Rupert Friend
{{Short description|British actor}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rupert Friend
| image = Rupert Friend-65102 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Friend in 2025
| birth_name = Rupert William Anthony Friend
| birth_date = {{Birth month and age|1981|10}}
| birth_place = Cambridge, England
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2004–present
| spouse = {{Marriage|Aimee Mullins|2016}}
}}
Rupert William Anthony Friend (born October 1981) is a British actor. He first gained recognition for his roles in The Libertine (2004) and Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont (2005), both of which won him awards for best newcomer. He portrayed George Wickham in Pride & Prejudice (2005), Lieutenant Kurt Kotler in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008), Albert, Prince Consort in The Young Victoria (2009), psychologist Oliver Baumer in Starred Up (2013), CIA operative Peter Quinn in the political thriller series Homeland (2012–2017), Vasily Stalin in The Death of Stalin (2017), Theo van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate (2018), and Ernest Donovan in the series Strange Angel (2018–2019).
In the early 2020s, Friend began collaborating with director Wes Anderson, starting with a cameo in The French Dispatch (2021), followed by roles in Asteroid City (2023) and the Netflix short films The Swan and The Rat Catcher. In 2022, he starred as disgraced British politician James Whitehouse in the series Anatomy of a Scandal and featured in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi as the Grand Inquisitor.
Friend is director, screenwriter or producer of two award winning short films: The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers (2008) and Steve (2010). He wrote lyrics for the Kairos 4Tet 2013 album Everything We Hold.
Early life and education
Rupert William Anthony Friend was born in October 1981{{cite web | title=Rupert William Anthony Friend | website=Gov.uk | url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/fpwMIaixBD_C_XYwXgMNbpSm06M/appointments | access-date=25 January 2024}} in Cambridge, England.{{Cite web|date=2015-08-21|title=Rupert Friend talks Hitman, blagging and Homeland|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/rupert-friend-talks-hitman-agent-47-possible-sequel-blagging-and-homeland-10465810.html |access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Independent|language=en}}{{cite web|title=Rupert Friend|date=12 October 2018|url=https://www.bifa.film/people/rupert-friend/|access-date=11 November 2020|publisher=The British Independent Film Awards}}{{cite web|title=Rupert Friend|url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/rupert-friend|access-date=27 November 2020|website=Emmys|publisher=Television Academy}}{{cite web |last1=Friend|first1=Rupert|title=Thanks for all the lovely birthday wishes! Apparently I'm a Libra, so on this day of looking forward with excitement, I'm also looking backward... and celebrating NHS eyewear |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BoujGiIhMZJ/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BoujGiIhMZJ |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|access-date=27 November 2020|website=Instagram|publisher=Rupert Friend}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|last1=Homeland on Showtime|title=Happy birthday to the guy who plays the guy who kills bad guys - @rupertfriend ! #Homeland #QUINNing|url=https://twitter.com/SHO_Homeland/status/652544725132648448|access-date=27 November 2020|website=Twitter}} His mother is Caroline and his father David Oxton Friend,{{cite web |last=Ornos |first=Riza|date=24 February 2015|title='Agent 47' News Update: Paul Walker Replacement Rupert Friend First Images Released, Five Things to Know About the 'Homeland' Actor|url=http://www.ibtimes.com.au/agent-47-news-update-paul-walker-replacement-rupert-friend-first-images-released-five-things-know|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226043108/http://www.ibtimes.com.au/agent-47-news-update-paul-walker-replacement-rupert-friend-first-images-released-five-things-know|archive-date=26 December 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=International Business Times}} an art historian, and he is the elder of two children. When he was two, his family moved to a small village in Oxfordshire,{{cite web | title="The Times" interview with Rupert Friend | website=I'm a Rupert Friend Fan | date=21 October 2017 | url=https://rupertfriendfandotcom.wordpress.com/2017/10/21/the-times-interview-with-rupert-friend/ | access-date=26 January 2024}}{{cite web | last=Pavia | first=Will | title='Just sitting near the actor Rupert Friend, I can feel my sperm count rising' | website=The Times & The Sunday Times | date=20 October 2017 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/just-sitting-near-the-actor-rupert-friend-i-can-feel-my-sperm-count-rising-r5tnkxhxl | access-date=26 January 2024}} called Stonesfield.{{cite web | title=Interview: Joby Harold and Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi)| date= 12 June 2022 | website= SideWalks Entertainment| url=https://www.sidewalkstv.com/interview-joby-harold-and-rupert-friend-obi-wan-kenobi/ |format= video + text| access-date=26 January 2024}} He was a voracious reader from a young age and loved books by Roald Dahl.
