Celebs You Didn’t Know Aren’t American

Some of the biggest names in film, TV, and music actually come from far beyond the United States. Many were born or raised abroad, then built careers that made them household names worldwide. Here are twenty five stars with roots in places like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond. Each entry notes where they are from and highlights the projects that put them on the map.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves was born in Beirut and grew up in Toronto, making him a Canadian star with global reach. He broke through with hits like ‘Speed’ and ‘The Matrix’ and later found a new gear with ‘John Wick’. Before Hollywood, he acted on Canadian television and stage. He maintains strong ties to Canada and often credits Toronto for shaping his early career.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, South Africa, and trained as a ballet dancer before switching to acting. She gained attention with ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ and won an Oscar for ‘Monster’. She speaks Afrikaans as her first language. Her early work included modeling and dance in Europe before moving to Los Angeles to pursue film.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill hails from the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands, a British Crown dependency. He became widely known for playing Superman in ‘Man of Steel’ and for his role in ‘The Witcher’. Cavill started acting in British productions before transitioning to major studio films. His background includes training at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown was born in Marbella, Spain, to British parents and grew up in England. She became a worldwide name through ‘Stranger Things’. Before that breakout, she appeared on shows like ‘Once Upon a Time in Wonderland’. She later launched a beauty brand and moved into producing as her career expanded.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy is from Cork, Ireland, and started out in an Irish rock band before choosing acting. He earned acclaim with films like ’28 Days Later’ and later headlined ‘Peaky Blinders’. Murphy frequently collaborates with director Christopher Nolan, including on ‘Oppenheimer’. He trained in theatre and has continued to return to stage work in Ireland and the UK.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba was born in London to parents from Sierra Leone and Ghana. He broke out in ‘The Wire’ and led the British series ‘Luther’. Elba has also built a career as a producer and DJ under the name Big Driis. He studied at the National Youth Music Theatre in the UK before landing television roles.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds comes from Vancouver, Canada, and began acting on Canadian TV. He gained international fame with ‘Deadpool’ after earlier hits like ‘The Proposal’. Reynolds co owns a Welsh football club and has invested in multiple consumer brands. He started in teen dramas before moving into Hollywood comedies and action films.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu was born in Harbin, China, and grew up in Mississauga, Canada. He starred in ‘Kim’s Convenience’ before taking the lead in ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Liu worked as a stunt performer and model during his early career. He has written about his immigrant experience and supports Asian representation in media.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh was born in Ottawa, Canada, to Korean parents. She became widely known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and later led ‘Killing Eve’. Oh studied at the National Theatre School of Canada and built her résumé in Canadian film. She has hosted major award shows and continues to voice characters in animation.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie is from Queensland, Australia, and started on the Australian soap ‘Neighbours’. She broke into Hollywood with ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and led films like ‘I, Tonya’ and ‘Barbie’. Robbie co founded the production company LuckyChap Entertainment. She often highlights Australian crews and talent in her projects.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth grew up in Australia and first found fame on the series ‘Home and Away’. He became a global star as Thor in the Marvel films. Hemsworth trained in surfing and maintains a base in Byron Bay. He has supported Australian wildlife and conservation initiatives through his platform.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman is from Sydney and trained in musical theatre before film. He earned worldwide recognition as Wolverine in the ‘X Men’ series and won a Tony Award for ‘The Boy from Oz’. Jackman hosted the Oscars and has headlined multiple arena tours. He studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa was born in London to Kosovar Albanian parents and spent part of her teens in Pristina. She rose with hits from her debut album and reached a wider audience with ‘Future Nostalgia’. Lipa has collaborated with designers and launched a book club that spotlights international authors. She began posting covers online before signing a record deal.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot comes from Rosh HaAyin in Israel and won Miss Israel as a teenager. She served in the Israel Defense Forces and studied law before pursuing acting. Gadot gained international fame as Wonder Woman in ‘Batman v Superman’ and ‘Wonder Woman’. She has produced projects through her company Pilot Wave.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel was born in London to Indian parents and made his debut in ‘Skins’. He earned worldwide attention with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and later starred in ‘Lion’ and ‘The Green Knight’. Patel trained in taekwondo and competed internationally. He has expanded into directing with projects shot in India and beyond.