Ioan Gruffudd is an actor born on 6th October 1973, in Llwydcoed, Aberdare, Wales, and is probably best known for his roles in films like the blockbuster “Titanic”(1997) and the British-American war film “Black Hawk Down”(2001), but also for playing the title role in the “Hornblower” TV series (1998-2003), for which he is widely recognized mostly in the U.K.
Have you ever wondered how rich Ioan Gruffudd is? According to sources, it has been estimated that Ioan Gruffudd’s net worth is over $1 million, accumulated from a 30 year-long acting career, during which he has appeared in varied television and film roles, and won numerous awards. Since he is still active, his net worth continues to grow.
Ioan Gruffudd Net Worth $1 Million
Ioan was the eldest of three children in the Gruffudd family, and was raised in a Protestant non-conformist household. His family moved to Cardiff while he was still a child, and he attended Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar, Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf Comprehensive schools. As a teenager he was a successful oboist, playing for several years in the South Glamorgan Youth Orchestra, as well as winning prizes for his high baritone singing. When he was 13, Ioan started his acting career in the Welsh TVfilm “Austin”(1986), soon moving to the Welsh language soap opera “Pobol y Cwm”(1987-1994). In 1992, he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where in his final year he was cast in Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler”, as the husband of the lead character. Thanks to this role, he was offered the lead role in the 1996 remake of “Poldark”. His net worth was established.
A year later he played in “Wilde”, and soon after took a role in the blockbuster film “Titanic”. After this, Gruffudd landed the lead role in the Emmy Awarded A&E historical mini TV series “Hornblower”, a role for which he is still probably most recognized. His other television work includes “Great Expectations”(1999), “Warriors”(1999), “The Forsyte Saga”(2002), “Ringer”, “Forever”, as well as starring in films such as “102 Dalmatians”(2000), “Black Hawk Down”(2001), “King Arthur”(2004), “Fantastic Four”(2005) and its sequel “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”(2007), “Amazing Grace” (2007), “Fireflies in the Garden”(2008), “W.”(2009), “Sanctum”(2011) and many others, all adding to his net worth.
When it comes to his more recent activity, during 2012 Ioan filmed “Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box” throughout the south-west of England, and the film was released in 2014. In April 2016, he was cast in the “UnReal” TV series. Among other awards, this multiple-acknowledged actor won a BAFTA Award in 2008, and has been nominated for an MTV Movie Award, Razzie Award and a Teen Choice Award.
In his personal life, Gruffudd is married to actress Alice Evans, and the couple live in Los Angeles, California. The two met during the filming of “102 Dalmations”, married in September 2007 and have two daughters. Both Ioan and his long-time friend actor Matthew Rhys, are patrons of “Trust PA.” a UK spinal injuries charity.
MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo, Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Dance Scene
Movies
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Titanic, Fantastic Four, San Andreas, King Arthur, 102 Dalmatians, The Secret of Moonacre, Black Hawk Down, Solomon & Gaenor, Sanctum, Amazing Grace, Fireflies in the Garden, The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box, The TV Set, Very Annie Mary, Retributi...
TV Shows
Forever, Ringer, Ben 10: Alien Force, Century City, Hornblower, The Forsyte Saga, Pobol y Cwm, Love in the 21st Century
I approach every character the same. There's an instinct for each role. Certainly it's not as easy to get under the skin of someone like Mr. Fantastic because it's all so technical. It's all about moments, moments of action coupled with a lot of scientific jargon. The trick for me was not to make him too much of a nerd, to show that he does have the potential to be Mr. Fantastic.
2
I'm auditioning for dozens of parts at the moment, but I'm just not getting them. I can't play someone who's 30 any more... maybe 35 at a push. My confidence has really taken a knock, and the worst thing you can do when you're feeling like that is to go to one of these auditions. You really don't want to come across as desperate, so I've been working with a psychologist to help me overcome all that.
3
As an actor, you have to admit you are a show-off. But with so many magazines like Heat, it's diminishing the mystery of going to see somebody on the big screen. The less you know about somebody the better.
4
[When asked about continuing to portray Horatio Hornblower]: I would love to play this character through every stage of his life. I think it would be unique to have an actor playing him from the very early days as a midshipman; through till he's an Admiral. So, I would love to play this character till he perishes.
5
I don't feel the pressure myself. You have to understand that obviously the way you look is influencing the casting. Not to sound vain, but you have to have a third eye looking at yourself objectively, asking why you're being cast in these roles. It would be mad not to realize this. I can't change the way I look, and people seem to think it works for the leading man, and I rather enjoy that.
6
I wouldn't want to say that one thing is better than the other. As an actor, you have to love every character you've played. I'm proud of what I've done here.