Friend attended The Marlborough C of E School in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Originally, Friend wanted to be an archaeologist and travel around the world after seeing Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989, but scrapped the idea after realising that the occupation was perhaps not as exciting as Indiana Jones's adventures had led him to believe. Instead, he turned to acting, in which he was inspired by Marlon Brando who played Vito Corleone,{{cite web|title=Interview: Rupert Friend |url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/rupert-friend/print/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007071337/http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/rupert-friend/print/|archive-date=7 October 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=Interview|date=14 November 2013}} and Daniel Day-Lewis, whom he described as his childhood hero.{{Cite web|last=Hirschberg|first=Lynn|title=Homeland's Rupert Friend Is Still Obsessed With Daniel Day-Lewis, His Childhood Hero|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/rupert-friend-homeland-daniel-day-lewis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813173623/https://www.wmagazine.com/story/rupert-friend-homeland-daniel-day-lewis|archive-date=13 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-13|website=W Magazine|date=19 July 2017 |language=en}}
After school Friend took a gap year, in which he travelled to the Cook Islands in the Pacific. There he had a motorcycle accident and had to be airlifted to hospital in New Zealand. His injuries were serious and he was in danger of having a foot amputated. By the time he returned to England to go to college, he was still having to use crutches. Friend received his professional acting training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.{{cite web|title=A Rupert Friend indeed|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/a-rupert-friend-indeed-1633102.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422113004/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/a-rupert-friend-indeed-1633102.html|archive-date=22 April 2009|access-date=18 July 2020|work=The Independent|date=27 February 2009}}
Acting career
= 2004–2009 =
Friend played three minor roles in a stage production of The Laramie Project when he was in his third year in drama school, and was spotted by a casting director.{{cite web|last=Harrod|first=Horatia|date=14 September 2010|title=Rupert Friend on his new film The Kid|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/7994606/Rupert-Friend-on-his-new-film-The-Kid.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923062954/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/7994606/Rupert-Friend-on-his-new-film-The-Kid.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=The Telegraph}} He made his acting debut as Billy Downs opposite Johnny Depp in the 2004 film The Libertine, for which he was named "outstanding new talent" at the 2005 Satellite Awards. He later stated that working with Depp so early in his career was a great lesson in film-acting.{{Cite web|date=1 May 2012|title=Rupert Friend: Depp was my teacher|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/rupert-friend-depp-was-my-teacher-26849217.html|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Independent.ie|language=en}} In 2005, Friend had his first starring role as Ludovic Meyer in the film adaption of Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont, in which he starred opposite Joan Plowright. In the same year, he portrayed George Wickham in Joe Wright's version of Pride & Prejudice.{{cite web|last=Schaeffer|first=Brittany|date=20 November 2005 |title=FRIEND, INDEED. Actor Rupert launches his film career with a triple threat|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/nydn-features/friend-actor-rupert-launches-film-career-triple-threat-article-1.553684|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060221/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/nydn-features/friend-actor-rupert-launches-film-career-triple-threat-article-1.553684|archive-date=23 September 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=New York Times}}
Aged 22, Friend was offered a screen test for the part of James Bond after Pierce Brosnan stepped down from the role. Friend felt he lacked the life experience necessary to play the role of Bond.{{Cite web|title=Who will be the next James Bond? New actors who could replace Daniel Craig|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/next-james-bond-daniel-craig-replacement/|access-date=2022-01-27|website=Radio Times|language=en}}
Friend’s James Bond screen test subsequently leaked online to YouTube in 2025.
