What can you tell me about Eddie Redmayne from “My Week With Marilyn”?
—Dena Simpkins, Galesburg, Ill.
Redmayne is currently starring in the big-screen musical “Les Misérables” in the role of Marius. It is a dream come true for the actor, who saw a stage version of the show as a child. “It feels incredibly special to be part of this,” he says.
Born in London, England, Redmayne, 31, is one of five children. He studied acting from a young age, encouraged by his parents. He made his first stage appearance at 12 in a production of “Oliver!” in London’s West End.
Redmayne attended Eton College, studied art history at Trinity College and spent time tending the bar in a pub before getting his first big acting break.
Among his film credits are “The Yellow Handkerchief,” “Black Death,” “Glorious 39,” “Powder Blue,” “Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” “Like Minds,” “The Other Boleyn Girl,” “Savage Grace” and “The Good Shepherd.”
His work on British television includes “Birdsong,” “The Pillars of the Earth” and “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.”
Redmayne was named outstanding newcomer at the 2004 London Evening Standard Awards and the 2005 London Critic’s Circle Theatre Awards 2005 for his performance in “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?”
Redmayne won the 2010 Tony and Laurence Olivier Awards for best supporting actor for his outstanding performance in “Red.”
The actor, who is colorblind, currently resides in London.
