Hugh Grant, one of Britain's best known faces who has been equally entertaining on-screen as well as in real life, and had enough sense of humor to survive a media frenzy, is best known for his roles in Notting Hill (1999), opposite Julia Roberts, and in Music and Lyrics (2007), opposite Drew Barrymore, among his other works.He was born Hugh John Mungo Grant on September 9, 1960, in Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom. His father, James Grant, was an artist and a carpet salesman. His late mother, Finvola Grant, was a teacher of Scottish ancestry. His grandfather was in the British military service during WWII. Young Grant was fond of literature and acting. He won a scholarship to Oxford, going up to New College in 1979. There he was involved in student drama, and considered a career as an art historian. After Oxford, he turned down a scholarship to do postgraduate studies in Art History at the Courtauld Institute in London, and focused on his acting career. In 1982, while still a student, Grant made his big screen debut in Privileged (1982) by director Michael Hoffman.Grant's breakthrough came with the leading role as Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), opposite Andy MacDowell, a role which won him a Golden Globe Award, as well as a BAFTA Film Award for Best Actor. During the 1990s Grant established himself as a very original and resourceful actor. He played a string of characters projecting a positive mindset, showing how do you stay optimistic when you are actually worried about a cascade of troubles. Grant had his own experience as a survivor of an unfortunate episode in his private life, which he managed to overcome thanks to having a pretty damn good outlook on life.His forte is playing characters projecting warmth and sincere happiness, with his hallmark stuttering, albeit some accused him of reprising the same character he has been playing for the past two decades. Grant's ability to show his character development within a limited screen time shines in Love Actually (2003), with his witty portrayal of a Prime Minister whose personal insecurities become intertwined with his country's international affairs, a performance that earned him a nomination for European Audience Award. His screen presence and skillful understatement takes his characters beyond the written script, thanks to his mastery of timing and effortless style.Outside of his acting profession, Grant has been a good athlete, he played cricket and football in his younger years. He currently enjoys playing golf, frequently taking part in Pro-Am tournaments. He has been an avid art lover since his younger years, and has been collecting fine art, a passion he inherited from his father.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#43). [1995]His production company is called "Simian Films" -- so named by Elizabeth Hurley because she has said that he resembles an ape or a monkey.Grant was arrested for lewd conduct after cops found him with Divine Brown, a prostitute, in his car. He pleaded no contest and got a $1,180 fine and two years' probation. [1995]Opted not to do a nude scene in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) when a make up artist asked if he wanted definition painted on his body.On the set of Mickey Blue Eyes (1999), James Caan gave Hugh the nickname of Whippy, because Caan said he worried about everything like "the little whippet dogs that get nervous and you got to put a sweater on them when they're cold".Got his start by performing in a British comedy sketch group, The Jockeys of Norfolk.Featured in the 1996 paperback "Mug Shots" that includes many other celebrities who've been arrested for one reason or another.Back together with former girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley. [September 2000]Voted fourth in the Orange 2001 Film Survey of Greatest British film actors.Usually dubbed in French versions by actor Vincent Cassel.Jay Leno told the London Independent that there are only 18 celebrities worth having on a chat show, one of them being Hugh Grant.Has long wanted to make a film about his grandfather's real life escape from a prisoner of war camp during WWII.Long time loyal fan of Fulham Football Club (English Premier league soccer club), based at Craven Cottage, Fulham, London, England.Girlfriend was model and actress Elizabeth Hurley [1987 - 2000]Graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English (1982)Thomas Sangster is his cousin.His favorite artist is Patrick Rondat.Godfather of Damian Hurley, son of his ex-girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley.Turned down a place at the Courtauld Institute to do post graduate studies in Art HistoryUsed to play in a cricket team called 'Captain Scott'Had a skate accident when he was a teenager. Part of the bone in his elbow is still detached from the other bones and "swims" freely between the skin and his elbow.Played Emma Thompson's love interest in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and her brother in Love Actually (2003). He also collaborated with her in the films Impromptu (1991) and The Remains of the Day (1993).Broke up with Jemima Khan after approximately three years [February 16, 2007].Was originally cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), but was forced to withdraw at the last moment because of scheduling conflicts.Fluent in French.Piano teacher, when he was a child, was Andrew Lloyd Webber's mother.In 2001, he purchased an Andy Warhol painting of Elizabeth Taylor for just under $4 million. He later sold it in 2007 for $23.5 million.In a 2002 Capital FM radio interview, he stated that The Remains of the Day (1993) is the best and Night Train to Venice (1993) is the worst film he had ever made.His favorite co-star is Sandra Bullock.His favorite films include The Way Ahead (1944), Zulu (1964) and The Party (1968).Often described as a "golfing addict". He also can play cricket, soccer, tennis and snooker. He has stated that his favorite sport to watch is ladies' tennis.