Recently, Colin Firth, an Oscar-nominee for the film, A Single Man, addressed the possibility of reprising his role as Mark D'Arcy for a third installment of the Bridget Jones' Diary series. "I wouldn't want to do a third Bridget Jones film that just went over the same ground," said Firth, which is befitting since he has built his career out of playing a variety of diverse and original characters.
About Colin Firth
Colin Firth was born in Grayshott, Hampshire, England, the son of a comparative religion lecturer, and a history professor. He received his acting training took at the Drama Centre London, and in 1983, he Firth starred as Guy Bennett in the award-winning London stage production of Another Country. In 1984, he made his film debut in the screen adaptation of the play, taking the role of Tommy Judd (opposite Rupert Everett as Bennett). In 1986, he starred with Laurence Olivier in Lost Empires, a TV adaptation of J. B. Priestley's novel, and in 1987 he appeared alongside Kenneth Branagh in the film version of J. L. Carr's novel, A Month in the Country. In 1989, he played the title role in the film Valmont, and was co-lead in the film Apartment Zero.
Colin Firth's Break-Out Role In Pride and Prejudice
Cast as the prickly Mr. Darcy in the 1995 British mini-series, Pride and Prejudice, Colin Firth became a household name--that all of the critics were buzzing about. His performance won rave reviews from audience members and critics alike, including New York Times critic John O'Connor, who said "Firth "brilliantly captures Mr. Darcy's snobbish pride while conveying, largely through intense stares, that he is falling in love despite himself."
Other Notable Colin Firth Film Roles
After achieving widespread recognition for Pride and Prejudice, Colin Firth delivered memorable performances in a string of box office hits and independent films. Among his best performances are:
Bridget Jones' Diary
It was clear from the get-go why, when torn between two men, played by Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, Bridget Jones would pick the latter. Colin Firth is both dashing and appealing as the rich, upstanding Mr. D'Arcy. Ironically, the character is rumored to be based on the character Firth winningly played in Pride and Prejudice.
Love Actually
Firth shows off his comedic talents in this charming film, in which he plays a novelist who finds the perfect companion in his strong-willed Portuguese maid, who doesn't speak a word of English. Critics couldn't help but fall in love with Firth as he embarks in a comedy of cultural errors to win over the woman he loves, despite the language gap.
A Single Man
Colin Firth delivers his most moving performance to date in this modern-day classic stylishly directed by Tom Ford. As a man grieving the death of his longtime boyfriend, Firth takes the audience on an emotional journey of a man with a broken heart, searching for something--anything to take him away from his depression. Throughout the film, Firth plays him as a man of his time who is also mournfully ahead of his time.
Mark Williams - I was born in the sunny hills of Yonkers, New York a little over thirty years ago. Writing has been a part of my life since I was five, ...
