Jonathan Pryce

Sir Jonathan Pryce, born John Price on June 1, 1947, is a Welsh actor recognized for his extensive work across stage, film, and television. Over his career, he has earned prestigious accolades, including two Tony Awards and two Laurence Olivier Awards, alongside nominations for an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globes, and six Emmy Awards. In 2021, he received a knighthood for his services to drama.

Raised in Carmel, Flintshire, Pryce was the son of a former coal miner and grocery shop operator. He attended Holywell Grammar School and initially pursued art college and teacher training at Edge Hill College. After participating in a student production, he secured a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 1971. He adopted the stage name Jonathan Pryce upon joining Equity to avoid confusion with another performer.

Pryce began his professional career with the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, eventually becoming its artistic director, and performed with companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company. He gained early acclaim on stage, winning his first Tony Award for his Broadway debut in Comedians in 1977. In 1980, his portrayal of the title role in Hamlet at the Royal Court Theatre earned him a Laurence Olivier Award.

His screen breakthrough arrived when he starred as Sam Lowry in Terry Gilliam's dystopian dark comedy film Brazil in 1985. Pryce established a reputation for versatility across both major studio features and independent films. His movie credits include Something Wicked This Way Comes, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Age of Innocence, Carrington, Evita, and Tomorrow Never Dies.

In theatre, Pryce originated the role of The Engineer in the musical Miss Saigon in 1990, winning an Olivier Award in London and a Tony Award in 1991 following its Broadway transfer. He continued to balance high-profile stage productions, including revivals of Oliver! and My Fair Lady, with screen projects. Between 1993 and 1997, he also served as a television spokesperson for the Infiniti automobile brand.

During the 2000s and beyond, Pryce reached wide mainstream audiences in popular film franchises, notably portraying Governor Weatherby Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean series from 2003 to 2007. His subsequent film projects included The New World, The Wife, and The Two Popes, in which his performance as Pope Francis earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

Pryce has also maintained a prominent presence in television. His notable small-screen roles include portrayals of Henry Kravis in Barbarians at the Gate, Thomas Wolsey in Wolf Hall, the High Sparrow in Game of Thrones, Prince Philip in The Crown, and a retired intelligence officer in Slow Horses.