James Purefoy Biography: James Brian Mark Purefoy (born June 3, 1964) is an English actor known for his wide-ranging roles across television and film. He gained recognition for portraying Mark Antony in the HBO historical drama Rome, Nick Jenkins in A Dance to the Music of Time, and the charismatic yet dangerous serial killer Joe Carroll in the thriller series The Following. His film work includes the title role in Solomon Kane, and he starred as Hap Collins in SundanceTV’s Hap and Leonard. Purefoy also appeared as Lord Philippe de Clermont in Season 2 of AMC/Netflix’s A Discovery of Witches and played Laurens Bancroft in the first season of Netflix’s sci-fi series Altered Carbon. Though he was initially cast as V in V for Vendetta (2006), he was ultimately replaced and dubbed over by Hugo Weaving.
James Purefoy Biography
James Brian Mark Purefoy was born and raised in Taunton, Somerset, England, to Shirley (née Taylor), who ran an employment agency, and Anthony Chetwynd Purefoy. After leaving school at sixteen, he took on a variety of jobs, including working on a pig farm and serving as a hospital porter at Yeovil District Hospital.
James Purefoy Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
James Brian Mark Purefoy
3 June 1964 (age 60)
Taunton, England
|
| Education |
Central School of Speech and Drama (BA) |
| Occupation |
Actor |
| Years active |
1987–present |
| Spouses |
|
| Children |
4 |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About James Purefoy
James Brian Mark Purefoy is an English actor. He played Marcus Antonius in the HBO series Rome, Nick Jenkins in A Dance to the Music of Time, college professor turned serial killer Joe Carroll in the.
James Purefoy Wiki
- Born: 3 June 1964 (age 60 years), Taunton, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Jessica Adams (m. 2014), Holly Aird (m. 1996–2002)
- Height: 1.85 m
- Children: Joseph Purefoy, Kit Purefoy, Ned Purefoy
- Upcoming movie: Masters of the Universe
- Parents: Anthony Chetwynd Purefoy, Shirley Taylor
James Purefoy Achievements
He then traveled and worked across Europe before returning to college at eighteen to pursue his A-Levels, one of which was Drama. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for acting and successfully applied to the Central School of Speech and Drama. While performing the lead role in Henry V during his final year at Central, Purefoy caught the attention of a casting director from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). He was invited to join the company in Stratford-upon-Avon, initially cast as Ferdinand in Nicholas Hytner’s production of The Tempest.
Early Life
Purefoy was born in Taunton, Somerset, and is the eldest child of Anthony Chetwynd Purefoy and Shirley (née Taylor). He attended Sherborne School as a boarder but left with just one O-level. Determined to continue his education, he later went to night school, earning 11 additional O-levels and subsequently completing his A-levels at Brooklands College in Weybridge. Before beginning his formal training in acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama, he worked as a hospital porter at Yeovil District Hospital.
James Purefoy Facts
Where does James Purefoy live? And how much money does James Purefoy earn?
| Birth Date |
3-6-1964 |
| Heritage/origin |
English |
| Ethnicity |
White |
| Religion – believes in God? |
Non-religious |
| Residence |
He lives together in a house in London, United Kingdom. |
James Purefoy Net Worth 2025
James Purefoy is an British actor who made his TV debut in 1990. He rose to fame for his role Mark Antony in the historical TV series Rome. James is also known for appearing in A Dance to the Music of Time, The Following and Solomon Kane.
| Estimated Net Worth |
6 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary |
N/A |
| Colleagues |
Toby Merritt, Daniel Mays & Josh Charles |
| Management |
Independent Talent Group Ltd. & Brillstein Entertainment Partners |
James Purefoy: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Purefoy is married to Jessica Adams who is an art historian, director and producer. The couple has three children together. James also has another son, Joseph with his first wife, Holly Aird.
| Relationship status |
Married (Since 2004) |
| Sexuality |
Straight |
| Current Wife of James Purefoy |
Jessica Adams |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives |
Holly Aird & Fay Ripley |
| More info |
Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? |
Yes, father of: Joseph, Rose, Kit & Ned |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Anthony Chetwynd (Father)
- Shirley Purefoy (Mother)
- Joseph Purefoy (Son)
- Rose Purefoy (Daughter)
- Ned Purefoy (Son)
- Kit Purefoy (Son)
Friends
- Kevin Bacon
- Valorie Curry
- Kevin McKidd
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This charming actor originating from Taunton, United Kingdom has a athletic body & square face type.
| Hair color |
Black |
| Hairstyle |
classic |
| Beard or Mustache |
Chin Curtain, Circle Beard, |
| Eye Color |
Dark Brown |
| Height |
185 cm |
| Weight |
85 kilo |
| Feet size |
10.5 |
| Does James Purefoy smoke? |
Yes, regularly |
| Does James Purefoy have a tattoo? |
No |
| Fitness, workout and diet |
James Purefoy usually does casual workout and have intensive training plan while preparing for his role. |
FAQs
What was James Purefoy’s first professional acting role?
James Purefoy’s first professional acting role came while he was still in drama school, when a casting director from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) saw him perform Henry V and invited him to join the company. His first role with the RSC was playing Ferdinand in The Tempest, directed by Nicholas Hytner.
Did James Purefoy work in theatre before television?
Yes, James Purefoy spent several years performing in theatre before moving more prominently into television. He appeared in productions such as Hamlet at the Bristol Old Vic, Death of a Salesman at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, and multiple roles at Birmingham Rep and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
What led James Purefoy to pursue acting?
After working various jobs and traveling around Europe, James Purefoy returned to college to take A-Levels, where he studied Drama. His passion for the subject inspired him to apply to the Central School of Speech and Drama, which launched his professional acting career.
Who were some of the directors James Purefoy worked with early in his career?
Early in his career, James Purefoy worked with esteemed directors such as Adrian Noble, Roger Michell, Gene Saks, Katie Mitchell, and Bill Alexander during his time in theatre and with the RSC.
Has James Purefoy played leading roles in Shakespearean plays?
Yes, James Purefoy has taken on several major Shakespearean roles, including Edgar in King Lear, Malcolm in Macbeth, and the title role in Henry V. These roles were primarily during his time with the Royal Shakespeare Company and other prominent theatre companies.
What jobs did James Purefoy do before becoming an actor?
Before pursuing acting, James Purefoy worked in a range of jobs, including on a pig farm and as a hospital porter at Yeovil District Hospital. He also traveled and worked throughout Europe before returning to college and eventually attending drama school.
