Early Life and Education of Hugh Grant: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Hugh Grant. From birth to education, explore key events.

Hugh Grant is a celebrated English actor renowned for his early career portrayals of charming and vulnerable romantic leads. He has since evolved into a character actor, earning a British Academy Film Award and a Golden Globe Award, along with Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Grant received an Honorary César in 2006. Time Out magazine recognized him as one of Britain's 50 greatest actors. His films have collectively grossed over $4 billion worldwide as of 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1929: Birth of James Murray Grant

In 1929, Captain James Murray Grant, Hugh Grant's father, was born.

1933: Birth of Fynvola Susan MacLean

In 1933, Fynvola Susan MacLean, Hugh Grant's mother, was born.

September 1960: Hugh Grant's Birth

On September 9, 1960, Hugh John Mungo Grant was born in Hammersmith Hospital. He is the son of Fynvola Susan MacLean and Captain James Murray Grant.

1969: Attended Latymer Upper School

From 1969, Hugh Grant attended Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith.

1978: Finished Latymer Upper School

In 1978, Hugh Grant finished Latymer Upper School.

1979: Won Scholarship to New College, Oxford

In 1979, Hugh Grant won the Galsworthy scholarship to New College, Oxford, where he studied English literature.

1982: Starred in Privileged

In 1982, Hugh Grant starred in his first film, 'Privileged', produced by the Oxford University Film Foundation.

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1985: The Jockeys of Norfolk form

In 1985, Hugh Grant created sketch-comedy group The Jockeys of Norfolk.

1987: Meets Elizabeth Hurley

In 1987, Hugh Grant met actress Elizabeth Hurley during the production of 'Remando Al Viento' where Grant played Lord Byron and Hurley had a supporting role. They began dating during filming.

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May 2000: Separation from Elizabeth Hurley

In May 2000, Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley separated after being in a relationship.

2001: Purchase of Andy Warhol Print

In 2001, Hugh Grant bought the print "Liz" by Andy Warhol for £2 million.

2001: Fundraiser and Ambassador for Cancer Care

Since the death of his mother in 2001, Hugh Grant has worked as a fundraiser and ambassador for Marie Curie Cancer Care. He is also a patron of Pancreatic Cancer Action.

2002: Becomes Godfather

In 2002, Hugh Grant became the godfather to Elizabeth Hurley's son, Damian.

2002: Inside the Actors Studio Interview

In 2002, during an appearance on Inside the Actors Studio, Hugh Grant credited his mother with passing down any acting genes.

September 2006: Exhibition of Father's Paintings

In September 2006, The John Martin Gallery hosted an exhibition of Capt. Grant's paintings, called "James Grant: 30 Years of Watercolours", organized by his son Hugh Grant for charity.

2007: Sale of Andy Warhol Print

In 2007, Hugh Grant sold the print "Liz" by Andy Warhol for £13 million, after purchasing it in 2001.

2007: Vogue profile on Grant's 'misanthropic mystique'

In 2007, a Vogue profile described Hugh Grant as a man with a "professionally misanthropic mystique".

September 2011: Birth of Daughter Jing Xi

In September 2011, Hugh Grant had a daughter, Jing Xi, with Tinglan Hong following a "fleeting affair". Jing Xi's Chinese name means "happy surprise".

2011: Attends Liberal Democrats Conference

In 2011, Hugh Grant attended the Liberal Democrats' conference, discussing the News International phone-hacking scandal and briefly meeting Nick Clegg. He expressed that the Liberal Democrats had a "good bill of health" compared to other parties regarding their relationship with the media.

September 2012: Birth of Son with Anna Eberstein

In September 2012, Hugh Grant's second child, a son, was born to Swedish television producer Anna Eberstein.

December 2012: Birth of Third Child

In December 2012, Hugh Grant reunited briefly with Tinglan Hong, and she gave birth to Grant's third child, a son.

2012: Press Intrusion Regarding Daughter's Birth

In 2012, Hugh Grant stated that Tinglan Hong, the mother of his daughter, was "badly treated" by the media, with press intrusion preventing him from attending the birth. Hong obtained an injunction for privacy.

December 2015: Birth of Daughter with Anna Eberstein

In December 2015, Hugh Grant's daughter with Anna Eberstein was born.

2015: Supports Liberal Democrat MP and Labour Candidates

In 2015, Hugh Grant supported Liberal Democrat MP Danny Alexander and later hosted a dinner for the Liberal Democrats. He also endorsed Labour candidates Tom Watson and Michael Foster. Grant described himself as recognising 'political guts' rather than aligning with any specific party.

March 2018: Birth of Daughter with Anna Eberstein

In March 2018, Hugh Grant's daughter with Anna Eberstein was born.

May 2018: Marriage to Anna Eberstein

On May 25, 2018, Hugh Grant married Anna Eberstein.

2018: Feud with Robert Downey Jr. and Public Amends

In 2018, Hugh Grant mentioned on-set tension with Robert Downey Jr., stating Downey "hated" him. After Grant confirmed the feud, Downey publicly made amends on Twitter, which Grant accepted.

2019: Campaigns for Tactical Voting

During the 2019 general election, Hugh Grant campaigned for tactical voting to prevent a Conservative majority and Brexit. He was seen canvassing with Liberal Democrats, Labour candidates, and independent Dominic Grieve.

2020: Grant enjoys acting after character roles

In 2020, Hugh Grant stated that he enjoys acting now, after transitioning to more character roles.

2020: Grant comments on aging and romantic comedies

In a 2020 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Hugh Grant said he moved away from romantic comedy films as he got older.

December 2023: Supports Christmas Day Lunch for Elderly Residents

In December 2023, Hugh Grant supported Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Big H&F Christmas Day Lunch, serving Christmas dinner to elderly residents at risk of social isolation.

April 2024: Hugh Grant Settles Case Against The Sun Publisher

In April 2024, Hugh Grant settled a case against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, where he alleged phone tapping and burglary by NGN journalists. While Grant expressed reluctance to accept the settlement due to the potential for high trial costs, NGN denied the claims.

2024: Endorses Green Party Co-Leader

In the 2024 general election, Hugh Grant publicly endorsed Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, for the Bristol Central seat, praising her integrity and dedication to the public.