Rhys Ifans (born 22 July 1968, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales) is a Welsh actor. He was raised in Ruthin, Denbighshire, Wales and attended Ysgol Maes Garmon a Welsh language secondary school in Mold, Flintshire, where he sat his O levels and A levels. He also attended youth acting schools at Theatr Clwyd, Mold. His first language is Welsh and he began using the Welsh spelling of his surname, “just to be difficult”. His brother, Llyr Evans, is also an actor.
He has appeared in many Welsh language television programmes before embarking on his film career, as well as performing at the Royal National Theatre, London and the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. He was briefly lead vocalist of the Super Furry Animals before they found national success.
His film roles include: Eyeball Paul in Kevin and Perry Go Large (2000), Nigel in The Replacements (2000) , William Dobbin in Vanity Fair (2004). He also played Jed Parry in the film version of Ian McEwan’s Enduring Love and the lead role in Danny Deckchair (2003) as Danny Morgan.
In 2005 Ifans made a guest appearance for the rock band Oasis in the video for their single “The Importance Of Being Idle” for which he accepted their award for Video Of the Year at the 2005/2006 NME Awards.
He is best known to American viewers as “Adrian”, the pompous, arrogant, oldest brother, from Little Nicky as well as his “breakout” role as Spike in Notting Hill (1999).
