Actors We Never Knew Were Not American

Hugh Laurie

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When you think of the brilliant Dr. Gregory House from the TV series "House," Hugh Laurie's face immediately comes to mind. But many might not know that this talented actor, known for his impeccable American accent on screen, is British through and through. Born in Oxford, England, Laurie honed his acting skills in British theater and television before making his mark in Hollywood.

Idris Elba

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Idris Elba's demeanor and commanding presence have made him a formidable force in film and television. Most recognized for his role as the detective Luther in the TV series "Luther," Elba's British roots are often overshadowed by his captivating performances. His ability to seamlessly switch between his natural British accent and other accents, like his American accent in "The Wire," shows his versatility as an actor.

Ryan Reynolds

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Known for his quick wit, humor, and charismatic charm, Ryan Reynolds has become a household name in Hollywood. From his role as the snarky Deadpool to his romantic comedy endeavors, Reynolds exudes an effortless charisma that has endeared him to audiences. What some might not know is that Reynolds hails from Canada. He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Naomi Watts

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Naomi Watts has graced the screens of indie gems and blockbuster hits with her ethereal beauty and captivating performances. From her role in "Mulholland Drive" to her portrayal of Princess Diana, Watts' range and depth as an actor are evident. She was born in Shoreham, Kent. She spent her early years in England and Australia before making her mark in Hollywood.

Andrew Lincoln

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As the steadfast leader Rick Grimes in the television series "The Walking Dead," Andrew Lincoln's portrayal of a tough and resilient survivor has left an indelible mark on pop culture. His Southern drawl and commanding presence are so convincing that it's easy to forget he's not American. He is from London, England. His dedication to his role and the emotional depth he brings to his characters is a reminder that great acting transcends national borders.

Christian Bale

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When Christian Bale donned the iconic Batman suit and cape, he became integral to the superhero film legacy. His portrayal of the Dark Knight in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" trilogy captivated audiences worldwide. Yet, many were surprised to discover that the man behind the mask was not American but Welsh. Bale was born in Haverfordwest, Wales before his family relocated to England when he was young.

Keanu Reeves

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Keanu Reeves is renowned for his action-packed roles in films like "The Matrix" and "John Wick." His charismatic presence on screen has made him an international star. Yet, despite his role as an American hero, Reeves is Canadian. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an English mother and an American father, Reeves grew up in Toronto, Canada. His ability to convincingly play the action hero, often with a calm and collected demeanor, has made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Ricky Martin

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Ricky Martin's infectious charisma has made him a global sensation in the entertainment industry. Known for hits like "Livin' la Vida Loca" and his roles on Broadway, Martin's talents have transcended borders. Many might assume he's American, but he hails from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He began his entertainment career young, eventually breaking into the American music and television scene.

Natalie Portman

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Natalie Portman is celebrated for her exceptional acting skills on screen. From her role as Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars" to her Academy Award-winning performance in "Black Swan," Portman has left an indelible mark on the film industry. While her American accent may suggest otherwise, Portman has Israeli roots. She was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and later moved to the United States with her family.

Jude Law

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Jude Law's good looks and charisma have made him a British heartthrob in Hollywood. From his roles in films like "The Talented Mr. Ripley" to "Sherlock Holmes," Law has been a captivating presence on screen. Despite his fame on the American and international stage, he remains a quintessential British actor. He was born in London, England. Law's career spans across theater, film, and television.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

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Catherine Zeta-Jones is a name synonymous with elegance and talent. From her captivating performances on screen to her charming presence in interviews, Zeta-Jones exudes a classic Hollywood aura. Her roles in films like "Chicago" and "The Mask of Zorro" have solidified her status as a versatile actress. Yet, many might be surprised to learn that she hails from Wales. She was born in Swansea, Wales, Zeta-Jones.

Mila Kunis

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Mila Kunis' rise to fame from her role in "That '70s Show" to becoming a leading lady in Hollywood has been remarkable. Her charismatic performances in films like "Black Swan" and "Friends with Benefits" have endeared her to audiences worldwide. But behind her American roles lies a Ukrainian background. She was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, but moved to the United States at a young age.

Russell Crowe

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Russell Crowe's presence on screen and powerful performances have left an indelible mark on the film industry. His portrayal of Maximus in "Gladiator" earned him an Academy Award and international acclaim. While many might associate him with American films, Crowe hails from New Zealand. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Crowe's journey has become a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

Emma Watson

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Emma Watson captured hearts worldwide as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" series. Her portrayal of the intelligent and resourceful young witch was iconic. Watson's journey from Hogwarts to a diverse range of roles showcases her expertise as an actress. But despite her Hollywood success, she remains rooted in her British origins. She was born in Paris to British parents and raised in Oxford, England.

Salma Hayek

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Born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, Hayek's journey took her from the telenovela scene to Hollywood. Salma Hayek's talent has made her a celebrated actress in Hollywood. Her roles in films like "Frida" and "Desperado" have earned her critical acclaim and international recognition. While her work is synonymous with American cinema, Hayek hails from Mexico.

