Briton Dominic West is an actor familiar to many moviegoers. In his piggy bank of roles, Shakespearean and ancient Roman characters, American police officers, a hotel manager and such bright personalities as Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.
Biography Facts
The future actor was born on October 15, 1969 in Sheffle (England, Yorkshire) in a large Irish Catholic family. He is the sixth of seven sisters and brothers. Dominic's mother was an actress, and his father owned his own plastic factory. He was educated at Eton College and Irish Trinity College. In 1995, Dominic West (films with his participation will be indicated later) graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
The actor has been married to film producer Katherine Fitzgerald since 2010. The couple has four children, and Dominic also has a daughter from his first civil marriage. Katherine comes from an old Irish aristocratic family.
The actor's debut took place in 1993 in a little-known short film. After a long break two years later (1995), he was approved for the role of the future king Henry VII in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's play “Richard III”. This project was his starting point. The actors began to be invited to Hollywood films and television series. We offer you a selection of the highest grossing and popular projects in which Dominic West participates. The filmography of the actor currently has more than 50 roles, two series, where he acts as a director, producer, as well as many theater productions and television programs.
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)
The role of Lysander from the play of Shakespeare is one of the first in the career of an actor, and therefore is of interest to the viewer. The film adaptation of the classic was filmed by director Michael Hoffman. The plot is eternal, simple and complex at the same time - love and passion. The film has an excellent cast: Christian Bale, Stanley Tucci, Calista Flockhart, Rupert Everett, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kevin Kline, Sophie Marceau, Anna Friel.
"Rock Star" (2001)
The dramatic film directed by Stephen Herek is based on the real life story of vocalist Timothy Stephen Owens from the popular Judas Priest band in the 70s of the last century. This is a story about the rock arena of the period when the sound of the heavy metal style and its place in the world of modern music was determined, as well as the fame and price that you have to pay for it. Dominic West plays the role of guitarist Kirk Cuddy from the rock band Steel Dragon. The prototype of this character, apparently, is the legendary guitarist Kenneth Downing Jr. ("Kay-Kay") - one of the founders of Judas Priest, who left the band in 2011.
The series "wiretap" (2002-2008 gg.)
The action of American television drama takes place in Baltimore and the surrounding area. Its creator is a former crime journalist and writer D. Simon, so the plot is largely based on personal experience, as well as the experience of his friend, who once worked in the murder investigation department. The series has five seasons, each of which, while maintaining the main storyline, focuses the attention of viewers on various spheres of the city's life and their relationship with law enforcement agencies. One of the main roles (detective Jimmy McNulty) is played by Dominic West.
The series was not marked by any awards, but at the same time it had high ratings and positive reviews thanks to a detailed theme, research on acute social and political problems and a realistic depiction of the life of the city.
Punisher: Territory of War (2008)
This criminal action movie is based on the Marvel comics and is their first adaptation focused on an adult viewer. The plot unfolds around the anti-hero Frank Castle, nicknamed "The Punisher." Wanting to avenge the death of children and his wife, he kills one of the criminal leaders, while freeing the criminal path for the other. The killer Billy Rusotti, whose role was played by West Dominic in the fight with the Punisher, receives terrible injuries, but remains alive and takes the nickname "Jigsaw". Now he wants to take possession of the whole city, and no one can stop him.
Mini-series "Hour" (2011-2012)
The British television series Hour was aired on BBC Two. This is a story about journalists working on the BBC in 1956. Weekly, they prepare and broadcast the Hour news program, which is broadcast live. The plot is closely interconnected with the most high-profile political and historical events of the 50s, including the suppression of the uprising by the Soviet forces in Budapest, the beginning of the Suez crisis in Egypt and others. Dominic West plays one of the main roles - the host of the program (respectable Hector Madden).
The series was twice nominated for an Emmy Award, as well as Golden Globe and BAFTA TV. The project had good reviews from critics, was shown not only in the UK, but also in Sweden, the USA, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and Norway. Starring Dominic West received the first Golden Globe nomination, as well as the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.
