The League of Austen Artists: The British Invasion of Hollywood (The Celebrity Cafe)

Monday, January 2, 2012

The British Invasion of Hollywood (The Celebrity Cafe)

1/2/2012

Jackie Morrison

The British Are Coming Back!

Back in the '60s, people said that there was a British invasion when it came to music because of the Beatles and Rolling Stones. However, the British may have been kicked out of America back in 1776 but they still keep trying to overtake America through film. It's not just the accent that gets many people excited with some British actors. Part of the appeal is that British actors have been trained by the best. In England, acting has been seen as a profession and many performers have been trained on the stage. The following actors represent some of the best in British exports that have arrived in Hollywood.

Hugh Grant
In 1994, Hugh Grant became a household name when he starred in Four Weddings and A Funeral. His English schoolboy charm and baby blue eyes instantly made Grant a press favorite. His romance with Elizabeth Hurley also helped cement him as a leading man. His drama training at Oxford must have paid off.

Daniel Craig
The London native is currently James Bond and the star of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Before his star turn as a 007, Craig was a fixture on the stage in England. Between his Bond roles, Craig appeared on Broadway with Hugh Jackman.

Tom Hardy
Inception may have been a film for Leonardo DiCaprio but it surprised many by introducing them to Tom Hardy. Hardy is a British actor who can shape shift with his face and body. In Warrior, if you didn't know he was from England, you might actually believe that he was once a US Marine. Hardy has a Brando look with the acting chops of fellow Drama Center alumni Sir Anthony Hopkins. He is an actor who brings back classic Hollywood glamour and combines it with his modern bad boy looks.

James McAvoy
This Scottish actor is best remembered for his role in Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway. He has also made a name for himself for being able to speak with a perfect American accent. McAvoy appeals to a range of fans for his sensitivity and ability to be a nice guy type of sex symbol.

Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler is also from Scotland and his fame began when he had those awesome six pack abs in 300. Butler was once considered for James Bond, but has played more romantic comedy leads recently. He can also sing like a rock star, which gives him a bad boy appeal.