Les Miserables poster
With the release of the eagerly anticipated Les Miserable’s tomorrow I look at the A-list cast and see where they started out and what they have achieved throughout their careers.
Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean)
Born in Australia in 1968, Hugh has conquered the stage, small screen and is one of films leading men. He was trained at the Actor’s Centre Sydney before graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 1994.
His first acting role came in the Australian prison drama Corelli, in which he played violent prisoner Kevin Jones. Hugh made his film debut in a small Australian production Erskinville Kings, however it was his second film role in ‘Paperback Hero’ that gained a bigger audience and recognition.
He is now one of Hollywood’s A-List actors, starring in films such as X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Early reviews of Les Miserable’s have been brilliant, with high praise given to Hugh. The Daily Mail called his portrayal of Jean Valjean ‘the screen performance of his career’, and it has earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor.
Russell Crowe (Javert)
Russell was born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1964. His first role came when he was just six years old after being cast for the TV series Spyforce.
Russell gained small acclaim for starring in the 1990 film Prisoners of the Sun, but it was not until 1992 when he gained international recognition for his role in ‘Romper Stomper’.
His most famous role came in 2000 when he played Maximus in Gladiator, in which he won the Oscar for Best Actor. His award win cemented Russell as one of the best actors in the business and more awards followed. Other popular films of his include Cinderella Man and Robin Hood.
Anne Hathaway (Fantine)
Anne was born in New York in 1982. Her mother was an actress, which inspired Anne to go down the same path. Her creative talents shone at high school and she was accepted into prestigious Barrow Group Theatre Company, in New York City.
She had a wholesome start in Hollywood and found overnight success in 2001 as the lead role in Disney’s The Princess Diaries. In 2008 she gave a standout performance in ‘Rachel Getting Married’, which earned her Best Actress nominations at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards.
Today it was announced that Anne has been nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal as Fantine in Les Miserable’s. She has also starred in well known films The Devil Wears Prada and Becoming Jane.
Amanda Seyfried (Cosette)
Amanda was born in Pennsylvania in 1985. She began modelling at the age of 11 and her first acting role came in TV series ‘As the World Turns’.
After graduating from high school, she was set to attend Fordham University in New York, however she put this on hold after landing her first film role in chick flick Mean Girls.
This is not Amanda’s first musical role, as in 2008 she starred alongside Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth in Mamma Mia! Other films include Letters to Juliet and Dear John.
Sacha Baron Cohen (Thenardier)
Sacha is best known for his comedy performances through playing characters such as Ali G and Borat. He is also known for his controversial roles.
He shot to fame in the role of Ali G and in 2000 Da Ali G Show began, winning a BAFTA for best comedy in the following year. Another of his popular characters was Borat. The film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan was widely recognised and won Sacha an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Bruno was his latest character, which caused major controversy.
Helena Bonham Carter (Madame Thenardier)
Helena is best known for her quirky and gothic style parts. Her first real role came in 1983 when she appeared in A Pattern of Roses, which was soon followed by British Drama A Room with a View.
Shortly after she moved to America and where her first role came in Miami Vice, but it was not until 1999 that she stared in her first real Hollywood Blockbuster in Fight Club. During filming for Planet of the Apes she started her relationship with Tim Burton.
As well as starting a family together, Tim also cast her in many of his films such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland, in which she performed against Johnny Depp.
Helena has been nominated for two Oscars and in 2010 won a BAFTA for best supporting actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth in The Kings Speech.
By Emily Brockwell
Tagged in Les Miserables