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Mark Rylance

Birth Place: Ashford, Kent, England, UK

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BIO

Mark Rylance was born in England in 1960 and emigrated with his family to America in 1962. He lived in Connecticut until 1969 and then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he lived until returning to London in 1978. Mark trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (1978-1980) under Hugh Cruttwell, and The Glasgow Citizens Theatre gave him his first job in 1980, a year in repertoire, a trip to the carnival in Venice with Goldoni, and an Equity card. Mark last appeared in New York at Brooklyn's St. Ann's Warehouse in 2016 in Nice Fish, which he co-authored with the Minnesota poet Louis Jenkins, and was directed by Claire van Kampen.



The play was produced by The A.R.T. and St. Ann's, having originally been produced by Joe Dowling at The Guthrie Theatre and subsequently produced by Sonia Friedman for The Harold Pinter Theatre in London's West End. Mark last appeared at The Belasco Theatre in 2013 as the Countess Olivia in Twelfth Night, and Richard in Richard III. Both productions originated at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. They were subsequently produced by Sonia Friedman and directed by Tim Carroll, Artistic Director of The Shaw Festival, Canada. He has also appeared on Broadway as Johnny "Rooster" Byron in Jerusalem directed by Ian Rickson (The Music Box); Valere in La Bete (The Music Box) and Robert in Boeing Boeing (The Longacre), both directed by Matthew Warchus. He first played in NYC for A Theatre for a New Audience, Henry V and Touchstone, 1992-94. Recent film work includes Chris Nolan's Dunkirk, Steven Spielberg's Big Friendly Giant and Bridge of Spies.

He is heard as Flop in "Bing Bunny" for the BBC and Thomas Cromwell in "Wolf Hall," directed by Peter Kosminsky, which was aired in America in 2015 on PBS. He will appear in Steven Spielberg's new film Ready Player One, due for release in 2018. Mark was the Artistic Director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (1996-2006) and during his career has acted in over 50 productions of plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

He is an honorary bencher of the Middle Temple Hall in London; trustee of The Shakespearean Authorship Trust; an ambassador of SURVIVAL the movement for tribal peoples; and a patron of PEACE DIRECT, working for non-violent resolution of conflict. In 2017, he was knighted by HRH Prince William for services to Drama.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2023
IGNAZ SEMMELWEIS [Replacement]

[West End]
London Tenth Anniversary Celebration, 2018
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
King Philippe V

[West End]
West End Transfer, 2016
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Premiere, 2016
Ron

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2013
Richard III

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2013
Olivia

[West End]
Globe Theatre Transfer, 2012
Richard III

[West End]
2012
Olivia

[West End]
Return Engagement [West End], 2011
Johnny "Rooster" Byron

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Johnny 'Rooster' Byron

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2010
Valere

[West End]
London Production, 2010
Valere

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Robert

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Proteus

[Off-Broadway]
1993
King Henry the Fifth

Writing

Author

Movies

Hearts of Fire
[ 1987 ] Fizz
Prospero's Books
[ 1991 ] Ferdinand
Angels and Insects
[ 1995 ] William Adamson
Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream That One Calls Human Life
[ 1995 ] Jakob
Intimacy
[ 2001 ] Jay
The Other Boleyn Girl
[ 2008 ] Sir Thom Boleyn
Anonymous
[ 2011 ] Condell
Blitz
[ 2011 ] Roberts
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: Twelfth Night
[ 2013 ] Olivia
Days and Nights
[ 2014 ] Stephen
The Gunman
[ 2015 ] Terrance Cox
Bridge of Spies
[ 2015 ] Rudolf Abel
The BFG
[ 2016 ] BFG
Dunkirk
[ 2017 ] Mr. Dawson
Ready Player One
[ 2018 ] Anorak, Halliday
Waiting for the Barbarians
[ 2019 ] Magistrate
The Trial of the Chicago 7
[ 2020 ] William Kunstler
Don't Look Up
[ 2021 ] Peter Isherwell
The Phantom of the Open
[ 2021 ] Maurice Flitcroft
Bones and All
[ 2022 ] Sully
The Outfit
[ 2022 ] Leonard
Inland
[ 2022 ] Dunleavy

