10 fun and interesting James Purefoy facts

1. English Actor

James Brian Mark Purefoy is an English actor best known for his roles in the television series Rome and The Following. Born in Somerset, England, Purefoy's full name is a combination of his father's first name, James, his mother's maiden name, Brian, and his grandfather's middle name, Mark. He has appeared in numerous films and television series, including A Knight's Tale, Resident Evil, and Vanity Fair.

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2. Actor before becoming a porter

Before becoming an actor, James Purefoy worked as a porter at Yeovil District Hospital. During his spare time, he sold copies of the Socialist Worker while also attending the Central School of Speech and Drama, a prestigious British drama school. His hard work and dedication paid off, as he is now a successful actor with numerous credits to his name.

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3. A Member of the Royal Shakespeare Company

In 1988, James Purefoy joined the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), a renowned theatre company based in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. As a member of the RSC, Purefoy had the opportunity to perform in some of the most iconic works of William Shakespeare, including Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet. His time with the RSC was a formative experience for Purefoy, and it helped to shape him into the acclaimed actor he is today.

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4. Acclaimed Actor at RSC

James Purefoy is an acclaimed actor who has appeared in a number of productions at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). His notable roles include The Constant Couple, Macbeth, The Tempest, The Man Who Came to Dinner (directed by Gene Saks at the Barbican) and King Lear as Edgar. His performances have been praised for their depth and emotion, making him a highly sought-after actor in the theatre world.

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5. Teenage Years Full of Mischief and Music

James Purefoy's teenage years were filled with mischief and music. While attending boarding school, he once took it upon himself to serenade the girls at a nearby school with a thirteen-stanza rendition of the classic English folk song, "Greensleeves". His performance was met with much enthusiasm from the girls, and it's likely that this experience helped to shape his love of music and performance.

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6. James Purefoy Screen Tested for James Bond Role

James Purefoy was one of the actors who screen tested for the iconic role of James Bond in the 1995 film GoldenEye. Although he didn't get the part, Purefoy's audition was highly praised by the producers and director, and he was considered a strong contender for the role. Ultimately, the part went to Pierce Brosnan, who went on to star in four Bond films.

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7. Heartthrob of the '90s

In 1997, James Purefoy was voted "Hunk of the Year" by a British television magazine, solidifying his status as a heartthrob. His good looks and charm made him a fan favorite, and the title was a testament to his popularity. Purefoy has since gone on to star in a number of films and television shows, and his star continues to rise.

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8. James Purefoy, original V in V for Vendetta, leaves production

James Purefoy was originally cast as V in the 2006 film V for Vendetta, but his time on set was short-lived. Despite the iconic nature of the role, Purefoy found it difficult to cope with the mask he was required to wear throughout filming, and ultimately decided to leave the production shortly after it began.

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9. James Purefoy Donates to Yeovil Town FC

James Purefoy is a passionate supporter of Yeovil Town Football Club, a League Two team based in Somerset, England. He has been a fan of the club since childhood and has been seen attending matches at Huish Park, the team's home stadium. He is a vocal advocate for the club, often speaking out in support of the team and its players. He has even been known to make donations to the club in order to help with its development.

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10. James Purefoy builds a tree house for his son

James Purefoy, the acclaimed actor, is not only a talented performer, but also a devoted father. At his London home, he took the time to personally construct a tree house for his young son, demonstrating his commitment to providing a fun and safe environment for his family. The tree house is a testament to Purefoy's dedication to his son, and is sure to provide hours of entertainment for the young boy.