History of Hugh Grant in Timeline
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.
1917: Starred in The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
In 1917, Hugh Grant starred as a cartographer in Wales in 'The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain'.
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: Feature Film Debut
In 1982, Hugh Grant made his feature film acting debut in 'Privileged'.
1982: Starred in Privileged
In 1982, Hugh Grant starred in his first film, 'Privileged', produced by the Oxford University Film Foundation.
1982: Debut in Privileged and varied jobs
In 1982, after making his debut in 'Privileged', Hugh Grant worked various jobs including groundsman, tutor, and writing comedy sketches.
1984: Offered a Role in The Bounty
In 1984, Hugh Grant was offered a role in 'The Bounty', but he couldn't take it because he didn't have an Equity card.
1985: The Jockeys of Norfolk form
In 1985, Hugh Grant created sketch-comedy group The Jockeys of Norfolk.
1986: Played Eric Birling in An Inspector Calls
In 1986, Hugh Grant played Eric Birling in a production of 'An Inspector Calls' at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, receiving an "outstanding" review.
1987: Acclaim for Maurice and Volpi Cup Win
In 1987, Hugh Grant gained acclaim for his role in the romantic drama 'Maurice', also winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.
1987: Leading film role in Maurice
In 1987, Hugh Grant had his first leading film role in 'Maurice' and shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival with James Wilby.
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.
1987: Acted in White Mischief
In 1987, Hugh Grant played Hugh Cholmondeley in 'White Mischief', a BAFTA Award-nominated film.
1988: Acting in Remando Al Viento
In 1988, Hugh Grant played Lord Byron in the Spanish production 'Remando Al Viento'. It was during this time that he met Elizabeth Hurley, who was cast in a supporting role.
1988: Roles in The Dawning and The Lair of the White Worm
In 1988, Hugh Grant played supporting role in 'The Dawning' and leading role in 'The Lair of the White Worm'.
1989: Portrayed Charles Heidsieck
In 1989, Hugh Grant portrayed Charles Heidsieck in the television film 'Champagne Charlie'.
1990: Role in The Big Man
In 1990, Hugh Grant had a role in 'The Big Man', where he used a Scottish accent.
1991: Starred in Impromptu as Frederic Chopin
In 1991, Hugh Grant starred in 'Impromptu' as Frederic Chopin, opposite Judy Davis as George Sand.
1993: Acted in The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Hugh Grant acted in the successful period drama 'The Remains of the Day'.
1993: Supporting role in The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Hugh Grant had a supporting role in Merchant-Ivory drama 'The Remains of the Day'.
July 1994: Signed Production Deal with Castle Rock Entertainment
In July 1994, Hugh Grant signed a two-year production deal with Castle Rock Entertainment.
1994: Release of Four Weddings and a Funeral
In 1994, 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' was released, becoming the highest-grossing British film to date and making Hugh Grant an international star.
1994: Breakthrough with Four Weddings and a Funeral
In 1994, Hugh Grant emerged as a star with Richard Curtis's romantic comedy 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', winning the Golden Globe and BAFTA Award for Best Actor.
June 1995: Grant arrested in Los Angeles
In June 1995, Hugh Grant was arrested in Los Angeles for receiving oral sex in a public place from a prostitute. He pleaded no contest and faced fines, probation, and an AIDS education program.
1995: Reunited with Mike Newell for An Awfully Big Adventure
In 1995, Hugh Grant reunited with Mike Newell for the film 'An Awfully Big Adventure', portraying the director of a repertory company.
1995: Starred in Sense and Sensibility and Restoration
In 1995, Hugh Grant starred in successful period dramas 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Restoration'.
1995: Starred in 'Nine Months' and 'Sense and Sensibility'
In 1995, Hugh Grant starred opposite Julianne Moore in 'Nine Months', a film that was a box office hit but critically panned. He also starred as Emma Thompson's suitor in 'Sense and Sensibility', which was directed by Ang Lee and won an Academy Award. Additionally in 1995, Grant performed in Restoration, where critics noted his enjoyable performance.