TV Shows

Bing
Flop, Flop UK & US

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Mark Rylance, Farinelli and The King

Olivier Awards - 2016 - Best Actor

Mark RylanceFarinelli And The King

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Mark Rylance, Twelfth Night


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Mark Rylance, Twelfth Night

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Mark Rylance, Richard III

Olivier Awards - 2013 - Best Actor

Mark RylanceTwelfth Night


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Leading Actor in a Play

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem


winner
Drama League Awards - 2011 - Distinguished Performance Award

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem


winner
Drama League Awards - 2011 - Distinguished Performance Award

Mark Rylance, La Bete


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Special Citations

Mark Rylance, La Bête and Jerusalem

Olivier Awards - 2011 - Best Actor

Mark Rylance, La Bete


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem


winner
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem


winner
Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Actor

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem


winner
Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Actor

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2009 - Best Actor

Mark Rylance, Jerusalem


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Mark Rylance, Boeing-Boeing

Olivier Awards - 2008 - Best Actor

Mark Rylance, Boeing Boeing


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2008 - Performance

Mark Rylance, Boeing-Boeing


winner
Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Mark Rylance, Boeing-Boeing

Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Actor

Mark RylanceTwelfth Night


winner
Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Actor

Mark RylanceMuch Ado About Nothing

Olivier Awards - 1983 - Actor of the Year in a Supporting Role

Mark RylanceArden Of Faversham

Videos

News


Theatre For A New Audience Founder Jeffrey Horowitz To Retire

Jeffrey Horowitz, Founder of Theatre for a New Audience, having led and grown the not-for-profit organization since 1979, will retire on August 31, 2025, at the end of TFANA's just-announced season of Shakespeare alongside plays by classical and contemporary playwrights.
Full Cast Set For The RSC's OTHELLO

The Royal Shakespeare Company announced the full cast for its upcoming production of OTHELLO, featuring Hugh Quarshie in the title role and Lucian Msamati as Iago. The production opens in November.
Full Cast Set For JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK Starring J. Smith-Cameron and Mark Rylance

The full cast has been announced for the new production of Seán O'Casey's timeless masterpiece, Juno and the Paycock, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winner Matthew Warchus.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Legal Battles, Leadership Changes, and Financial Struggles

In New York, leadership transitions at Lincoln Center signal a new chapter, while regional theaters like Timeline and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival push forward with ambitious projects despite financial hurdles. Internationally, theaters like the Bristol Old Vic and the Old Vic in London grapple with ethical and economic dilemmas.
Theatre for a New Audience Sets World Premiere Musical & More for 2024-25 Season

Theatre for a New Audience has revealed its 2024-25 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
How You Know These HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Actors from the Stage

Whether you are Team Black or Team Green, there is probably a stage veteran on your side. Actors include Tony Award winners, current Broadway stars, and Royal Shakespeare Company members. Take a look here to find out which stars you may recognize from the theatre, including Gayle Rankin, Sir Simon Russell Beale, Eve Best, and more.
Video: Jeremy Strong Accepts Tony Award For AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

 Jeremy Strong won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Watch his acceptance speech in the video here!
Rap Icon Nas Joins Creative And Producing Team For BEAT STREET Stage Adaptation

GRAMMY Award-winning rap icon Nas announced that he has joined the creative team adapting the groundbreaking 1984 hip-hop film classic into a Broadway musical. Additional creative team members will be announced in coming weeks.
THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA, Directed by Sam Mendes, Will Open on Broadway

Jez Butterworth’s new play The Hills of California, directed by Sam Mendes, will open on Broadway this fall! The play will perform a limited engagement at the Broadhurst Theatre with previews beginning in September.
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE's Jeremy Strong Wins 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Jeremy Strong has won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.
PBS Heats Up the Summer With Five Returning Dramas

