Jonathan Pryce Biography
Sir Jonathan Pryce OBE is a renowned British actor who has made an indelible mark in both theatre and film. Born John Price on 1 June 1947, he grew up in Holywell, North Wales and attended Holywell Grammar School.
After completing his education, Pryce initially pursued a career in teaching, but a college theatre production proved to be the catalyst for his transition to acting.
Impressed by his performance, one of his tutors suggested he apply to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) for further training. Pryce was awarded a scholarship to RADA, where he honed his craft and developed his skills.
After graduating from RADA, he began his career in theatre, performing in a range of plays, including Hamlet and Miss Saigon. His exceptional stage performances earned him two Tony Awards and two Laurence Olivier Awards.
Jonathan Pryce’s talents eventually led him to the big screen, where he demonstrated his versatility as an actor. He landed his breakthrough role in Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, and followed it up with other acclaimed performances in films like Glengarry Glen Ross, The Age of Innocence, and The Two Popes. He also appeared in major Hollywood blockbusters such as the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Evita, and as Bond villain Elliot Carver in Tomorrow Never Dies.
In addition to his film work, Jonathon Pryce has also made a name for himself on television, receiving critical acclaim for his roles in series like Game of Thrones, Taboo, and Wolf Hall. He has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Prince Philip in The Crown.
In 1972, while working at the Everyman Theatre, Pryce met actress Kate Fahy, and after being in a relationship for many years, they finally tied the knot in 2015. As well as his Olivier and Tony Awards, Jonathan Pryce also won Best Actor at Cannes FIlm Festival for Carrington (1995).
Outside of acting, Pryce boasts an honorary doctorate by the University of Liverpool in 2006 and holds fellowships at both the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Additionally, he was recognized as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) during the 2009 Birthday Honours. Then in 2021, Jonathan Pryce was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the arts, and with it becoming Sir Jonathan Pryce.