1995: International Notoriety
In 1995, while dating Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Grant gained international notoriety for soliciting the services of prostitute Divine Brown.
1996: Debut as film producer with 'Extreme Measures'
In 1996, Hugh Grant made his debut as a film producer with the thriller 'Extreme Measures'.
1996: Grant wins damages over defamatory article
In 1996, Hugh Grant won substantial damages from News (UK) Ltd over a defamatory article published in January 1995 that falsely claimed he verbally abused a young extra on the set of "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain".
1999: Starred in 'Notting Hill'
In 1999, Hugh Grant starred alongside Julia Roberts in 'Notting Hill'. The film became a major British hit, surpassing 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', and grossed $363 million worldwide. His performance received mixed reviews.
May 2000: Separation from Elizabeth Hurley
In May 2000, Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley separated after being in a relationship.
2000: Promoted 'Small Time Crooks' and joined IM Internationalmedia AG
In 2000, Hugh Grant promoted Woody Allen's 'Small Time Crooks' and described himself as "my millennium of bastards". Also in 2000, he joined the supervisory board of IM Internationalmedia AG.
2001: Death of Fynvola Susan MacLean
In 2001, Fynvola Susan MacLean, Hugh Grant's mother, died.
2001: Purchase of Andy Warhol Print
In 2001, Hugh Grant bought the print "Liz" by Andy Warhol for £2 million.
2001: Starred in 'Bridget Jones's Diary'
In 2001, Hugh Grant starred in 'Bridget Jones's Diary' as Daniel Cleaver, a charming but womanising book publisher. The film was an international success, earning $281 million worldwide, and his performance was well received by Variety.
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: Starred in 'Two Weeks Notice'
In 2002, Hugh Grant starred alongside Sandra Bullock in 'Two Weeks Notice'. While the film made $199 million internationally, it received poor reviews.
2002: Starred in 'About a Boy'
In 2002, Hugh Grant starred in the film adaptation of Nick Hornby's 'About a Boy' as Will Freeman. The film received positive reviews and earned Grant a Golden Globe nomination and other accolades. The film grossed $129 million globally.
2002: Starred in About a Boy and Two Weeks Notice
In 2002, Hugh Grant starred in the movies 'About a Boy' and 'Two Weeks Notice'.
2002: Simian Films closed US office
In 2002, Simian Films closed its US office.
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.
2003: Starred in 'Love Actually'
In 2003, Hugh Grant starred as the British Prime Minister in the ensemble comedy 'Love Actually'. The film, which marked Richard Curtis's directorial debut, grossed $246 million internationally. Grant's characterisation was tempered to be more authoritative.
2004: Acted in Bridget Jones's Diary Sequel
In 2004, Hugh Grant acted in a sequel to 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
2004: Reprised Role in 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'
In 2004, Hugh Grant reprised his role as Daniel Cleaver in 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason', which made over $262 million commercially.
December 2005: Resigned as Director of Simian Films Limited
In December 2005, Hugh Grant resigned as director of Simian Films Limited.
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.
2006: Grant drops his agent at CAA
In 2006, Hugh Grant dropped his agent, ending a 10-year relationship with CAA, and proclaimed that he does not listen to external views on his career.
2006: Received Honorary César
In 2006, Hugh Grant received an Honorary César award.
2006: Starred in 'American Dreamz'
In 2006, Hugh Grant starred in the black comedy 'American Dreamz' as the acerbic host of a reality show. While the film failed financially, Grant's performance was praised.
April 2007: Grant accepts damages over tabloid claims
In April 2007, Hugh Grant accepted undisclosed damages from Associated Newspapers over false claims made about his relationships with his former girlfriends in tabloid articles. He stated that the allegations were false and criticized the use of unnamed sources.
April 2007: Grant arrested on assault allegations
In April 2007, Hugh Grant was arrested on allegations of assault made by a paparazzo.