Andrew Garfield

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When Andrew Garfield swung into the role of Spider-Man in "The Amazing Spider-Man" series, he brought a fresh perspective to the iconic character. His portrayal of Peter Parker captured the essence of the young superhero's struggles and triumphs. However, beneath the red and blue suit lies a British actor with a captivating range. He was born in Los Angeles, California. His British parents raised him in England.

Nicole Kidman

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Nicole Kidman's performances have earned her a place among Hollywood's elite. Her roles in films like "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Hours" have showcased her versatility as an actress. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Australian parents, Kidman spent her childhood in Sydney, Australia. Kidman's journey from Down Under to Oscar glory serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors worldwide.

Charlie Hunnam

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Known for his roles in "Sons of Anarchy" and films like "Pacific Rim," Hunnam's ability to embody dynamic characters is evident. However, many might be surprised to learn that he's not American. His parents gave birth to him in Newcastle, England. His portrayal of Jax Teller, the iconic biker from "Sons of Anarchy," remains one of his most memorable roles.

Rachel McAdams

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Rachel McAdams was born in Canada in 1978. Her on-screen presence has established her as a leading lady character in Hollywood. Her roles in films like "The Notebook" and "Spotlight" have gained international recognition. She has been able to act in romantic and comedy movies. While her portrayal of American characters is convincing, McAdams hails from Canada.

Hugo Weaving

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Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, to British parents, Weaving's family moved frequently before settling in Australia. Hugo Weaving's distinctive voice has left an indelible mark on cinema. Known for his roles in "The Matrix" series and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Weaving's ability to embody both hero and villain showcases his versatility. However, his diverse background might surprise many.

Gerard Butler

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When Gerard Butler roared "This is Sparta!" in the iconic film "300," he solidified his status as a Hollywood action star. His portrayal of King Leonidas was a defining moment in his career. However, beneath the warrior's bravado lies a Scottish actor with a rich background. Born in Paisley, Scotland, Butler's journey from studying law to pursuing acting showcases his passion.

Dev Patel

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Dev Patel's journey from his breakout role in "Slumdog Millionaire" to his captivating performances in films like "Lion" and "The Personal History of David Copperfield" has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to embody characters with authenticity has endeared him to audiences worldwide. While he has played various roles, his American accents may be a surprise, given his Indian roots. Born in London, England, Patel's parents hail from Gujarat, India.

Natalie Dormer

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Her acting roles in series like "Game of Thrones" and films like "The Hunger Games" and ''Captain America'' have exhibited her talent. While her portrayals of powerful characters might lead us to believe she's American, Dormer is actually British. In 1982, she was born in Reading, England. During her schooling years, she studied history at Cambridge University.

Freida Pinto

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Her breakout role in "Slumdog Millionaire" propelled her into the global spotlight, and she has since appeared in films like "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Miral." Despite her American roles, Pinto hails from India. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Pinto's journey from modeling to acting shows her determination. Her ability to straddle different cultural landscapes is evident in her work.

Anthony Hopkins

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He had a role in "The Silence of the Lambs" as Hannibal Lecter, which helped him get an Academy Award. While his portrayal of American characters is convincing, Hopkins is actually Welsh. Born in Port Talbot, Wales, Hopkins' journey from a turbulent childhood to international movie star. His ability to embody characters with nuance shows his acting prowess.

Rose Byrne

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Rose Byrne's comedic nature has made her a standout talent in Hollywood. From her roles in films like "Bridesmaids" to TV series like "Damages," Byrne's ability to embody characters with wit and charm is evident. While her American accents might suggest otherwise, Byrne hails from Australia. She was born in Balmain, New South Wales. His journey from Australian theater to the international scene shows her diversity.

Ewan McGregor

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Ewan McGregor was born in Perth, Scotland. His journey from a young Scottish actor to an international star has been nothing short of extraordinary. His portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy solidified his status as a Hollywood heavyweight. While he wielded a lightsaber as an American Jedi, McGregor is unmistakably Scottish.

Sam Worthington

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Sam Worthington was born in 1976 in a family of three. His breakthrough role as Jake Sully in "Avatar" catapulted him into the Hollywood stage. His performances in films like "Terminator Salvation" and "Clash of the Titans" showcased his action-packed prowess. However, beneath his American roles lies an Australian actor with a compelling backstory.

Rami Malek

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In 1981, he was born in California to immigrant parents from Egypt. Rami Malek's transformative role as Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody" helped him garner an Academy Award. While his portrayal of the British rock icon might lead us to believe he's British, Malek is actually of Egyptian descent. Cultural differences made it hard for him to blend in Hollywood, but he succeeded.

Daniel Day-Lewis

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Daniel Day-Lewis was born in London, England. His dad was a poet, and his mother was an actress. The dad is an Irish, and the mother is Jewish; they settled in England. He studied film in a theatre school. He acted in films like "There Will Be Blood" and "Lincoln," which have earned him numerous accolades. While he's portrayed iconic American figures, Day-Lewis has both English and Irish roots.