Adrien Brody

Often compared to film greats Al Pacino and Marlon Brando for his unique looks, Adrien Brody submerses himself in his roles to deliver a high level of realism in each of his performances. As the youngest actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor, and known for planting a back-bending kiss on the stunning Halle Berry, his techniques  have apparently paid off. Brody shrugs off criticism for not taking on more challenging and mature roles, saying that he acts in films that look like fun.

Adrien Brody was born on April 14, 1973, in Queens, New York . Before he began acting professionally, Brody attended the Fiorello H. La Guardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, and also enrolled in acting classes upon the insistence of his parents. The 1988 television movie Home at Last was Brody’s film debut as well as his first starring role. Over the next few years, he had substantial parts in the films King of the Hill, The Last Time I Committed Suicide, and Six Waysto Sunday. Unfortunately, none of these films propelled Brody to superstardom, and he continued to be relatively unrecognized despite his numerous appearances.

While he became better known to the public for his performances in the World War II drama, The Thin Red Line, and the Spike Lee film, Summer of Sam, it was his 2002 starring role that would finally grant Brody the recognition and fans so desperately craved by all of Hollywood . The Pianist is based on the true story of ’s greatest piano player who escaped the Nazi regime during World War II and went into hiding. Brody’s preparation for the role was tremendous; he completely dropped out of society for months, learned to play Chopin on the piano, and lost thirty pounds. His efforts paid off, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the youngest person ever to be granted the coveted honor. A Cesar, the French equivalent of an Oscar, was also bestowed to him, making Brody the first American to ever receive the award.

Since The Pianist, Brody has had starring or leading roles in the modestly successful The Village, directed by M Night Shyamalan, The Jacket, also starring Keira Knightley, as well as King Kong. The latter, directed by Lord of the Rings mastermind Peter Jackson and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts, was by far the most commercially successful of Brody’s recent films. The movie garnered three Academy Awards and grossed more than four hundred million dollars worldwide. Brody’s recently released and upcoming films include Hollywoodland and Speechless.

While the actor has had several girlfriends, he doesn’t appear to date a considerable number of women. Rather, most of his relationships have been long-term, at least by Hollywood standards. Brody was once linked to Sky Nellor, a model and Club DJ. Next was a one year union with actress/model Monet Mazur. After they parted ways in 2002, Brody had a three year relationship with the beautiful Michelle Dupont, whose biggest claim to fame was simply being Brody’s attractive other half. During their relationship, rumors swirled that he and The Jacket co-star Keira Knightley were having a clandestine love affair, but these stories were furiously denied by both parties. Since his breakup with Dupont in early 2006, Adrien has been spotted with Spanish actress Elsa Pataky.