In 2009, Friend starred in the film Chéri, playing the title character opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. He joined the cast of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas as Kurt Kotler, a lieutenant in Nazi Germany.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Anna|title=Cheri review: Dangerous Liaisons 2: Satin Boogaloo|url=https://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=135982|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008154455/http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=135982|archive-date=8 October 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=Empire}}{{cite web|date=7 September 2008|title=Review: The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (12a, 94mins)|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/review-the-boy-in-the-striped-pyjamas-12a-335209|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419083423/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/review-the-boy-in-the-striped-pyjamas-12a-335209|archive-date=19 April 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=Mirror.co.uk}} In 2010, Friend played Albert, Prince Consort in The Young Victoria. Graham King, producer of Young Victoria, invited Friend to test for the lead role because he remembered his performance in Pride & Prejudice.{{cite news|title=The Young Victoria production notes|publisher=Cinematic Intelligence Agency|url=http://thecia.com.au/reviews/y/images/young-victoria-production-notes.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=20 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110330022255/http://thecia.com.au/reviews/y/images/young-victoria-production-notes.pdf|archive-date=30 March 2011}} His portrayal of Albert received acclaim, especially for his attention to detail and thorough preparation for the role. Friend said that the real challenge had been to find a way to portray the darker sides of an essentially good man like Albert, in order to give depth to the character.{{cite web|last=von Tunzelmann|first=Alex|date=5 March 2009|title=The Young Victoria: less chess, more Hungry Hungry Hippos|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/mar/05/young-victoria|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305093304/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/mar/05/young-victoria|archive-date=5 March 2016|access-date=31 July 2015|work=The Guardian}}{{Cite web|title=The Young Victoria: we were amused|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/4344459/The-Young-Victoria-we-were-amused.html|access-date=2022-01-27|website=www.telegraph.co.uk|date=4 February 2009 }} Around this time, a critic called Friend one of Britain's finest young actors.
= 2010–2019 =
File:Rupert Friend BAFTA 2010.jpg ceremony in 2010]]
In 2010, Friend made his stage debut as Mitchell in the UK premiere of The Little Dog Laughed.{{cite web|last=Billington|first=Michael|date=21 January 2010|title=The Little Dog Laughed|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2010/jan/21/little-dog-laughed-theatre-review|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815191315/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2010/jan/21/little-dog-laughed-theatre-review|archive-date=15 August 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=The Guardian}} He followed this with Dennis Potter's Brimstone and Treacle, in which he played the lead character to good reviews.{{Cite news|last=Cavendish|first=Dominic|date=2012-05-04|title=Brimstone and Treacle, Arcola Theatre, review|language=en-GB|journal=Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/9246884/Brimstone-and-Treacle-Arcola-Theatre-review.html|url-status=live|access-date=2019-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813172359/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/9246884/Brimstone-and-Treacle-Arcola-Theatre-review.html|archive-date=13 August 2019|issn=0307-1235}} He starred in the film The Kid, based on the novel by Kevin Lewis.{{cite news|last=Jaafar|first=Ali|date=2 February 2009|title='The Kid' unveils key cast|work=Variety|url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117999426.html?categoryId=28&cs=1|url-status=live|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226105039/http://variety.com/article/VR1117999426.html?categoryid=28&cs=1|archive-date=26 February 2009}} As the film involves boxing, he trained to improve his physical and psychological shape. Critical reception of The Kid overall was less than favourable.{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Allan |title=The Kid|url=https://www.screendaily.com/-the-kid/5015238.article|access-date=2022-01-28|website=Screen|language=en}} He also starred in a French film called Lullaby for Pi, playing a singer called Sam.{{cite web|last=Mintzer|first=Jordan|date=1 December 2013|title=Review: 'Lullaby for Pi'|url=https://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/lullaby-for-pi-1117944138/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717003448/http://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/lullaby-for-pi-1117944138/|archive-date=17 July 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=Variety}} In 2011, he played Thomas Anders, the protagonist of the film 5 Days of War, which did not receive great reviews .{{cite web|last=DeFore|first=John|date=25 August 2011|title=5 Days of War: Film Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/5-days-war-film-review-227763|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807144454/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/5-days-war-film-review-227763|archive-date=7 August 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter}}
By 2012, Friend felt dissatisfied with his career and rethought his overall approach to his work and selecting his projects. He has dismissed reports in the media that at that time he considered giving up acting entirely.
