Kenneth Branagh, the maestro of stage and screen, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From his roots in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1960, Branagh has become a global sensation, renowned for his prowess as an actor, director, and writer.
On the Stage:
- Shakespearean Prodigy: A RADA graduate, Branagh’s love for Shakespeare propelled him to become the youngest actor to play Henry V for the Royal Shakespeare Company at the age of 23.
- Renaissance Theatre Company: In 1983, he founded the Renaissance Theatre Company, creating a platform for budding actors and exploring classical works on his terms.
- Stage Career Highlights: Beyond Shakespeare, Branagh showcased his versatility with roles in productions like “Noises Off,” “Chicago,” and “Hamlet,” displaying unwavering dedication to the stage.
On the Screen:
- Shakespearean Renaissance: Branagh seamlessly transitioned his love for Shakespeare to film, directing and starring in adaptations like “Henry V,” “Hamlet,” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”
- Beyond the Bard: His filmography extends beyond Shakespeare, encompassing genres from thrillers like “Dead Again” to comedies like “Peter’s Friends” and even superhero films like “Thor.”
- Acting Prowess: Branagh’s acting prowess shines through iconic characters such as Gilderoy Lockhart and Hercule Poirot, contributing to his enduring charisma on screen.
Kenneth Branagh Movies and TV Shows’ Notable roles:
- “Henry V” (1989): Director and star, bringing Shakespeare’s historical drama to life.
- “Dead Again” (1991): A neo-noir thriller where Branagh plays a man with amnesia.
- “Much Ado About Nothing” (1993): A vibrant adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy.
- “Hamlet” (1996): Director and star, putting a modern twist on the iconic tragedy.
- “Thor” (2011): Director and Odin, the powerful father of the superhero.
- “Murder on the Orient Express” (2017): Director and Poirot, solving a murder on a luxurious train.
- “Belfast” (2021): Director and narrator, a semi-autobiographical film about growing up in Belfast during the Troubles. TV Series:
- “Shackleton” (2002): Miniseries where Branagh portrays the legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton.
- “Wallander” (2010-2016): British series featuring Branagh as the Swedish detective Kurt Wallander.
- “This Is Us” (2017-2022): Guest-starred as Rebecca’s eccentric biological father, Liam.
Kenneth Branagh Biography:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kenneth Charles Branagh |
| Nickname(s) | Kenny, KB |
| Birth Date | December 10, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 63 (as of Dec 2023) |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (1.78 m) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Religion | Protestant (raised) |
| Nationality | British (Northern Irish origin) |
| Education | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (1981) |
| Graduation | Yes, 1981 |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Writer, Producer |
| Total Number Of Movies | Over 60 (as actor, director, or writer) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $40 million |
| Income Source | Acting, Directing, Writing, Producing |
| Years Active | 1982 – Present |
| Marital Status | Married to Lindsay Brunnock (previously divorced Emma Thompson) |
| Current Relationship | Married to Lindsay Brunnock |
| Partner/Wife(s) | Emma Thompson (1989-1995), Lindsay Brunnock (2003-present) |
| Offsprings | None |
| Parents | Frances and William Branagh |
| Siblings | Two older sisters |
| Cousins | Unknown |
| Ethnic Background | Irish and English |
| Number of Countries Visited | Extensive world travel (exact number unknown) |
| Current Residence | Guildford, Surrey, England |
| Wikipedia | Kenneth Branagh Wikipedia |
| Kenneth Branagh FB | |
| Andre Braugher Instagram | |
| Business Ventures | Renaissance Theatre Company, Film and television production companies |
| Pets | Has had dogs in the past (current pet status unknown) |
| Upcoming Projects | TBA |
| Trivia | Founded Renaissance Theatre Company, Shakespeare aficionado, directed and starred in numerous Shakespeare adaptations, nominated for five Academy Awards (won one for writing), knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. |
Top of the latest Kenneth Branagh Movies and TV Shows:
| Movie/TV Show | Year | Runtime | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us | 2023 | 10 episodes | Abijah Fowler |
| Oppenheimer | 2023 | 180 min | Niels Bohr |
| A Haunting in Venice | 2023 | 103 min | Hercule Poirot |
| Blue Eye Samurai | 2023 | 8 episodes | Fowler (voice) |
| This England | 2022 | 6 episodes | Boris Johnson |
| Death on the Nile | 2022 | 127 min | Hercule Poirot |
| Fireheart | 2022 | 97 min | Shawn Nolan (voice) |
| Tenet | 2020 | 150 min | Sator |
| All Is True | 2018 | 101 min | William Shakespeare |
| Murder on the Orient Express | 2017 | 114 min | Hercule Poirot |
Kenneth Branagh, a force of nature in entertainment, combines unwavering dedication to Shakespeare, a diverse filmography, and captivating performances. As a legend, he continues to push boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide through directing, acting, and writing. Branagh’s journey through storytelling reminds us of the profound impact of his artistry. Do you have a favorite role or project you’d like to know more about?
