Paul William Bettany was born on May 27, 1971 in Shepherd’s Bush, London, to Anne and thane Bettany, a stage singer and an artist and teacher. Bettany has siblings named Sarah and Matthew. Bettany was raised as a Roman Catholic. While his father trained at the all-girls boarding school Queenswood School in Hertfordshire, he together with his family lived on the campus. After his brother Matthew died, Bettany left their home and went on to live his own life in London and his parents then divorced. He then lived in a small flat and earned money through playing the instrument of guitar in the streets as a busker. Two years later, Bettany found a new work in a home for the elderly.
At the young age of 19, Bettany made a decision to be an actor. He then made his career with full dedication, attending the Drama Centre London in Chalk Farm. He subsequently made his debut on stage when he was included at the Stephen Daldry production of the West End revival called, An Inspector Calls at the Aldwych Theater, portraying the role of Eric Birling. Bettany then appeared in the Royal Shakespeare Comapany’s productions of the Richard III, Romeo and Juliet as well as the Julius Ceasar, where he garnered a Charleson Award nomination. At the age of 21, he appeared in one of the BBC productions of Oliver Twist, where he portrayed the role of Bill Sikes.
He then made his film debut, when he portrayed a small part in the play of entitled, Bent, which also includes the stars of Clive Owen and Jude Law as well as Ian McKellen. He then appeared in various show in stage as well as in TV such as in the TV series of Coming home and Killer Net. On the other hand, Bettany made his last theater appearance in the production for the One More Wasted Year and Stranger’s House at the Royal Court Theater. He then filmed various movies like the film of Gangster No. 1., where he portrayed one of its lead roles. He then appeared in the film of A Knight’s Tale, which earned him critical acclaim, including the London Film Critics Circle Award for the Best British Supporting Actor. He then portrayed the role of Charles Herman in the American drama film of A Beautiful Mind.
Bettany starred again with Russel Crowe in the directorial film of Peer Weir called, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. In year 2007, he travelled London just to star in There For Me, which was written by his companions Dan Fredenburgh and Doraly Rosen. On the following year, he appeared in the fantasy film of Inkheart, where he portrayed the role of Dustfinger. In year 2010, he starred together with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie in the romantic thriller film called, The Tourist. In addition, Bettany recently appeared in the 2011 film of Priest. Bettany is currently in talks to portray th role of Javert in the film adaptation of Les Miserables.
