Jim Broadbent Biography English actor Jim Broadbent is an Academy award winning actor best known for his roles in Iris, Moulin Rouge, and many other films. In addition to his extensive professional résumé, he is also noted for being an extremely affable and easygoing person onset. James “Jim” Broadbent was born May 24, 1949 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England. His parents were Doreen “Dee” Findlay and Roy Laverick Broadbent, a sculptress and multi-medium artist respectively. Both Broadbent’s parents also dabbled in acting, and to that end, they founded the Holton Players. Broadbent was actually a twin, but his sister died in childbirth. Broadbent obtained his initial education from Leighton Park School. He then moved on to a small art college, but he eventually transferred to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He graduated in 1972. Getting his start on the stage, Broadbent appeared in a variety of productions before landing his onscreen debut in 1978’s The Life Story of Baal. Continuing to land numerous roles in film and television, Broadbent gained exposure through the series Play for Today. He appeared intermittently from 1979 to 1982, during which time he shared the screen with Perry Benson and Julie Walters and was directed by Stephen Frears.
Although Broadbent never hurt for work, he didn’t make a big splash until he appeared in Terry Gilliam’s Brazil. Acting beside big names in the business, the film also featured Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, Ian Holm, Bob Hoskins, and others. Broadbent’s career really exploded, however, in the early 90s beginning with 1992’s Enchanted April. A hit with critics and audiences, Mike Newell’s drama also starred Miranda Richardson and Alfred Molina. He continued his success with The Crying Game, which was released the same year. This time around, he appeared with Forest Whitaker, Jaye Davidson, and Stephen Rea. Broadbent is also noted for appearing in Woody Allen’s 1994 smash hit comedy Bullets Over Broadway with John Cusack, Dianne Wiest, Jennifer Tilly, and many others. Broadbent’s critical renown continued with a co-leading role in Topsy-Turvy and culminated with an Oscar win in 2001’s biographical drama Iris. In his award-winning role, he appeared with fellow actors Kate Winslet, Hugh Bonneville, and Judi Dench.
Others may recognize him for his role in Bridget Jones’s Diary with Renee Zellweger and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! opposite Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. More recently, he has made appearances in everything from Hot Fuzz to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He currently has five projects in varying stages of production, including the much anticipated Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In his personal life, Broadbent married Anastasia Lewis in 1987. They are currently still together. | 
