Colin Firth is officially 64. The Hollywood star is still one of the biggest heartthrobs around, winning hearts with his English charm and dashing looks – we all remember Kingsman. Whether he’s playing a wealthy lawyer, or a pinstriped banker, he has us all swooning.
Off-screen, Colin is just as delightful. Known for his dry wit, modesty, and romantic gestures, he has managed to charm not only movie fans but also his wife, Livia Giuggioli. They’ve been together for over 20 years and have two kids, Luca and Matteo. To say that we’re heartbroken, is an understatement.
Interestingly, Colin learned Italian to impress Livia’s family (see what we mean?). He joked on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight that he had “a lot of strikes against” him – he was older, English, didn’t speak Italian, and already had a kid. The actor decided to fix what he could – the language. Now he’s fluent and even got dual British-Italian citizenship in 2017. Pretty smooth, we think.
Despite his suave on-screen persona, Colin insists he’s not quite the charmer he appears to be. In an interview with the Mirror, he admitted he doesn’t see himself as a sex symbol and added with a laugh, “I don’t get chased down the street, nor has anyone ever thrown their underwear at me.” As for that famous Pride and Prejudice lake scene, Colin quipped, “My wife certainly wouldn’t go weak at the knees if I came home in a sodden shirt!” This definitely shows how down-to-earth he is, despite 90s women fawning all over him.
By the way, it’s his day today, and to appreciate his work, we’ve rounded up his top 6 movies that prove he’s more than just a charming smile and British dry humour.
Pride and Prejudice
Colin Firth as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the ultimate English gent who makes a wet shirt look like a haute couture statement. Sure, other actors like Laurence Olivier and Matthew Macfadyen have taken on the role in various Pride and Prejudice adaptations, but Colin’s portrayal turned him into the swoon-worthy icon we all adore. With his moody charm and that iconic brooding lake scene, he had fans everywhere whispering, ‘Oh, Mr. Darcy!’ It’s no wonder his portrayal of the wealthy, reserved gentleman who melts hearts is still as captivating as ever.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Here, Colin steps into the shoes of Mark Darcy—yes, another Darcy, but this time he’s not an aristocrat. Instead, he’s a charming barrister who’s as irresistible as he is sensible. He’s the dashing guy who sees Bridget Jones for who she really is, quirks and all. Mark’s the kind of guy who’ll swoop in to save the day while looking impeccably stylish, proving that sometimes the right man is the one who’s been there all along.
Love Actually
In this heartwarming ensemble piece, Colin plays Jamie Bennet, a writer who retreats to his Portuguese getaway after finding out his girlfriend is cheating on him with his brother. There, he meets Aurélia (played by Lúcia Moniz), his lovely housekeeper, and falls head over heels. His attempts to win her over, which involves learning Portuguese and stumbling through some hilarious mishaps, show that love is worth every bit of awkward effort.
Mamma Mia!
Colin takes the stage as Harry Bright in Mamma Mia! His role is a delightful mix of comedy and charm that’s not exactly the crowning jewel of his career, but it’s definitely a standout performance. Firth, usually the epitome of British elegance, throws on a pair of platform shoes and dives headfirst into a campy, ABBA-infused world. His portrayal of a closeted gay man in a musical might seem a bit cheeky, especially given his typically sophisticated image, he pulled it off nevertheless.
Magic in the Moonlight
In Magic in the Moonlight, Colin Firth plays Stanley Crawford, a magician who’s skeptical of fortune-tellers. When he’s enlisted to expose a young medium named Sophie (Emma Stone) at a glamorous Côte d’Azur mansion, he expects an easy win. As Stanley spends more time with Sophie, he begins to suspect she might truly have otherworldly talents—and, even more surprising, he might be falling for her. Love turns out to be the greatest illusion of all, and Colin steps into this role with remarkable smoothness.
Girl with a Pearl Earring
In Girl with a Pearl Earring, Colin swaps suave for somber as he steps into the shoes of the stern painter, Johannes Vermeer. Imagine Mr. Darcy in an artist’s smock and you’re halfway there! Colin’s Vermeer is intense, meticulous, and, well, a bit of a stickler for detail. You know, the type who might have you redoing a painting because the light’s not just right or the pearl doesn’t sparkle enough. The film follows the story of Griet (Scarlett Johansson) becoming a maid for painter Vermeer (Colin) and they form a secret friendship.
Here’s to Colin Firth – may you keep charming us on and off the screen for many more years to come!
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