Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, a renowned English actor, film producer, and director, was born on December 22, 1962. Since 1999, he has served as an esteemed ambassador for UNICEF UK. A highly acclaimed Shakespeare interpreter, Fiennes initially achieved great success onstage at the prestigious Royal National Theatre.
In 1993, Fiennes' powerful portrayal of Nazi war criminal Amon Göth in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List earned him multiple prestigious award nominations, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. He ultimately took home the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. This groundbreaking performance marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in Hollywood.
Fiennes' subsequent film roles further solidified his status as a talented and versatile actor. His captivating performance as Count Almásy in The English Patient (1996) garnered him a second Academy Award nomination, as well as BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. His impressive range and skill as an actor have been showcased in a wide range of films, including Quiz Show (1994),Strange Days (1995),The End of the Affair (1999),Red Dragon (2002),The Constant Gardener (2005),In Bruges (2008),The Reader (2008),Clash of the Titans (2010),Great Expectations (2012),and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).
In addition to his work in film, Fiennes has also made a significant impact in the world of animation, voicing the character of Rameses in The Prince of Egypt (1998). He has also lent his voice to various documentaries and video games.
Fiennes is perhaps most well-known for his iconic portrayal of the main villain, Lord Voldemort, in the beloved Harry Potter film franchise (2005-2011). His chilling performance as the dark lord has become synonymous with the character.
In addition to his work in film, Fiennes has also made a name for himself in the world of theater. He made his directorial debut in 2011 with a film adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy Coriolanus, in which he also played the title character. Fiennes has also won a Tony Award for his performance as Prince Hamlet on Broadway.
