Joseph Fiennes

Portrayed James Gregory, Mandela's censor officer and prison guard in "Goodbye Bafana" based on the book by Gregory titled Goodbye Bafana: Nelson Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend

Played a gay schizophrenic in the film adaptation of the Augusten Burroughs book, "Running With Scissors"

Appeared in the WWII drama "The Great Raid"

Starred in "The Merchant of Venice" a Shakespearian adaptation, set in 16th century Venice

Cast as religious reformer Martin Luther in the biopic "Luther"

Starred opposite Heather Graham in the controversial romance "Killing Me Softly" directed by Chen Kaige

Cast in title role of "Edward II" at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre; reprised role in London's West End in spring 2002

Co-starred in "Enemy at the Gates" with Jude Law and Ed Harris

Cast as one of three men attracted to the same woman in "The Very Thought of You/Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence"

Cast in the title role of the period romance "Shakespeare in Love"; co-starred with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck

Co-starred opposite Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth"

Returned to the London stage in "Real Classy Affair"

Feature film debut, "Stealing Beauty" directed by Bernardo Bertolucci

Offered well-received turns as Troilus in "Troilus and Cressida" and Silvius in "As You Like It"

TV acting debut, "The Vacillations of Poppy Carew"

Was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company

West End debut in "The Woman in Black"

Worked as a dresser at the National Theatre

Began stage career with the Young Vic Youth Theatre

Had a peripatetic upbringing, living in various parts of England and in Ireland