Mark Rylance

British actor and director

Also known as: David Mark Rylance Waters

Written by Virginia Gorlinski

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Nov 15, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

In full:: David Mark Rylance Waters

Born:: January 18, 1960, Ashford, Kent, England (age 64)

Awards And Honors:: Academy Award (2016); BAFTA (2016); Tony Awards (2011); Tony Awards (2008); Academy Award (2016): Actor in a Supporting Role; Tony Award (2014): Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play; Tony Award (2011): Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play; Tony Award (2008): Best Actor in a Play

Married To:: Claire van Kampen (1989–present)

Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In):: "The Trial of the Chicago 7" (2020); "Waiting for the Barbarians" (2019); "Ready Player One" (2018); "Dunkirk" (2017); "The BFG" (2016); "Bridge of Spies" (2015); "Bing" (2014–2015); "Wolf Hall" (2015); "The Gunman" (2015); "Days and Nights" (2014); "Twelfth Night" (2013); "Anonymous" (2011); "Blitz" (2011); "The Other Boleyn Girl" (2008); "Leonardo" (2003); "Intimacy" (2001); "Great Performances" (1997); "Screen Two" (1986–1996); "Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life" (1995); "Angels and Insects" (1995); "Biography" (1995); "Screenplay" (1993); "Prospero's Books" (1991); "Hearts of Fire" (1987)

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Mark Rylance (born January 18, 1960, Ashford, Kent, England) is a British theatre actor and director recognized not only for his period-specific enactments of both male and female roles in the works of William Shakespeare but also for his poignant portrayals of contemporary characters. Rylance, habitually consumed by his roles, often kept in character—both onstage and offstage—for the duration of a production. Although a British citizen, Rylance spent most of his childhood and youth in the United States, living for some years in Connecticut before moving with his family to Wisconsin in 1969. In Wisconsin he attended the University School ...(100 of 951 words)

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