This was quickly followed by the role of Yan in an adaptation of Enid Blyton's "Five Go Down To The Sea" in 1979. This versatile English actor's CV is a history of a seemingly never ending workload.

The present count, up to and including June 2006, is an outstanding 51 film / television productions, 22 stage roles, and a variety of narrative and television advertising work. Born in the seaside resort town of Weston Super Mare (30. 06. 1963) Rupert Graves had his first taste of the show-business bug by taking part in Victorian musical nights held at Birnbeck Pier in his home town. As befits the past of all great actors, Rupert Graves did not enjoy his time at school - unable to accept the indignities of authority and it's restrictive rules.

A variety of part time employment and a mini excursion into punk rock music soon followed. Amongst others, Graves worked as a circus clown, in a chip shop, and a shoe factory. The acting blood was still in his veins however, this leading him to join a troupe with the amazing name of "Silly Billy Pickles And The Peanut Street Gang", which entertained children at Butlin's holiday camps.

This type of experience was to stand him in good stead in the near future, as when making his stage debut in "The Killing Of Mr. Toad" at The King's Head Theatre, Rupert Graves abilities were soon noted.

Shortly after this appearence, he was offered the part of Freddy Honeychurch in the Merchant Ivory production of "A Room With A View", now regarded as a cinema classic.

Graves contribution to the film was such that he was offered another part by the same producers in another classic period drama - "Maurice".

It was undoubtedly this film, with it's daring subject of homosexual love between two men from totally different classes, that made the name of Rupert Graves.

The film was simply a superb piece of production when the finished article left the studio, a strong cast would see to that - followed with a performance by Graves as Alec Scudder that lifted it to heights probably not expected.

This controversial role, combined with his boyish good looks was to gain Graves a loyal base of fans from both sexes - and also brought about the same question from every journalist - "Are you gay?" For a period of time Graves never answered the question, deciding to let the gossips gossip, and fuelling all manner of speculation. For the record - Rupert is married to production co-ordinator, Susie Lewis, who are the proud parents of two children.

Due to his liking for difficult roles and never fearing to go forwards in terms of stretching himself Graves may well have this type of speculation for some time to come - he played a gay character in "Torch Song Trilogy", a transvestite villain in "Open Fire", and the lover of a sex change male in "Different For Girls" - not your typical Hollywood fare.

In the majority of his work, with few exceptions the term "powerful drama" would seem to sit well with the characters portrayed by Graves.

To have a more balanced look at his work and abilities try taking a look at "Intimate Relations" with it's dark and deep humour, [Graves won the best actor award in 1996 at The Montreal Film Festival, for his role as Harold Guppy] -"The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall", with it's undertones of darkness, or the factual "Blonde Bombshell".

With his tremendous work output, Rupert Graves has plenty to offer - to see a comprehensive listing of his film and television work check the filmography section of the site.

Apart from film and television Graves has a great fondness for live theatre work - indeed at the time of draft he has just finished a highly succesfull run of the Harold Pinter classic - The Caretaker (Mick) at The Comedy Theatre in London.

His many works on stage include the highly and critically acclaimed "Midsummer Night's Dream" at The National, "Torch Song Trilogy" at The Albery, "A Madhouse In Goa" at The Lyric Hammersmith / Apollo West End, not forgetting his superb outings in "Hurlyburly" at The Geilgud, (Olivier Award Nominee) and the award winning Closer on Broadway.

Rupert Graves is known as a very private person, but nonetheless much liked and admired for his upfront and pleasant manner - a quality that is sadly lacking in many of today's "stars".

2002 confirmed his busy schedule, with Graves having completed roles as Mark in the comedy feature Room To Rent, Patrick Standish in The BBC's excellent drama, Take A Girl Like You, Jefferey, in the action packed Extreme Ops, and Young Jolyon in Granada Media's acclaimed drama production of The Forsyte Saga.

Filming of a second series of The Forsyte Saga began in August of 2002 and shortly after, Graves also completed appearing as Dr. Frederick Treves in the Broadway production of The Elephant Man.

Graves recently returned to the west end stage as Lord Illingworth in an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's A Woman Of No Importance in September 2003, and then returned to BBC Television in Charles II - The Power & The Passion in 2004.

Rupert has also recently completed his work as the voice of Linus, in the award winning BBC production of Pride.

2005 has seen no respite for this talented and hard working actor.
Having recently completed the feature film "Rag Tale", and a guest appearence in The BBC's acclaimed "Spooks", Rupert has now finished shooting the latest offering from The Wachowski Brothers - "V For Vendetta".

As of June 2006, Rupert has recently finished shooting the Mary McGuckian directed "Intervention" (formerly named Funny Farm), and has also completed a new Hallmark production "Son Of The Dragon", with David Carradine and is currently filming the Frank Oz directed "Death At A Funeral".

Again we go back to the very first line in this introduction to this talented young actor who once contemplated the careers of a circus clown and a punk rock musician.
Thankfully he chose otherwise.

For Rupert's current schedule, and the latest news, please visit The Newsdesk.