After studying at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, Rupert Friend made his big-screen debut with the supporting role of Downs in the 2004 historical drama The Libertine. Art house films would prove to be a good niche for the actor, and he subsequently made waves with roles in The Moon and the Stars and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Friend then scored an even bigger break when he was cast as the title role in the 2009 Stephen Frears film Chéri. He followed that up as the male lead in the period piece The Young Victoria. He directed the short film Steve in 2010, and starred in the war drama 5 Days of War. Friend joined the Showtime hit Homeland in season 2, playing Peter Quinn, a CIA operative.
Rupert Friend
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- Before becoming an actor, he wanted to sail around the world, working as a deckhand on yachts.
- Auditioned for Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts without telling his family; he thought his audition went so poorly that he had already lined up another job when he got the call he was accepted.
- Film debut was his acclaimed portrayal of Johnny Depp's sidekick Billy Downs in The Libertine.
- Met ex-girlfriend Keira Knightley on the set of Pride & Prejudice, playing Mr. Wickham to her Elizabeth Bennett.