Ralph Fiennes: The Man Behind Harry Potter's Lord Voldemort

We all have witnessed the phenomenon of the Harry Potter series. Many have read the books, and even more have seen the movies. Lord Voldemort has tried to destroy the wizard world throughout each of the movies, and each time Harry and his friends prevail. Through the make-up and effect artists it's hard to tell who Lord Voldemort really is. Ralph Fiennes portrays the enemy of Hogwarts in an exceptional way, as if he, like Daniel Radcliffe was born for the part.

Ralph Fiennes (pronounced "Rafe Fines") was born on a cold December day in 192. He is the oldest of six children, many of which are in creative fields. He is the brother of Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love, Enemy At The Gates). The children were home schooled and Ralph finished his schooling at Bishop Wordsworth's School in London. From there he attended Chelsea College of Art because he originally wanted to be a painter.

Throughout his childhood his parents encourage him and his siblings to pursue their creativity. Ralph has also attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and the in 1988 became a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is the only actor to win a Tony for Hamlet. Fiennes has been linked with numerous love affairs and was married to Alex Kingston (Dr. Cordy from E.R.). At the moment he is not linked with anyone special or long term.

This award winning actor made his film debut playing Heathcliff in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. He gained critical acclaim for his role in Schindler's List, of which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as well as a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) for Best Supporting Actor. His file roles range from thrilling such as Red Dragon, to Biblical with Prince of Egypt and to even romantic with Maid in Manhattan. In 2001, Fiennes won the Shakespeare Award from the Shakespeare Theater in Washington D.C. Fiennes has played many notable and leading roles in various Shakespeare plays such as Lysander in "A Mid-Summer Nights Dream," and Mark Anthony in "Julius Caesar."

Ralph Fiennes comes from a creative family, mother a novelist his father a photographer. It's only natural that he plays his role of Lord Voldemort with ease and as much class a villain can have. He has won many awards and nominations for his role in Schindler's List, but he will long be known as Lord Voldemort.