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch was born in London and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He broke out with ‘Sherlock’ and later joined the Marvel universe in ‘Doctor Strange’. Cumberbatch has performed in major stage productions including ‘Hamlet’. He has narrated documentaries and audio series for British broadcasters.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz hails from Madrid and trained in classical ballet before acting. She became known internationally through collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar such as ‘Volver’. Cruz won an Academy Award for ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’. She has also modeled for Spanish fashion houses and supports humanitarian causes in Spain.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem was born in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands and comes from a family of Spanish filmmakers. He earned global acclaim with ‘No Country for Old Men’. Bardem has worked in both Spanish and English language cinema since the 1990s. He often returns to Spanish productions between Hollywood roles.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas was born in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba, and trained at Havana’s National Theater School. She moved to Spain and gained recognition in Spanish television before transitioning to Hollywood with ‘Blade Runner 2049’. De Armas received an Oscar nomination for ‘Blonde’. She continues to work in both English and Spanish language projects.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi is from Wellington, New Zealand, and began as a comedian and painter. He directed ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ and won an Oscar for ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Waititi revitalized a Marvel franchise with ‘Thor Ragnarok’. He often spotlights Māori culture and New Zealand locations in his films.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones was born in Swansea, Wales, and started in West End musicals. She broke into Hollywood with ‘The Mask of Zorro’ and won an Oscar for ‘Chicago’. Zeta-Jones trained in dance and singing from a young age. She has continued to alternate between film, television, and stage.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig is from Chester, England, and trained at the National Youth Theatre and Guildhall. He became the sixth actor to play James Bond starting with ‘Casino Royale’. Craig has also led Broadway productions including ‘Macbeth’. His film work spans independent dramas and large scale action.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom was born in Canterbury, England, and studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He reached global fame with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Bloom has performed on stage in London and New York. He supports UNICEF and has taken part in field missions.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson was born in Paris to British parents and grew up in Oxfordshire. She became known worldwide as Hermione in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Watson studied at Brown University and continued acting in films like ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. She has served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o was born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents and grew up in Nairobi. She won an Oscar for ’12 Years a Slave’ and later joined ‘Black Panther’. Nyong’o studied film at Yale School of Drama and has published a picture book. She works in English, Spanish, and Swahili and has performed on Broadway.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was born in London and trained at Hurtwood House, a school known for its performing arts program. She made her professional debut on stage before moving into British television. Her breakthrough came with ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and she later led films like ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ and ‘A Quiet Place’. She has worked across period dramas, thrillers, and action projects in both the UK and the US.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya was born in London to Ugandan parents and wrote his first play as a teenager. He appeared in ‘Skins’ and gained attention with ‘Black Mirror’ before moving into feature films. His performance in ‘Get Out’ brought international acclaim and he later won major awards for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He continues to develop projects as a writer and producer alongside acting.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet was born in Reading, England, and trained at the Redroofs Theatre School. She first appeared on British television and independent features. International recognition came with ‘Titanic’ followed by acclaimed roles in ‘The Reader’ and ‘Mare of Easttown’. She has balanced film and limited series work while supporting UK theatre programs.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy was born in London and studied at the Drama Centre London. He started with roles in British productions and gained traction with ‘Band of Brothers’. His film work includes ‘Inception’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, and ‘The Revenant’. He has also created and starred in UK television projects and continues to take on stage roles.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton was born in London and educated at the University of Cambridge. She began her career with experimental films and theatre in the UK. Wider audiences discovered her through ‘Michael Clayton’, ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’, and ‘Doctor Strange’. She frequently collaborates with European directors and supports art institutions in Scotland.

