Facts About Actor James McAvoy

James McAvoy is one of Hollywood's rising stars. The Scottish actor has been hot ever since appearing in the 2006 film The Last King of Scotland. His recent role in the Oscar nominated film Atonement made his rising star status official in America. But it is his upcoming movie Wanted that could make him a household name. Until then, here are a few facts on James McAvoy:

Facts on the Actor's Background

James McAvoy grew up in Drumchapel, Glasgow, Scotland. But he now lives in London, England.

His father abandoned him at seven years old after his parents divorced. He then went to live with his grandparents.

He became interested in the movie industry after director David Hayman gave a speech at his school. In fact, a few months later he landed his first role, in Hayman's 1995 film The Near Room.

A couple of years later he began attending the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Facts on the Actor's Interests

While attending acting school, James McAvoy also studied to become a confectioner (baker).

At some point in his life, the Scottish actor also had desired to be a missionary.

Besides acting, McAvoy had dreams of being a pro footballer, or soccer player as we say in the States.

A couple of interesting talents James McAvoy possesses are fencing, acrobatics, and fire-breathing.

Facts on the Actor's Films

James McAvoy most recently has appeared in the films Penelope, Atonement, Becoming Jane, Starter for 10, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Last King of Scotland.

A few of his older movies American audiences might have seen the Scottish actor in also are Rory O'Shea Was Here, Wimbledon, and Bright Young Things; as well as the mini-series Band of Brothers.

Next, he will be featured alongside Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman in the 2008 summer movie Wanted. During an interview with W Magazine, he describes his upcoming summer blockbuster Wanted as "trippy" and says "it's a lot of Angelina (Jolie) beating the (bleep) out of me."

It may seem like the sudden onslaught of James McAvoy movies is the result of his critically praised performance in The Last King of Scotland, but in fact, he had already been cast in everything (including Wanted) before The Last King of Scotland hit theaters.

Facts on the Actor's Life

A fact that might disappoint the ladies: James McAvoy is taken. The actor married British actress Anne-Marie Duff in 2006. She is probably best known for her role as "Fiona" in the British TV series Shameless. McAvoy also appeared on the TV show Shameless as "Steve". In fact, working on Shameless is how the couple met.

Even though James McAvoy has achieved quite a bit of success in life, he says it is neither fair nor healthy to tell children they can be whatever they want to be because he believes that thought is untrue.

In a 2006 interview with Glamour Magazine, James McAvoy describes himself as being "a bit of an anti-social bastard" when asked about his relationship with Atonement co-star Keira Knightley. This little fact fits in line with his self-described aversion to becoming a "celebrity", and with his desire to keep his own life separated from his work.

Sources:

Kevin West W Magazine, "James McAvoy: Scottish Reel"; URL: (www.wmagazine.com)

Internet Movie Database, "Anne-Marie Duff"; URL: (www.imdb.com)

Karen Durbin, "How to Leap Into Fame and Keep Your Head", New York Times

Tavis Smiley, "James McAvoy", URL: (www.pbs.org)

James McAvoy Online, "Interviews"; URL (www.jamesmcavoy.com)