This summer, PBS will have audiences dusting off their detective hats and trying on their “Roaring 20s” attire as familiar faces return and new characters emerge in mysteries with shocking revelations and unexpected twists. 
J. Smith-Cameron and Mark Rylance Will Lead JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK, Directed by Matthew Warchus

Tony award-nominee J. Smith-Cameron will star as Juno Boyle opposite Mark Rylance as ‘Captain’ Jack Boyle in a new production of Seán O’Casey's Juno and the Paycock, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winner Matthew Warchus.
BOEING BOEING Comes to the Alhambra in June

The Alhambra Theatre & Dining will open its comedy, Boeing Boeing on May 23, 2004.  Set in the 1960’s, Boeing Boeing is a whirlwind of a farce revolving around American journalist Bernard Lawrence, who has his hands full in the romance department: he has three girlfriends, all stewardesses.
Virginia Theatre Festival Announces Cast For 50 YEARS AND COUNTING: A MUSICAL REVUE

Discover the cast of the Virginia Theatre Festival's musical revue, 50 YEARS AND COUNTING. Celebrating half a century of theatrical excellence, the event promises a memorable performance.
Virginia Theatre Festival To Host UVA Alums As Artists In Residence On April 22-23

Explore the Virginia Theatre Festival's new initiative, hosting alumni as Artists in Residence. Discover how this exciting program fosters creativity and supports the theatre community.
How Often are People Tony-Nominated for Different Shows in the Same Season?

This time, the reader question was: How often are people Tony Award-nominated for different shows in the same season?
Meet the Cast of PATRIOTS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

The Almeida Theatre production of Patriots officially begins previews on Broadway tonight, April 1. Meet the cast of Patriots here!
Nina Wadia, Sinitta, Sonia, and More Will Lead NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL UK Tour

Nina Wadia will star as Gemma in the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, a brand-new British musical written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.
Full Broadway Cast Set For PATRIOTS, Starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Will Keen, and More

The full Broadway cast has been announced for the Almeida Theatre production of Patriots, the new play by Peter Morgan. Learn more about the show and find out who is starring here!
Tickets Sell Out Within Hours For Tom Holland-Led ROMEO & JULIET in London's West End

Tickets have completely sold out for the entire run of Romeo & Juliet, led by Tom Holland, coming to London's West End this May. Tickets went on sale this morning, Tuesday 13 February, at 8am GMT.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Mark Rylance been in?

Mark Rylance has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Mark Rylance been in?

Mark Rylance has appeared on London's West End in 8 shows.

What was Mark Rylance's first West End show?

Mark Rylance's first West End show was La Bete which opened in 2010

What awards has Mark Rylance been nominated for?

Mark Rylance has received numerous nominations for his performances, including: - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Farinelli and The King - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Farinelli and The King - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Twelfth Night - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Twelfth Night - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Richard III - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Twelfth Night - Best Leading Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Jerusalem - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jerusalem - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Jerusalem - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for La Bête - Special Citations (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for La Bête and Jerusalem - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for La Bête - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jerusalem - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Jerusalem - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Jerusalem - Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Jerusalem - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Boeing-Boeing - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Boeing-Boeing - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Boeing-Boeing - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Boeing-Boeing - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Twelfth Night - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing - Actor of the Year in a Supporting Role (Olivier Awards) for Arden of Faversham.

What awards has Mark Rylance won?

Mark Rylance has won several prestigious awards throughout his career, including: - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Twelfth Night - Best Leading Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Jerusalem - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Jerusalem - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for La Bête - Special Citations (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for La Bête and Jerusalem - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jerusalem - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Jerusalem - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Jerusalem - Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Jerusalem - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Boeing-Boeing - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Boeing-Boeing - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Boeing-Boeing - Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing.

How many shows has Mark Rylance written?

Mark Rylance has written 1 shows including Nice Fish (Author).

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