Jason Statham

Jason Statham was born in Derbyshire, England, and competed in diving at a national level. He was discovered while working in the fashion industry and transitioned to film with ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’. His action career includes ‘The Transporter’, ‘Furious 7’, and ‘The Meg’. He often performs practical stunts and maintains strong ties to UK productions.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh was born in Oxford, England, and studied at St Edward’s School. She first drew notice with the independent film ‘Lady Macbeth’. She has since appeared in ‘Midsommar’, ‘Little Women’, and ‘Black Widow’. Pugh records music and has produced projects that highlight British talent.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed was born in London and studied at Christ Church, Oxford, followed by training at the Central School of Speech and Drama. He first gained recognition with ‘Four Lions’ and later starred in ‘The Night Of’ and ‘Sound of Metal’. Ahmed is also a rapper and writer with work addressing identity and representation. He supports UK arts initiatives and mentorship programs.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan was born in London and studied law at Oxford before training at the Drama Centre London. She appeared on British television and stage prior to international roles. Her film and TV credits include ‘Humans’, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, and ‘Eternals’. She has narrated documentaries and advocates for diversity in UK media.

Andrew Lincoln

Andrew Lincoln was born in London and raised in Hull and Bath. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and worked extensively on British television. International audiences know him from ‘The Walking Dead’, but he began with series like ‘This Life’. He continues to act in stage productions and UK based dramas.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett was born in Melbourne and graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney. She built her reputation with the Sydney Theatre Company before international films. Her notable work includes ‘Elizabeth’, ‘Blue Jasmine’, and ‘Tár’. Blanchett balances film roles with frequent returns to Australian theatre.

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne was born in Sydney and studied acting at the Australian Theatre for Young People. She began acting in Australian films and series before moving to international projects. Her credits include ‘Damages’, ‘Bridesmaids’, and ‘Neighbors’. Byrne often collaborates with Australian filmmakers and supports arts education programs.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth was born in Melbourne and started his career on Australian television. He relocated to the United States after early roles in series filmed in Australia. Hemsworth is known for ‘The Hunger Games’ series and has appeared in action and thriller features. He maintains connections with the Australian film community.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts was born in Kent, England, and moved to Australia as a child. She worked in Australian television and film before gaining international attention. Her breakthrough came with ‘Mulholland Drive’, followed by roles in ‘The Ring’ and ’21 Grams’. Watts continues to split time between film and limited series work.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård was born in Stockholm and began acting in Sweden as a child. After completing national service, he returned to performance and studied in the United States. He gained a global audience with ‘True Blood’ and later appeared in ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Northman’. He frequently works on Scandinavian and English language projects.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander was born in Gothenburg and trained in ballet before turning to acting. She first worked in Swedish television and film. International recognition followed with ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘The Danish Girl’. Vikander continues to appear in European productions and multilingual projects.

Mads Mikkelsen

Mads Mikkelsen was born in Copenhagen and trained as a dancer before studying drama. He became a prominent figure in Danish cinema with roles in the ‘Pusher’ films. International audiences know him from ‘Casino Royale’, ‘Hannibal’, and ‘Another Round’. He regularly returns to Denmark for film and television work.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was born in Rudkøbing, Denmark, and educated at the National Theatre School in Copenhagen. He built his career in Danish film and stage before international roles. He is widely recognized for ‘Game of Thrones’ and has led Scandinavian features alongside English language films. Coster-Waldau supports UNESCO initiatives and Danish arts programs.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek was born in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, and studied acting in Mexico City. She starred in Mexican television before moving to the United States. Her filmography includes ‘Desperado’, ‘Frida’, and ‘Eternals’. Hayek produces projects that highlight Latin American stories and filmmakers.

Sofía Vergara

Sofia Vergara was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and started in modeling and television hosting. She moved into Spanish language telenovelas before transitioning to US television. She became widely known for ‘Modern Family’ and has since produced and starred in additional series and films. Vergara has launched business ventures while maintaining ties to Colombian media.

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