June 2007: Assault charges against Grant dropped
In June 2007, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the assault charges against Hugh Grant due to insufficient evidence.
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: Starred in Music and Lyrics
In 2007, Hugh Grant starred in 'Music and Lyrics'.
2007: Vogue profile on Grant's 'misanthropic mystique'
In 2007, a Vogue profile described Hugh Grant as a man with a "professionally misanthropic mystique".
2009: Starred in 'Did You Hear About the Morgans?'
In 2009, Hugh Grant starred opposite Sarah Jessica Parker in 'Did You Hear About the Morgans?'. The film was a critical failure and box office disappointment.
April 2011: Grant publishes article on phone hacking scandal
In April 2011, Hugh Grant published an article in the New Statesman titled "The Bugger, Bugged", detailing a conversation with a former journalist about phone hacking and the involvement of senior politicians and media executives.
July 2011: Hugh Grant Appears on Question Time
In July 2011, Hugh Grant appeared on BBC television's Question Time, becoming a spokesman against Murdoch's News Corporation amidst the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. This was a significant moment where Grant felt he was dealing with 'real life' instead of his usual 'synthetic life'.
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: Acted in Cloud Atlas
In 2012, Hugh Grant acted in the science fiction film 'Cloud Atlas'.
2012: Grant plays multiple roles in 'Cloud Atlas'
In 2012, Hugh Grant played six characters in the epic drama film "Cloud Atlas", a positive experience for him.
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.
2012: Featured in 'Cloud Atlas' and 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits'
In 2012, Hugh Grant was featured in 'Cloud Atlas', playing six different dark characters. In the same year, Grant lent his voice to the stop motion animation 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits'.
2014: Reunited with Marc Lawrence for 'The Rewrite'
In 2014, Hugh Grant reunited with Marc Lawrence for the dramedy film 'The Rewrite', starring opposite Marisa Tomei. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews, and Grant's performance was praised.
2014: Grant stars in 'The Rewrite'
In 2014, Hugh Grant starred in the dramedy "The Rewrite", where romantic comedy is a minor element.
December 2015: Birth of Daughter with Anna Eberstein
In December 2015, Hugh Grant's daughter with Anna Eberstein was born.
2015: Supporting Role in 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'
In 2015, Hugh Grant had a supporting role as Alexander Waverly in Guy Ritchie's crime thriller 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'. His performance was described as "the only bit of fun" in the film by Entertainment Weekly.
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.
2016: Nomination for Florence Foster Jenkins
In 2016, Hugh Grant earned a BAFTA Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as St. Clair Bayfield in 'Florence Foster Jenkins'.
2016: Starred in 'Florence Foster Jenkins'
In 2016, Hugh Grant played St. Clair Bayfield in the film 'Florence Foster Jenkins', directed by Stephen Frears and starring Meryl Streep. His performance was highly praised by critics, earning him several award nominations.
2016: Reflected on 'Nine Months' performance
In a 2016 interview, Hugh Grant reflected negatively on his performance in the 1995 film 'Nine Months', stating that he felt he ruined it by overacting due to the pressure of the large-scale production and his increased salary.
2017: Nomination for Paddington 2
In 2017, Hugh Grant earned a BAFTA Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Paddington 2'.
February 2018: Mirror Group Apologizes to Hugh Grant
In February 2018, Mirror Group Newspapers apologized for their actions against Hugh Grant, deeming them "morally wrong". Grant accepted a six-figure settlement from a High Court action and donated the payout to Hacked Off, a press campaign group.
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: Emmy Nomination for A Very English Scandal
In 2018, Hugh Grant earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Actor for his role as Jeremy Thorpe in the BBC miniseries 'A Very English Scandal'.
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.
2018: Grant returns to television in 'A Very English Scandal'
In 2018, Hugh Grant returned to television after 25 years in the BBC One miniseries "A Very English Scandal", playing Jeremy Thorpe. The miniseries, which marked his second collaboration with director Stephen Frears, received widespread praise, and Grant was nominated for several awards.
