they found him slumped on the floor. Reports suggest that he had consumed an unidentifiable drug, leading to speculation that it was a suicide attempt. Although the actor has not publicly commented on the incident, it has been widely reported that he was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released.