In 2013, he played the prison psychologist Oliver Baumer in the film Starred Up. His performance was applauded by critics and nominated for the BIFA for Best Supporting Actor.{{cite web|date=13 November 2013|title=2013 Nominations Announced for the 16th Annual British Independent Film Awards|url=http://www.bifa.org.uk/releases/2013-nominations-announced-for-the-16th-annual-british-independent-film-awards|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715043639/http://www.bifa.org.uk/releases/2013-nominations-announced-for-the-16th-annual-british-independent-film-awards|archive-date=15 July 2014|access-date=31 July 2015|work=British Independent Film Awards|df=dmy-all}} In 2015, he starred as Agent 47 in Hitman: Agent 47, a film based on the Hitman video game franchise, replacing Paul Walker.{{cite web|last=Vejvoda|first=Jim|date=18 February 2014|title=Exclusive First Look at Rupert Friend As Agent 47 In The Hitman Sequel|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/19/exclusive-first-look-at-rupert-friend-as-agent-47-in-the-hitman-sequel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708164609/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/19/exclusive-first-look-at-rupert-friend-as-agent-47-in-the-hitman-sequel|archive-date=8 July 2015|access-date=29 July 2015|work=IGN}} In order to play the role, he had to shave all his hair. He performed most of his own stunts. The production team sent him copies of all the Hitman games to familiarize himself with the character. However, Friend who calls himself a technophobe, was only able to walk his avatar in circles and soon gave up. The film received mixed reviews.{{Cite web|date=2015-08-19|title=Hitman: Agent 47 review – an idiotic mess with gory flair|url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/19/hitman-agent-47-review-an-idiotic-mess-with-gory-flair|access-date=2022-01-27|website=the Guardian|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Mendelson|first=Scott|title=Review: 'Hitman: Agent 47' Is Just Good Enough To Make You Wish It Wasn't Terrible|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/08/21/review-hitman-agent-47-is-just-good-enough-to-make-you-wish-it-wasnt-terrible/|access-date=2022-01-27|website=Forbes|language=en}} In 2015, Friend provided narration for Nick Knight's folk horror fashion film, The Face of a Dying Dog.{{Cite web|title=Fashion Film: The Face of a Dying Dog {{!}} SHOWstudio|url=https://www.showstudio.com/projects/a_beautiful_darkness/film_nick_knight?autoplay=1|access-date=2022-01-26|website=www.showstudio.com|language=en}}
Friend gained worldwide recognition as CIA operative and assassin Peter Quinn in the acclaimed political thriller series Homeland (2012–2017), his first role in a television-series. Introduced in season two as a supporting character, his role became significantly more important as of season three.{{cite web|last=Blyth|first=Antonia|date=17 June 2015|title=Rupert Friend Q&A: 'Homeland' Season 5 Is "Very Much A Do-Over"|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/rupert-friend-homeland-season-5-interview-showtime-1201446957/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731155917/http://deadline.com/2015/06/rupert-friend-homeland-season-5-interview-showtime-1201446957/|archive-date=31 July 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|website=Deadline Hollywood}} His performance received widespread acclaim and he was nominated for three awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series in 2013.{{cite web|title=65th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners|url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2013/outstanding-guest-actor-in-a-drama-series|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606081314/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2013/outstanding-guest-actor-in-a-drama-series|archive-date=6 June 2020|access-date=18 July 2020|website=Emmys}} Friend's departure from the series was mourned by the press and fans.{{Cite news|last=Warner|first=Judith|date=2017-04-10|title='Homeland', Season 6, Episode 12: In the Finale, Carrie Deals With Death and Betrayal|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/arts/television/homeland-season-6-episode-12-finale-recap.html|url-status=live|access-date=2019-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813172359/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/arts/television/homeland-season-6-episode-12-finale-recap.html|archive-date=13 August 2019|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web|last=Travers|first=Ben|date=2017-04-10|title='Homeland': An Ode to Rupert Friend's Quinn After a Divisive Finale|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/04/homeland-rupert-friend-quinn-dead-finale-spoilers-1201803783/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730184312/https://www.indiewire.com/2017/04/homeland-rupert-friend-quinn-dead-finale-spoilers-1201803783/|archive-date=30 July 2019|access-date=2019-08-13|website=IndieWire|language=en}}
