Rupert Everett

Here is a biography and profile of Rupert Everett — his life, career, personality, and some of his notable quotes:

Introduction

Rupert James Hector Everett (born 29 May 1959) is an English actor, author, and occasional filmmaker. He is known both for his dramatic and comedic roles, his outspoken personality, and his work in film, stage, and memoir. His career spans decades, and he has also ventured into writing and directing.

Early Life & Background

• Birth & Family: Everett was born in Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, England on 29 May 1959.

• Heritage & Upbringing: He is of English, Irish, Scottish, German, and Dutch descent.

• Education: From around age 7, he was educated at Farleigh School in Hampshire, and later at Ampleforth College under Benedictine monks.

Some accounts note that early in his life, to support himself, he disclosed doing sex work for drugs and money during the period he was trying to break into acting.

Career & Major Works

Theatre & Early Acting

• Everett first gained attention on stage in Another Country (1981) as a student at a British public school, a role that later translated to a film adaptation in 1984.

• He acted in various theatrical productions including Judas Kiss, The Judas Kiss (portraying Oscar Wilde), Blithe Spirit, Amadeus, etc.

Film & Screen

• His breakout film role came in Another Country (1984).

• He has appeared in a mix of genres and roles:
    • My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) earned him wide recognition and award nominations.   • An Ideal Husband (1999) also brought acclaim.   • He voiced Prince Charming in Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third.   • Other film credits include Stardust, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, The Happy Prince (which he directed and starred in), and various others.

• In 2018, he released The Happy Prince, a film about Oscar Wilde’s later years, which he wrote, directed, and starred in.

Writing & Memoir

• Everett has published several books and memoirs:
    • Hello, Darling, Are You Working? (1992)   • The Hairdressers of St. Tropez (1995)   • Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins (2006) (memoir)   • Vanished Years (memoir)

• He has also written articles and contributed to periodicals such as The Guardian.

Public Persona, Controversy & Views

Rupert Everett is known for his frankness and sometimes provocative statements. He has spoken candidly about the challenges of being openly gay in show business, about his past experiences, and about the nature of fame and sexuality.

He has periodically courted controversy for his blunt opinions—on relationships, sexuality, and cultural topics.

In 2024, he confirmed marrying his longtime partner, Henrique, in London, despite famously holding disdain for weddings earlier in life.

Notable Quotes

Here are several memorable quotations attributed to Rupert Everett:

• “We now live in a world where the only thing to have is success, but failure is marvelous. It’s fertiliser … because you’re forced on yourself.”

• “I was basically adventurous, I think I wanted to try everything.”

• “Starbucks is spreading like a cancer.”

• “I’ve never been any good with authority.”

• “Honestly, I would not advise any actor necessarily, if he was really thinking of his career, to come out.”

From the screen, one quip from My Best Friend’s Wedding:

“Hey! I’m Jules’ fiancé, George! Just stopped by for a little preconjugal visit if you catch my drift!”

And from his portrayal in The Happy Prince:

“I am my own Judas.” (as Oscar Wilde)

Personality, Themes & Influence

• Everett carries a strong sense of elegant audacity: his public image is polished, witty, and often self-aware.

• Themes in his work and life include authenticity, identity, sexuality, fame, artifice vs. reality.

• He has been drawn to Oscar Wilde, portraying him on stage and screen, and exploring Wilde’s life and legacy in his work.

• He has sometimes expressed regret or caution toward the impact of coming out on one’s professional life, reflecting the challenges LGBTQ+ actors may face.

• His career demonstrates resilience in shifting roles—actor, writer, director—and in navigating public controversy with personal candor.

Lessons & Insights

1. Speak your truth (even at cost)
   Everett’s willingness to be honest about his life—even its darker aspects—adds depth to his artistry and integrity.

2. Reinvention is possible
   He has moved between mediums (stage, film, writing, directing) rather than being pigeonholed.

3. Fame and vulnerability often go together
   His public persona is balanced by the acknowledgment of personal struggle, loneliness, and risk.

4. The creative impulse need not be safe
   Everett often chooses roles and projects that challenge norms or expectations (e.g. The Happy Prince).

5. Relationships evolve
   His evolving views on marriage and long-term commitment show how personal growth can reshape past convictions.