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Hugh Bonneville's life off-screen from real name to split from wife of 25 years
Hugh Bonneville's life off-screen from real name to split from wife of 25 years
Hugh Bonneville will soon be back on our TV screens in the new series of BBC's The Gold, but what do we know about the star away from the cameras?
Hugh Bonneville is set to grace our telly screens once again in the new series of BBC's The Gold, reprising his role as Brian Boyce for a second stint.
The 61-year-old actor will be sharing the screen with the likes of Tom Cullen, Charlotte Spencer and Jack Lowden in the crime drama, which is set to premiere on BBC One on Sunday, June 8. All six episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer for fans to binge-watch.
Aside from The Gold, Hugh is most recognised for his roles in Downton Abbey and the Paddington films, having become a familiar face on our screens over the years.
Let's delve into Hugh's life, including his career and marriage split....
Hugh Bonneville is famed for starring in shows such as Downton Abbey
(Image: Getty )
Hugh's early years
Born on 10 November 1963 in Paddington, London, Hugh's full name is Hugh Richard Bonniwell Williams.
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His mother was a nurse and his father was a urological surgeon. Hugh received his education at Dulwich College School in London, followed by Sherborne School, reports the Express.
Subsequently, he attended Corpus Christi College at Cambridge, graduating with a 2:2 in theology. Hugh then pursued his studies at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
He was also a member of the National Youth Theatre.
When he embarked on his acting career, Hugh opted to go by Richard Bonneville, a combination of his middle names. This was due to the existence of a playwright named Hugh Williams.
He later switched Richard to Hugh, thus adopting Hugh Bonneville as his stage name.
What has Hugh starred in?
Hugh launched his acting career in theatre, with his first professional stage appearance at the Open Air Theatre. He then joined the National Theatre in 1987, before becoming a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1991.
In 1994, Hugh featured in an episode of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, and made his film debut later that same year in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. He then starred in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies in 1997.
Hugh has been seen in TV series such as Take a Girl Like You, Armadillo, The Commander and Midsomer Murders. He starred in Iris alongside Kate Winslet, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Hugh starred as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey
(Image: Universal )
In 2010, Hugh began starring in Downton Abbey, as Robert, Earl of Grantham. He appeared in the series until 2015 and also starred in the 2019 movie.
Fans will also recognise Hugh as Mr Brown in the Paddington films.
Marriage split
Hugh tied the knot with Lucinda Williams in 1998. The couple have a son, Felix.
In September 2023, Hugh and Lucinda, affectionately known as Lulu, announced they had decided to separate after 25 years together.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Lucinda had retained the family home in West Sussex while Hugh had moved into a bachelor flat located in Soho.
Since the end of his marriage, the Downton Abbey star has been linked to Canadian actress Claire Rankin as well as vegan influencer Heidi Kadlecova.
Hugh's current relationship status is not known.
Hugh and ex-wife Lucinda Williams
(Image: Getty )
Weight loss
Hugh has been candid about his weight struggles throughout his career, undergoing noteworthy transformations for various roles.
Reflecting on past experiences, Hugh has talked about slimming down for roles, especially recalling the dramatic weight loss for his Notting Hill audition. Hugh had recently dropped 9kg when he tried out for the character of Bernie.
Speaking to YP, Hugh shared an anecdote where the director reached out to discuss his physique as Bernie was expected to be larger than what Hugh was at the time. Despite this, Hugh affirmed he was "not going back".
For his audition as Bernie, the affable stockbroker in Notting Hill, having just lost 9kg, Hugh received a call from the director which prompted, "We need to have a conversation about your weight."
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After starring in 2008's Bonekickers, Hugh significantly changed his lifestyle, losing 16 pounds and even challenging himself by taking part in a 52-mile walking contest. Additionally, he has completed the arduous 100km South Downs walk.
The Gold is set to make its debut on BBC One on Sunday, 8 June at 9pm. Series one can be streamed currently on BBC iPlayer.