After his involvement in Homeland ended in 2017, Friend acted in a number of comedies. In a 2014 interview he had already said that he also wanted to explore the 'farcical side' to his acting. He was offered the lead role in Paul Feig's A Simple Favor, but turned it down to play a funny smaller part in the film instead.{{Cite web|title='A Simple Favor': Film Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/a-simple-favor-review-1141167|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602014915/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/a-simple-favor-review-1141167|archive-date=2 June 2019|access-date=2019-08-13|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=9 September 2018|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Soloski|first=Alexis|date=2018-06-14|title=Rupert Friend Is Tired of Killing|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/14/style/rupert-friend-homeland-strange-angel.html|url-status=live|access-date=2019-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813172401/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/14/style/rupert-friend-homeland-strange-angel.html|archive-date=13 August 2019|issn=0362-4331}} He was described as displaying "serious comedic chops"{{Cite web|last=Carbone|first=Gina|title=Hilarious 'The Death of Stalin' Trailer Reveals Rupert Friend's Comedic Chops|url=https://www.moviefone.com/2018/01/18/the-death-of-stalin-trailer-rupert-friend/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813173903/https://www.moviefone.com/2018/01/18/the-death-of-stalin-trailer-rupert-friend/|archive-date=13 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-13|website=www.moviefone.com|language=en}} in Armando Iannucci's The Death of Stalin, where he played Stalin's son Vasily.{{Cite news|last=Bradshaw|first=Peter|date=2017-09-08|title=The Death of Stalin review – Armando Iannucci has us tremblin' in the Kremlin|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/09/the-death-of-stalin-review-armando-iannucci-toronto-film-festival-tiff|url-status=live|access-date=2019-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526204834/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/09/the-death-of-stalin-review-armando-iannucci-toronto-film-festival-tiff|archive-date=26 May 2019|issn=0261-3077}}
He was asked by director and painter Julian Schnabel to play Theo van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate (2018), an award-winning biopic about Vincent van Gogh who was played by Willem Dafoe. Friend played the role of the mysterious Ernest Donovan in the series Strange Angel from 2018 to 2019; his performance was praised as being 'of amusing weirdness and a creepy-crawly intensity'.{{Cite web|last=Fienberg|first=Daniel|date=2018-06-12|title='Strange Angel': TV Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/strange-angel-review-1118357/|access-date=2022-01-28|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}
In 2018 Friend performed a new audio drama by John Patrick Shanley, Last Night in the Garden I Saw You, which featured Michelle Williams. The following year, Friend was asked by screenwriter David Koepp to narrate the audiobook of his debut novel Cold Storage.{{Cite book|url=https://www.audible.com/author/David-Koepp/B00FNU9JCW|title=David Koepp – Audio Books, Best Sellers, Author Bio {{!}} Audible.com|language=en|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813172356/https://www.audible.com/author/David-Koepp/B00FNU9JCW|archive-date=13 August 2019|url-status=live}} He voiced the character of Peter Hardy in the 2019 Gimlet scripted podcast Motherhacker.
= 2020–present =
File:Rupert Friend at Chelsea Television Studios in Manhattan, February 2020.jpg
In the early 2020s, Friend joined the group of actors regularly working with director Wes Anderson. The collaboration started with a cameo appearance as an actor playing a drill-sergeant in The French Dispatch (2021), and continued with a more substantial role in the 2023 film Asteroid City.{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Gregg |date=2023-05-20 |title='Asteroid City's' Rupert Friend: 'Maybe I've Got the Scars and the Bruises Now' to Play James Bond |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/asteroid-citys-rupert-friend-1235619234/ |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} He played leading roles in Anderson's Netflix short films The Swan and The Rat Catcher (2023), based on short stories by Roald Dahl, whom Friend has described as a hero of his.{{Cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=2022-01-12|title=Rupert Friend Joins Benedict Cumberbatch in Wes Anderson's Roald Dahl Movie|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rupert-friend-joins-cast-wes-anderson-roald-dahl-movie-1235073586/|access-date=2022-01-26|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=|last2=|last3=|first3=|last4=|last5=|last6=|last7=|last8=|first8=|last9=|date=2017-05-25|title='Homeland's' Rupert Friend found much to admire in Peter Quinn|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-en-st-rupert-friend-homeland-20170525-htmlstory.html|access-date=2022-01-26|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}{{cite web | url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/wes-anderson-netflix-short-films | title=You're Invited to a Week of New Wes Anderson Shorts This September | website=Netflix }}
In 2021, after his success portraying a spy in Homeland, Friend was once again mentioned as the possible next James Bond when Daniel Craig gave up the role. He played a lead role in the 2021 horror film Separation, which got largely negative reviews although Friend's performance as a single father did receive praise.{{Cite web|last=Scheck|first=Frank|date=2021-04-29|title='Separation': Film Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/separation-film-review-4175323/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Schager|first=Nick|date=2021-04-29|title='Separation' Review: A Scattershot and Oft-Misogynistic Thriller|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/separation-review-1234962281/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=Variety|language=en-US}} The science fiction film Infinite (2021) in which he played the character Barton alongside Mark Wahlberg, was listed as one of the worst films of 2021.{{Cite web|title=Worst movies of 2021|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/worst-movies-2021/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=22 July 2021 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Debruge|first=Peter|date=2021-06-10|title='Infinite' Review: Mark Wahlberg Reincarnation Thriller Will Leave You With Déjà Vu|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/infinite-review-mark-wahlberg-reincarnation-thriller-will-leave-you-with-deja-vu-1234993310/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=Variety|language=en-US}}
