Theo James is a British actor and musician who gained popularity in Hollywood for his roles in both film and television.
James’ breakthrough came with his portrayal of the character David in the science fiction film “Underworld: Awakening” (2012), which led to him being cast in other notable roles in films like “Divergent” (2014) and “The Secret Scripture” (2016).
In addition to his film work, James has also appeared in popular television shows such as “Downton Abbey” (2010-2012) and “Golden Boy” (2013). With his striking looks and undeniable talent, Theo James has established himself as a versatile and accomplished actor in Hollywood.
Let’s get to know more about Theo James and his most memorable roles so far.
Best Film and TV Roles of Theo James
For starters, Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis, born on December 16, 1984, in High Wycombe, is the son of Philip Taptiklis, a business consultant, and Jane (née Martin), who worked for the National Health Service.
He is of Greek and Scottish descent and has four older siblings. James spent his childhood in Askett and attended Aylesbury Grammar School. Later, he pursued his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Nottingham before training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Here are his most memorable movie and TV roles so far:
Tobias “Four” Eaton (Divergent series)
Tobias Eaton, also known as “Four,” serves as an instructor to the initiates transferring into Dauntless and is a member of the faction. He eventually became Beatrice “Tris” Prior’s boyfriend (played by actress Shailene Woodley). He was born into the Abnegation faction to Marcus Eaton and Evelyn Johnson, but his mother’s death left him alone with his abusive father who frequently hit him with a belt.
During his Choosing Ceremony, he chooses to join Dauntless in order to escape his father. Tobias has dark blue eyes and dark brown hair, along with a scar on his chin and a few freckles on his nose. Tobias received the nickname “Four” from his instructor Amar, as he only has four fears: heights, shooting innocents, claustrophobia, and his father, Marcus Eaton.
Ivan Warding (Lying and Stealing)
In the 2019 movie, Lying and Stealing, Theo James played the role of Ivan Warding, a skilled thief with a particular talent for stealing art from the wealthy elite of Los Angeles. However, he is bound to a crime boss and desperately seeks to escape from the art heist business.
On the other hand, Elyse Tibaldi (played by Emily Ratajkowski) is an aspiring actress with significant debts to her name, who has turned to a life of con artistry. When Ivan and Elyse cross paths, they concoct a plan for one final heist and con that will help them break free from their respective obligations and start anew.
Father Gaunt (The Secret Scripture)
In the movie, The Secret Scripture, James played the role of Father Gaunt, a local Catholic priest who takes an inappropriate interest in Rose (young version played by Rooney Mara, and old version played by Vanessa Redgrave), a woman who has recently arrived in the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland).
After Rose has a brief flirtation with Michael McNulty (played by Jack Reynor), a Protestant who sympathizes with the British war effort, the two slept together and eventually got Rose pregnant. Father Gaunt writes a damning report on Rose’s mental health, claiming that she suffers from nymphomania. As a result, Rose is incarcerated in a mental hospital where she undergoes insulin shock therapy and later, electric shock therapy. Father Gaunt takes Rose’s newborn son without her permission.
David (Underworld: Awakening, and Underworld: Blood Wars)
In the movies, Underworld: Awakening and Underworld: Blood Wars, James played the role of David, a young vampire who tracks down Selene (played by Kate Beckinsale), the main character of Underworld, after she escapes from a facility where she was frozen for twelve years. He helps Selene rescue a young hybrid girl, who is revealed to be Selene and Michael’s daughter, from Lycans who are hunting her.
Henry DeTamble (Time Traveler’s Wife – TV Series)
James played the role of Henry DeTamble, one of the two main characters in The Time Traveler’s Wife, a science fiction romantic drama TV series based on Audrey Niffenegger’s novel. He has a genetic disorder that causes him to travel through time involuntarily, and his relationship with Clare Abshire (played by Rose Leslie) is the focus of the show. The series explores the themes of determinism, free will, and identity. Despite receiving negative reviews, the show gained a loyal fanbase who petitioned for its renewal after it was canceled after one season.
Takeaway
Theo James is a talented British actor who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his impressive performances in film, television, and theater. He has proven to be a versatile actor, showcasing his range by portraying a variety of characters in different genres. With several successful projects under his belt and more in the works, it’s clear that James has a bright future ahead of him in the acting world.