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.
2019: Acted in The Gentlemen
In 2019, Hugh Grant acted in Guy Ritchie's action film 'The Gentlemen'.
2019: Grant plays against-type role in 'The Gentlemen'
In 2019, Hugh Grant played Fletcher, a seedy private investigator, in Guy Ritchie's "The Gentlemen". Despite mixed reviews for the film, Grant's performance was praised as a comic highlight.
2019: Performance in 'Paddington 2' ranked as one of the greatest
In 2019, Hugh Grant's performance as Phoenix Buchanan in 'Paddington 2' was ranked as the 22nd greatest movie performance of the decade by IndieWire.
October 2020: Grant stars in HBO's 'The Undoing'
In October 2020, Hugh Grant starred in the HBO miniseries "The Undoing" opposite Nicole Kidman. While the series received mixed reviews, Grant's performance as Jonathan was widely acclaimed, earning him several award nominations.
2020: Emmy Nomination for The Undoing
In 2020, Hugh Grant earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Actor for his role in the HBO miniseries 'The Undoing'.
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.
2022: Ranked Among Britain's Greatest Actors
In 2022, Time Out magazine listed Hugh Grant as one of Britain's 50 greatest actors of all time.
2022: Initial planned release for Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre
In 2022, the movie Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre starring Hugh Grant was originally planned to be released, but had several delays.
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.
2023: Acted in Wonka
In 2023, Hugh Grant acted in the musical fantasy 'Wonka'.
2023: Grant appears as an Oompa-Loompa in 'Wonka'
In 2023, Hugh Grant appeared as an Oompa-Loompa in "Wonka", a prequel to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Despite initial backlash, Grant received praise for his performance as Lofty.
2023: Grant appears in 'Operation Fortune' and 'Dungeons & Dragons'
In 2023, Hugh Grant reunited with Guy Ritchie for "Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre" and appeared as Forge in "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." While "Operation Fortune" was a box office flop, Grant's performances were praised in both films.
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: Acted in Heretic
In 2024, Hugh Grant acted in the horror film 'Heretic', which earned him another BAFTA nomination.
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.
2025: Films Grossed Over $4 Billion
As of 2025, Hugh Grant's films have grossed over US$4 billion worldwide.
2025: Acted in Bridget Jones's Diary Sequel
In 2025, Hugh Grant acted in a sequel to 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
2025: Grant returns to romantic comedy in 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy'
In 2025, Hugh Grant reprised his role as Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy". Grant's role is brief, but his performance was praised.
2025: Grant briefly returns as Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
In 2025, Hugh Grant returned briefly as Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
Mentioned in this timeline
Robert Downey Jr RDJ is a highly successful American actor...
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Dame Julie Andrews is a highly acclaimed English actress singer...
Andy Warhol - was a pivotal American artist film director...
Christmas is an annual festival celebrated on December th commemorating...
Sandra Bullock is a highly successful American actress and film...
Trending
18 days ago Cobolli vs Cilic Wimbledon Prediction: Cobolli Faces Cilic in Round of 16, Wimbledon 2025
12 days ago Randy Moss Praises Justin Jefferson, Predicts Him as the Greatest Wide Receiver Ever
2 months ago Martha Stewart comments on Meghan Markle's show and kitchen color trends of 2025.
30 minutes ago Addison Rae Stars in Sombr's Sultry '12 to 12' Music Video
Jessica Tarlov is an American political strategist affiliated with the Democratic Party She is a co-host on the Fox News...
2 months ago Don?i? and James Reflect on Lakers Season, Don?i?'s Love for Basketball Revealed.
Popular
John Michael Ozzy Osbourne is a prominent English singer songwriter...
Jupiter is the fifth and largest planet from the Sun...
Pam Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician A...
Adam Schiff is an American politician and lawyer currently serving...
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...