James McAvoy Bio
James McAvoy (born 21 April 1979) is a Scottish actor and director. He made his acting debut as a teen in The Near Room (1995) and appeared mostly on television until 2003, when his film career began. His notable television work includes the thriller State of Play (2003), the science fiction miniseries Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune (2003), and the drama series Shameless (2004–2005). McAvoy gained recognition for playing Mr. Tumnus in the fantasy film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) and an assassin in the action film Wanted (2008). After winning the inaugural BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2006, his performances in the period dramas The Last King of Scotland (2006) and Atonement (2007) gained him BAFTA Award nominations.
Early Life and Background
James McAvoy was born on 21 April 1979 in Glasgow, Scotland, to James McAvoy Sr., a bus driver turned builder, and Elizabeth Johnstone, a psychiatric nurse. He was raised as a Roman Catholic. His parents separated when he was seven and divorced when he was eleven. Due to his mother’s poor health, he was sent to live with his maternal grandparents in Drumchapel, Glasgow. McAvoy has a younger sister named Joy and a younger half-brother named Donald. He attended St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Glasgow and briefly considered joining the priesthood. During his education, he worked at a local bakery. McAvoy applied to join the Royal Navy but ultimately chose to study acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, from which he graduated in 2000.
Path to Hollywood
McAvoy’s acting debut came at the age of 15 in The Near Room (1995). Initially uninterested in acting, he was inspired to pursue it after developing feelings for his co-star. He continued to act while involved with PACE Youth Theatre. Throughout the early 2000s, he made guest appearances in various television shows and began working in film. His performance as a gay hustler in the play Out in the Open caught the attention of director Joe Wright, who later offered him roles in his films. In 2001, McAvoy appeared as Private James W. Miller in the World War II miniseries Band of Brothers, which was produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. He gained further recognition in the 2002 television drama miniseries White Teeth, based on the novel by Zadie Smith.
James McAvoy Career
Early Career (1995–2003)
McAvoy’s early career included notable roles in various television productions. He gained attention in 2003 with his role in the miniseries Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune, adapted from the novels. He also starred in the BBC drama State of Play, which received critical acclaim. In 2004, he appeared in the romantic comedy Wimbledon and the Irish film Inside I’m Dancing. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he played Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which was a commercial success, grossing over £463 million worldwide.
Breakthrough (2006–2008)
In 2006, McAvoy starred in The Last King of Scotland, portraying a Scottish doctor who becomes the personal physician to the dictator Idi Amin. This role earned him significant acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He followed this with a leading role in Atonement (2007), which was a critical and commercial success, garnering multiple award nominations. McAvoy’s performance alongside Keira Knightley was particularly praised, and the film was nominated for fourteen BAFTAs and seven Academy Awards. In 2008, he starred in the action film Wanted, which grossed $341 million worldwide and showcased his versatility as an actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
McAvoy’s signature works include The Last King of Scotland, Atonement, and the X-Men film series, where he portrayed Professor Charles Xavier. He has received numerous accolades for his performances, including the BAFTA Rising Star Award and Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards for Filth (2013).
James McAvoy Award Nominations
Throughout his career, James McAvoy has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for his performances in various films.
James McAvoy Awards Won
James McAvoy has won multiple awards, including the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2006 and Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards for his role in Filth (2013).
James McAvoy Family
James McAvoy was previously married to Anne-Marie Duff from 2006 until their divorce in 2016. The couple has one son, born in 2010. He later married Lisa Liberati in 2022, and they have a son born in 2022.
Personal Life
McAvoy is known for his philanthropic efforts, including support for children’s charities in Uganda. He is also a fan of Celtic FC and enjoys fantasy themes, having developed an interest in them from a young age. He has expressed his views on the film industry and has been involved in various charitable activities throughout his career. In 2025, McAvoy is set to release his directorial debut, California Schemin’.