The following year, Friend played network boss Wilson Sikorsy in Tim Kirkby's film Last Looks (2022), which got positive reviews.{{Cite web|last=O'Malley|first=Sheila|title=Last Looks movie review & film summary (2022)|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/last-looks-movie-review-2022|access-date=2022-02-13|website=Roger Ebert|language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Debruge |first=Peter |date=2022-02-04 |title='Last Looks' Review: It's Weird Beard Time for Charlie Hunnam and Mel Gibson in Shaggy L.A. Whodunit |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/last-looks-review-charlie-hunnam-mel-gibson-1235171831/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} He starred opposite Sienna Miller and Michelle Dockery as James Whitehouse, a British politician on trial for rape, in the Netflix mini-series Anatomy of a Scandal. Friend initially turned down the role twice, because he did not feel enough affinity with the privileged Whitehouse. He was only persuaded to take on the part when director S.J. Clarkson challenged him to find a way to portray the humanity of the character.{{Cite news |last=Tate |first=Gabriel |date=2022-04-07 |title=Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend on how Anatomy of a Scandal lays bare the arrogance of high office |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7b956957-d457-4f0e-af9b-4b42decf6af6 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Knzwe |archive-date=11 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=2022-04-15}} His acting was generally praised, with the series itself getting mixed reviews from critics.{{Cite web |last=D'Addario |first=Daniel |date=2022-04-13 |title='Anatomy of a Scandal' Is a David E. Kelley Soap Without Wit or Bite: TV Review |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/reviews/anatomy-of-a-scandal-david-e-kelley-sienna-miller-netflix-1235231883/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2022-04-14 |title=Anatomy of a Scandal review: Netflix drama misses the mark |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/anatomy-of-a-scandal-review/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Digital Trends |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Laura |title=Anatomy of a Scandal review: 'Unintentionally hilarious' |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220401-anatomy-of-a-scandal-review-unintentionally-hilarious |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en}}
Friend featured as the Grand Inquisitor in Disney+'s series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), an experience he said he enjoyed and would like to repeat. The role was physically demanding: the Grand Inquisitor's armour weighed 45 pounds and every day of shooting it took a team of makeup artists four hours to apply the makeup and prosthetics required for the role.{{Cite web |first=Dalton| last= Ross |title=The Grand Inquisitor speaks! Rupert Friend drops intel on the 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' baddie |url=https://ew.com/tv/obi-wan-kenobi-grand-inquisitor-rupert-friend-interview/ |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=EW.com |language=en}}
He portrayed one of the main characters in the comedy series High Desert, with Patricia Arquette and Matt Dillon.{{Cite web|last=White|first=Peter|date=2021-11-02|title=Matt Dillon & Rupert Friend Set Among Cast Of Apple Comedy Series 'High Desert'|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/matt-dillon-rupert-friend-set-among-cast-of-apple-comedy-series-high-desert-1234866577/|access-date=2022-01-26|website=Deadline|language=en-US}} In February 2022, it was announced that Friend would play a lead role in Zack Snyder's science fiction film Rebel Moon; he withdrew from the project because of scheduling problems.{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=2022-05-16 |title=Ed Skrein Replaces Rupert Friend In Zack Snyder's Netflix Sci-Fi Epic 'Rebel Moon'; Cleopatra Coleman, Fra Free & Rhian Rees Also Set To Star |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/ed-skrein-replaces-rupert-friend-in-rebel-moon-cleopatra-coleman-more-cast-1235024897/ |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} He will be part of the QCode musical podcast series Cupid, planned for release in the summer of 2022.{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=2022-04-26 |title=Diego Boneta, Naomi Ackie & Rupert Friend Set For QCode Podcast 'Cupid' |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/diego-boneta-naomi-ackie-rupert-friend-podcast-cupid-1235010036/ |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} In May 2024, it was announced that he would appear in the 2025 film Jurassic World Rebirth.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/new-jurassic-world-movie-adds-rupert-friend-1235927833/|title=New 'Jurassic World' Movie Casts Rupert Friend|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Matt|last=Grobar|date=May 22, 2024|access-date=May 22, 2024|archive-date=May 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522223205/https://deadline.com/2024/05/new-jurassic-world-movie-adds-rupert-friend-1235927833/|url-status=live}}