7
I admitted a long time ago that I wanted to go to Hollywood because there are more opportunities there, and I wanted to work in movies. Movies are my first love. And that's why I went. I don't feel any added pressure, because I've already admitted it in the first place. It's a nice feeling having people support you because you are a British actor trying to become an international star.
8
I finished filming Fantastic Four (2005) last Christmas and I haven't worked since then and I'm starting to feel a bit angsty and wondering when the next job will come. Of course, you have to have the belief that yes, something will come up but, the reality is, that you just never know. It's that competitive out there.
9
In the past, I have felt slightly pigeon-holed with the success of roles like Hornblower, all ruffled shirts and wonderful costumes. I think Launcelot was the turning point because he's more masculine, more dangerous, which goes hand in hand with me growing older. I want longevity, so I'm always trying to escape the way I'm perceived - you know, Ioan the soft-spoken Welshman.
10
As a teacher's child, I found that automatic respect for authority wasn't necessarily a good thing. My philosophy was all about pleasing everyone and getting it right, rather than challenging and asking questions. It's only now I'm getting the confidence to do that because, in America, they're not scared as a nation to ask questions and have a really heated debate.
11
There's a physicality and confidence to Americans; they're very present. That's something I enjoy being around because it rubs off on you. Although an actor friend of mine visited recently and said, "It's no wonder they write such terrible scripts these days, there's no pain! Everything's so nice you can't be bothered."
12
Being attractive, it's not something I do consciously. It's incredibly flattering that people think I appeal to women. But that was a gift from my parents. My acting, my personality - that's what it's about.
13
I was probably doing more to pigeonhole myself as a Welshman and a Welsh actor than anyone else! A lot of the stuff I said in the past sounded defensive - a young man's ideals about who I am and where I'm from. I realize I don't have to force that on people, but just use it as a safety net, to stride out into the world knowing that I have a strong sense of identity. Because we're all landlocked in this nation together and we should be celebrating it.
14
They say the most successful people are the ones who have failed more than they have succeeded.
15
As long as you understand that you find happiness through family, friends and love, then money is just a nice bonus.
16
I'm determined not to lose my name. It's who I am. It has neither aided my progress nor hampered it. It's just who I am. My character. My make-up. My culture and heritage is a very rich one. So what if it's difficult for people to pronounce? We all learned how to say Schwarzenegger.
17
[on Horatio Hornblower]: I think people are attracted to the character because he's not a hero in the traditional sense. He's not a natural leader, he's just a young man with a very bright mind. He's compassionate, he hates injustice and he will stand up and fight when he's pushed to the limit.
18
[on his Titanic (1997) experience]: Yeah, I was lucky because I didn't have to spend hours in freezing water. There weren't many people my age on set, so Kate (Kate Winslet), Leo (Leonardo DiCaprio) and I hung out together. We would pile into Leo's dressing room, which was full of PlayStations, mini basketball hoops and the like.
19
The arses on the trousers aren't very tight. They're very loose and baggy and I like tight trousers. And the shoes - the shoes have got a bit of a heel, and it's a strange sensation for a man. Especially when you're running. He mimes a mincing trot. "I am mighty Hornblower! Watch me run like a girl!"
In addition to playing Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards in Fantastic Four (2005), he provided the voice of Mr. Miracle/Scott Free for the animated Justice League (2001) series. Ironic, given that Mr. Miracle is owned by DC Comics, rival of Marvel Comics, which owns the Fantastic Four, and both characters were created by the late Jack Kirby.
7
Was invited to and accepted into Gorsedd y Beirdd Ynys Prydain (the Welsh Bardic Order of Great Britain) at the highest rank in the National Eisteddfod at Meifod in 2003, with the bardic name Ioan.
8
Was already an accomplished singer and oboist by the age of 13.
9
His parents Peter and Gillian were teachers and his grandparents ran a local amateur drama society in Cardiff, Wales.
10
His name is pronounced "Yo-wahn Griffith".
11
First language is Welsh.
12
Resides in Los Angeles, California.
13
An Associate Member of Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
14
Graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England in 1995.
15
Won the BBC Radio Cymru Showbusnesan Award for Best Actor (March 28, 2001).
16
Had the honor of lighting the National Millennium Beacon for Wales in Cardiff City Centre for the New Year's Eve 2000 celebration.
17
Learned Yiddish for his role in the film Solomon & Gaenor (1999).
18
He played the oboe in the South Glamorgan Youth Orchestra for several years.
19
Lived in London for sometime with good friends and fellow Welsh actors Matthew Rhys and Michael Sheen.
$1 Million
