Clive Owen was born on October 3, 1964, in Keresley, Coventry, Warwickshire, England. He grew up in a working-class family, facing early challenges when his father, Jess Owen, a country and western singer, left the family when Clive was just three years old. His mother, Pamela Owen, remarried a railway ticket clerk, and Clive was raised by his stepfather.
Owen grew up alongside his four brothers, including Alan Owen and Lee Owen. Despite a difficult start, he found solace in acting at an early age. His passion for performing arts developed while he attended Binley Park Comprehensive School in Coventry.
Education and Early Career
Determined to pursue acting, Clive Owen enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He graduated in 1987 and began working in theater, performing at the Young Vic Theatre in Shakespearean productions. His first major television role came in 1988 when he starred in the drama “Precious Bane.”
His early career was marked by a mix of television and film roles. He appeared in the 1990 ITV series “Chancer,” which brought him significant recognition in the UK. This crime drama, where he played the smooth-talking Stephen Crane, made him a household name. However, after two seasons, he decided to step away from television to avoid being typecast.
Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom
Owen’s breakthrough in cinema came with the 1998 film “Croupier.” In this neo-noir crime drama, he played Jack Manfred, a struggling writer who takes a job as a casino croupier. The film received critical acclaim, and Owen’s performance was widely praised. His portrayal of a cool, mysterious protagonist drew comparisons to classic film noir actors, and it became his ticket to Hollywood.
Following this success, he landed roles in several high-profile films, including:
- “Gosford Park” (2001) – A British mystery film directed by Robert Altman.
- “The Bourne Identity” (2002) – Played the mysterious assassin known as “The Professor.”
- “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” (2003) – A crime thriller directed by Mike Hodges.
Major Hollywood Success
Owen’s major Hollywood breakthrough came in 2004 with the romantic drama “Closer.” Starring alongside Julia Roberts, Jude Law, and Natalie Portman, his role as Larry earned him both a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for his performance.
Following this, he starred in several high-profile films, including:
- “King Arthur” (2004) – Played the legendary Arthur in a historically grounded retelling of the myth.
- “Sin City” (2005) – Played Dwight McCarthy in the neo-noir crime thriller.
- “Derailed” (2005) – A psychological thriller opposite Jennifer Aniston.
- “Children of Men” (2006) – A dystopian sci-fi film directed by Alfonso Cuarón, widely regarded as one of his best performances.
- “Inside Man” (2006) – A heist thriller directed by Spike Lee, starring alongside Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster.
Diverse Acting Choices and Later Career
Owen continued to take on diverse and challenging roles. He starred in:
- “Shoot ‘Em Up” (2007) – A fast-paced action film opposite Monica Bellucci.
- “The International” (2009) – A thriller where he played an Interpol agent investigating corruption.
- “Trust” (2010) – A drama directed by David Schwimmer, where he played a father dealing with his daughter’s traumatic experience.
- “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012) – A TV film where he played Ernest Hemingway opposite Nicole Kidman.
In 2014, Owen starred in “The Knick,” a medical drama series where he played Dr. John W. Thackery, a pioneering but troubled surgeon in early 20th-century New York. His performance was critically acclaimed, and he won a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
In 2021, Owen portrayed President Bill Clinton in Impeachment: American Crime Story, earning another Satellite Award nomination.
Personal Life and Family
Clive Owen met actress Sarah-Jane Fenton while they were both students at RADA. The two performed together in a Royal Academy of Dramatic Art production of Romeo and Juliet, where Owen played Romeo and Fenton played Juliet. Their on-stage romance blossomed into a real-life relationship, and they married in 1988.
The couple has two daughters:
- Hannah Owen (born in 1997)
- Eve Owen (born in 1999)
Despite being a well-known actor, Owen has kept his personal life relatively private. He prefers spending time with his family away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Physical Attributes and Personal Details
- Nickname: Clive
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Weight: 192 pounds (87 kg)
- Eye Color: Grey
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Shoe Size: 11 (US)
- Body Measurements: Athletic build
Net Worth and Social Media Presence
As of 2025, Clive Owen’s estimated net worth is around $30 million. His wealth comes from his successful acting career in film, television, and theater.
Unlike many Hollywood celebrities, Owen does not actively engage in social media. He prefers to maintain a low profile, focusing on his work rather than public attention.