On acting
Friend's work as a stage actor has been praised but he prefers film and television. In his own words, he "would not like to do the same thing over and over again every night". Initially, he was also reluctant to take on roles in longer running television shows; at first, he turned down the chance to audition for Homeland.{{Cite web|date=2015-08-15|title=Rupert Friend: I thought acting wasn't for me|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/aug/15/rupert-friend-i-thought-acting-wasnt-for-me|access-date=2022-01-26|website=the Guardian|language=en}}
Friend has stated that he believes imagination is an actor's most important tool.{{Cite web|date=2012-04-30|title=Rupert Friend: 'There is no other way of acting than to become the person|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/features/rupert-friend-there-is-no-other-way-of-acting-than-to-become-the-person-7697694.html|access-date=2022-01-26|website=The Independent|language=en}} He does extensive background research on his characters. For his role as Prince Albert in The Young Victoria he did historical research to get a better understanding of the character. He learned to ride a horse, walk, talk, play the piano and even write like Albert would have done.{{Cite news|last=Portman|first=Jamie|date=15 September 2009|title=Royal Friend does his research|work=The Times Colonist|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/times-colonist/20091215/282020438399006}} In his final Homeland season, his character Peter Quinn is recovering from a stroke and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. In preparation for the role, Friend spoke with veterans and medical specialists to help him portray these conditions realistically and with respect.{{Cite web|first=James |last= Hibberd|title='Homeland': Peter Quinn Actor on That Heartbreaking Premiere|url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/01/15/homeland-premiere-peter-quinn/|access-date=2022-01-26|website=EW.com|language=en}}
Director, screenwriter, producer and lyricist
In 2008, Friend and Tom Mison wrote, produced and starred in a short film called The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers.{{Cite web|date=2009-02-27|title=A Rupert Friend indeed|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/a-rupert-friend-indeed-1633102.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128130332/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/a-rupert-friend-indeed-1633102.html|archive-date=28 November 2019|access-date=2019-11-28|website=The Independent|language=en}} The film won Best Short at the Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival (2010).{{Cite web |title=RI International Horror Film Festival |url=http://www.film-festival.org/Horror_WINNERS10.php |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=film-festival.org}} He founded his own production company called Beat Pictures, and he made his directorial debut with a short film in 2010 called Steve, starring Colin Firth, Keira Knightley and Tom Mison.{{cite web|last=Ambler|first=Eric|date=19 September 2012|title=Interview: STEVE Writer-Director Rupert Friend|url=http://screeninvasion.com/2012/09/interview-steve-writer-director-rupert-friend/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060057/http://screeninvasion.com/2012/09/interview-steve-writer-director-rupert-friend/|archive-date=23 September 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=Screen Invasion}} In addition to directing, he wrote and produced the film, which was later included in the 2012 compilation Stars in Shorts.{{cite web|last=MacFarlane|first=Steve|date=27 September 2012|title=Film Review: Star In Shots|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/stars-in-shorts|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731012815/http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/stars-in-shorts|archive-date=31 July 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|work=Slant Magazine}} Steve won Friend the Rhode Island Film Festival Crystal Image Award,{{Cite web|title=Awards at RIIFF|url=http://www.film-festival.org/awards.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904052851/http://www.film-festival.org/awards.php|archive-date=4 September 2019|access-date=2019-08-13|website=www.film-festival.org}} and was nominated for the Santa Barbara Film Festival Bruce Corwin Award for Best Short Film.
Plans for Friend to write, direct and star in a feature-length road movie about confidence tricksters called Barton & Charlie & Checco & Bill were mentioned in the media in 2014–2015, but the project did not materialise.{{Cite web|last=Roxborough|first=Scott|date=2014-11-08|title=AFM: 'Homeland' Actor Rupert Friend to Direct 'Barton & Charlie & Checco & Bill'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/afm-homeland-actor-rupert-friend-747644/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}} In 2018, plans were announced for the feature film Cornerman about boxing trainer Cus D'Amato, with Friend to write and direct and Bruce Willis playing D'Amato.{{Cite web|date=2018-05-07|title=Bruce Willis to Star as Mike Tyson's Trainer in 'Cornerman' for Director Rupert Friend|url=https://www.thewrap.com/bruce-willis-star-mike-tysons-trainer-cornerman-director-rupert-friend/|access-date=2022-02-06|language=en-US}}
