Jonathan Rhys Meyers  

Irish actor and sometimes model Jonathan Rhys Meyers is best known for his work in Bend It Like Beckham and Match Point. He is also known, however, for his continued placement as one of the sexiest men alive.

Jonathan Michael Francis O Keeffe was born July 27, 1977 in Dublin, Ireland. Born to Geraldine Meyers and John O Keefe, he endured severe heart problems from birth. After several months in the hospital, his health eventually began to improve. His family relocated to Cork, Ireland shortly after.

When he was three, his parents separated. A tumultuous time, Rhys Meyers was raised by his mother until he moved in with an Anglo-Irish farmer to whom he had no familial relation.

Expelled from school when he was just sixteen, he spent a lot of his time in various Irish pool halls. Eventually spotted by talent scouts, he was encouraged to try out for movies.

Although he lost his first audition, he won a bit role in 1994’s A Man of No Importance opposite Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, and Rufus Sewell. It wasn’t until 1996, however, that he won significant airtime. This time beside Julia Roberts, Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, and Alan Rickman, Rhys Meyers earned the role of assassin in Michael Collins.

He has taken a variety of roles in film and television ever since. This included lesser known roles such as Telling Lies in America with Kevin Bacon, Brad Renfro, and Calista Flockhart as well as independent fare like Velvet Goldmine with Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, Toni Collette, and Eddie Izzard. An experienced singer, Rhys Meyers provided his own vocals for the role.

Leaning toward the avant-garde, he also appeared in Mike Figgis’ directorial project The Loss of Sexual Innocence and Julie Taymor’s Titus starring Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, and Alan Cumming. He also appeared in the socially relevant Prozac Nation with Christina Ricci, Jason Biggs, Anne Heche, and Michelle Williams.

Despite varied and acclaimed work, Rhys Meyers was not a household name until 2002 when he starred in the international hit Bend It Like Beckham. The film also made stars out of newcomers Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley.

He received another commercial role in 2004’s Vanity Fair. Among a seasoned cast, Rhys Meyers acted with Gabriel Byrne, Reese Witherspoon, and Charlie Beall.

He received his greatest critical acclaim in the following year with the made-for-TV film Elvis. Playing the title character opposite Randy Quaid and Rose McGown portraying Ann Margret, Rhys Meyers earned an Emmy nomination and took home the Golden Globe.

Continuing to impress, he next won the lead in Woody Allen’s crime drama Match Point. His costars included Brian Cox, Emily Mortimer, and Scarlett Johansson.

Most recently, he appeared with Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Terrence Howard, and Robin Williams in August Rush as well as starring in the television series The Tudors portraying King Henry VIII.

He is currently in post-production for The Children of Huang Shi due for a 2008 release.

In addition to film, Rhys Meyers has also participated in modeling, winning the prestigious honor of fronting Versace’s 2006 line. He also lends his image to the new Hugo Boss fragrance campaign.

In his personal life, he has reportedly been involved with many actresses such as Rachael Leigh Cook, Glenda Gilson, Estella Warren, and others. He was engaged to Cha Cha Seigne, but the relationship was called off in 2003. He is currently involved with Reena Hammer, although their relationship has been notoriously rocky.

Perhaps explaining some of the tension, Rhys Meyers attended alcohol rehabilitation in early 2007. By April of the same year, he already checked back in for another round of treatment.