Sam Riley was born in 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. His parents were both teachers. He has two older sisters. He was educated at Leeds Grammar School and then went on to study English Literature at the University of York. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for a local newspaper. He then moved to London to pursue a career in acting.
Riley made his film debut in the 2004 film “Layer Cake.” He then went on to appear in the films “Pride & Prejudice,” “Control,” “Me and Orson Welles,” and “On the Road.” He also had a starring role in the 2013 film “Saving Mr. Banks.”
Riley’s performance in “Control” earned him a British Independent Film Award for Best Actor. He was also nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in “On the Road.”
Riley has been married to actress Alexandra Maria Lara since 2009. The couple has two children together.
General Info
Full Name
Sam Riley
Net Worth
$1 million
Date Of Birth
January 8, 1980
Height
1.85 m
Profession
Actor, Singer
Education
Uppingham School
Nationality
British
Family
Spouse
Alexandra Maria Lara
Children
Ben Riley
Siblings
Annabel Riley, George Riley, Jack Riley
Accomplishments
Awards
British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer
Nominations
BAFTA Rising Star Award, Young Hollywood Award for We Love to Hate You, British Independent Film Award for Best Actor
Movies
Maleficent, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, On the Road, Control, Byzantium, The Dark Valley, Franklyn, Brighton Rock, Suite Française, Free Fire, 13, 24 Hour Party People, Lenny Blue
I learned to stop looking on the Internet pretty early on.
2
As an actor, I still don't really know exactly what I am doing most of the time.
3
I've no interest in going on a road trip. If I want to go on holiday, I want to sit on a beach, swim, drink cocktails and read a book.
4
I guess you could say I'm pretty wary.
5
'On the Road' is another one of those, a film in which the audience has a very clear idea of who they think your character is, so you know you are asking for it. But that's the challenge.
6
I'm Angelina Jolie's sidekick in 'Maleficent'. It's cool.
7
We panic if there's two centimeters of snow in London.
8
I feel quite safe and isolated in Germany. My wife is very well known there. But I am only looked at when I am holding her hand.
9
I'd been told I was going to be the next big thing. But in actual fact, the complete opposite happened.
10
I couldn't really take a girl from Berlin to live in Leeds. I love it here. I miss the Yorkshire sense of humor and things like bitter and Yorkshire puddings, but I can still get my hands on salt 'n' vinegar crisps.
11
I was one of the only ones there interested in acting. You find when you're doing school plays that a lot of people there were on punishment, or something.
12
Part of what makes your performances more convincing is that your own image isn't getting in the way. And the more you can keep it like that, the better for your work and your state of mind.
13
I'm an actor, of course, so I like to show off.
14
To do a studio film, something with Disney. My father is thrilled.
15
My parents are relieved as much as anything that I'm getting some work.