John Hannah is a famous Scottish film and theater actor. During his career, he managed to get several nominations and prestigious awards, as well as become famous all over the world thanks to his work in the popular film “The Mummy” and the equally famous series “Spartak”.
John Hannah: biography and general data
The future famous actor was born in Scotland, in the small town of East Kilbride, which is located near Glasgow. By the way, he was the third child in the family - the actor has two older sisters. His date of birth is April 23, 1962.
At that time, the mother of the future actor Susan worked as a cleaner in a large supermarket, and his father was a locksmith. John Hannah was born in a poor family, and therefore received a special education and decided to become an electrical engineer. By the way, his intentions were firm - he worked as an electrician for four years.
First career steps
Of course, John Hannah was good in the profession he mastered. But much more he was fascinated by stage skill. For example, he regularly took part in amateur productions, joining the East Kilbride theater group.
This hobby did not go unnoticed by friends. And his mentor advised the young electrician to enter the Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. John Hannah himself has repeatedly said that it was a turning point in his life. It never occurred to the poor son of a locksmith that he could get a higher education or, moreover, become an actor. Imagine his surprise when he was accepted into the academy after the first entrance exams.
The young man studied well and diligently mastered all the subtleties of stage mastery. After graduation, he was famous in theatrical circles - often took part in various plays, and also starred in television shows and short films.
The film "Four weddings and one funeral" and a rapid career development
In 1994, a rather successful romantic comedy titled “Four Weddings and a Funeral” was released, where Hugh Grant played a shy guy who sees his girlfriend only at weddings and funerals, not daring to approach her.
Actor John Hannah played a very small role here, Matthew, who at a funeral read one of Wisten's Hugh Auden poems. This is what became the first appearance of the actor on the big screen. It was this small episode that became for him a pass into the world of the film industry.
John Hannah: filmography
In 1995, several projects appeared on the screen, where the actor worked. In particular, he got a role in the film "Madagascar Skin." Here he perfectly played the shy gay Harry with a big ugly birthmark on his face - a smart, touching and intelligent guy liked the audience. In the same year, John Hannah got a role in the thriller Dream of the Innocent, which demonstrated all the charms of the life of the London "bottom".
In 1998, he played James Hammerton in the romantic drama Caution, Doors Lock! By the way, here his film partner was Gwyneth Peltrow.
Then came other films. John Hannah starred in 1999 as Terry Swinton in the historical drama Hurricane, which talks about the life of African-American boxer Rubin Carter. In the same year, the thriller “Intruder” was released, where the actor got the role of Charles, a friend of the main characters.
In the same year, the premiere of the incredibly popular mystical, adventure film "The Mummy" took place. Here John Hannah (photo is in the article) played the rogue, frivolous and always drunk brother of the main character - Jonathan, who at every opportunity strives to steal some ancient relic. The picture became so popular that in 2001 the sequel “The Mummy Returns” was shot. And in 2008, the third part appeared, entitled "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor." By the way, many fans of the film believe that it was John Hannah who brought a little humor to the plot. By the way, the actor himself claims that he was trying to be serious.
In 2000, the Circus crime thriller was released, where he played the hitman Leo. In 2002, the mystical thriller Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was released, where the actor managed to convincingly play both the respectable Henry Jekyll and the creepy, demonic Mr. Hyde. In 2004, the actor also starred in one of the episodes of the popular British television series Miss Marple Agatha Christie.
In 2007, the actor got the role of Nestor in the famous feature film "The Last Legion". He also played the French psychiatrist Dr. Gerard in the series Poirot Agatha Christie. In 2012, John Hannah reappeared on the screens - this time he played Richard Ford in the drama Words. He also got a small role in the popular interpretation of the Sherlock Holmes Elementary story.
Batiath's role and worldwide recognition
Of course, by the time John Hannah agreed to participate in the new series from the Starz channel, he was already quite popular - films and plays with his participation were very popular, and John himself was known as an artist who is easily and naturally given transformations into any images .
Nevertheless, the role of Quintus Lentulus Batiatus in the historical series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” brought him worldwide recognition. Here, John Hannah appeared in the image of an extremely ambitious and cunning villain trying to break through to the top, standing intrigues and weaving intrigues. And, despite the fact that Batiatus is a rather negative character, he managed to find a whole army of fans.
By the way, the series itself already at the time of the release of the first episode gathered several hundred thousand viewers from the screens. And, despite the criticism of the project for the abundance of blood, obscene language and erotic scenes, as well as some inconsistency with historical facts, the series "Spartak" has become one of the most famous and beloved by the public, as well as its actors.
The personal life of the actor
In fact, not so much is known about the personal life of this actor. Even while studying and working in the theater, actor John Hannah met Joanna Roth. For several years, young people met, and at the end of January 1996, their wedding took place.
In February 2004, twins were born to a star couple - a boy named Gabriel and a girl Astrid. By the way, the couple worked together on some films.