Friend was asked by Adam Waldmann, the leader of the jazz ensemble Kairos 4tet, to write the lyrics for a track on their 2011 album Statement of Intent, and was then asked to contribute lyrics for their 2013 album Everything We Hold, which received positive reviews.{{Cite news |last=Fordham |first=John|date=2013-06-06|title=Kairos 4tet: Everything We Hold – review|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jun/06/kairos-4tet-everything-hold-review|url-status=live|access-date=2019-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813172359/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jun/06/kairos-4tet-everything-hold-review|archive-date=13 August 2019|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |title=Kairos 4tet: Everything We Hold album review |url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/everything-we-hold-kairos-4tet-naim-label-review-by-bruce-lindsay|access-date=2022-01-27|website=All About Jazz|date=23 July 2013 |language=en}} His lyrics were sung by Marc O'Reilly, Omar Lye-Fook, and Emilia Martensson.{{cn|date=January 2024}}
Personal life
From 2005 to 2010, Friend dated actress Keira Knightley, whom he met when filming Pride & Prejudice.{{cite web|last=Hough|first=Andrew|date=13 January 2011|title=Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend split after five years|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8256545/Keira-Knightley-and-Rupert-Friend-split-after-five-years.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209064700/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8256545/Keira-Knightley-and-Rupert-Friend-split-after-five-years.html|archive-date=9 February 2012|access-date=12 August 2011|work=The Daily Telegraph}} He met American athlete and actress Aimee Mullins in 2013,{{Cite news|last=Radnor|first=Abigail|date=15 February 2014 |title=What I've Learnt: Rupert Friend|work=The Times|location=London|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/what-ive-learnt-rupert-friend-6rrwb28gtdr|url-status=live|access-date=15 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216040925/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/magazine/article4001560.ece|archive-date=16 February 2014}} and they became engaged in December 2014. Friend and Mullins were married on 1 May 2016.{{cite web|last1=Petit|first1=Stephanie|title=Surprise! Rupert Friend and Aimee Mullins Secretly Got Married One Month Ago|url=http://www.people.com/article/rupert-friend-aimee-mullins-married-wedding|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608003828/http://www.people.com/article/rupert-friend-aimee-mullins-married-wedding|archive-date=8 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2016|website=People}}
Filmography
=Films=
| class="wikitable"
|+Key | style="background:#FFFFCC;"| {{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} |Denotes works that have not yet been released |
| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |
| 2004
| Downs | Ischia Global Fest Award for Best International Newcomer{{cite web | title=Rupert Friend | website=IGN Southeast Asia | url=https://sea.ign.com/rupert-friend | access-date=29 October 2023}} |
| rowspan=2|2005
| |
| {{Nowrap|Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont}}
| Ludovic Meyer |
| rowspan=5|2007
| Renzo Daverio / Spoletta | |
| Outlaw
| Sandy Mardell | |
| The Last Legion
| Demetrius | |
| Virgin Territory
| Alessandro Felice | |
| Silk
| Extra at the wedding | Uncredited{{citation needed|date=February 2022}} |
| rowspan=2|2008
| Jolene | Coco Leger | |
| The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
| Lt. Kurt Kotler | |
| rowspan=3|2009
| |
| Chéri
| Chéri | |
| The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers
| Bourbon | Short film; also co-writer |
| rowspan=2|2010
| The Kid | Kevin Lewis | |
| Lullaby for Pi
| Sam | |
| rowspan=2|2011
| Thomas Anders | |
| Steve
| {{N/A}} | Short film; director & writer |
| 2012
| David McKenna | |
| rowspan=2|2013
| Man in Street Commercial | |
| Starred Up
| Oliver | Nominated – British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 2014
| Stephen | |
| rowspan=2|2015
| Stryka | Callen | Short film |
| Hitman: Agent 47
| Agent 47 | Replacing Paul Walker for the role after his death |
| 2017
| Nominated for BAFTA – Outstanding British Film of the Year |
| rowspan=2|2018
| Nominated for Best Film – Venice Film Festival |
| A Simple Favor
| Dennis Nylon | |
| rowspan=3|2021
| Jeff Vahn | |
| Infinite
| Bathurst 1985 | |
| The French Dispatch
| Drill-Sergeant | |
| 2022
| Wilson Sikorsky | |
| rowspan="3"| 2023
| Montana/Asquith Eden | |
| The Swan
| Narrator | rowspan="2"| Short film |
| The Rat Catcher
| Claud |
| rowspan="2"| 2024
| The American Society of Magical Negroes | Mick | |
| Canary Black
| David Brooks | |
| rowspan="5"|2025
| Sergey | |
| Dreams
| Jake McCarthy | |
| After This Death
| Ted | |
| The Phoenician Scheme
| Excaliber | |
| style="background:#FFFFCC;" | Jurassic World Rebirth {{dagger}}
| Martin Krebs |
=Television=
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Rupert Friend}}
- {{IMDb name|1670029}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20171024033154/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2bd076e350 Rupert Friend] on the British Film Institute
{{Satellite Award for Outstanding New Talent}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Friend, Rupert}}
Category:Actors from West Oxfordshire District
Category:Alumni of the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art
Category:English male film actors
Category:English male screenwriters
Category:English male television actors
Category:Male actors from Cambridge