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Welsh actor looks unrecognisable almost 30 years after his breakout role in iconic film as he strolls through London – but can YOU guess who it is?

BBG News

On a recent Friday, an actor who was born in Wales and is famous for his parts in groundbreaking movies like Twin Town and Notting Hill was nearly unidentifiable while out in London.

Following his groundbreaking role, the actor subsequently featured in The Amazing Spider-Man and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, with his latest performance being in House of the Dragon.

After finishing school, he started hosting programs on S4C in the Welsh language. Later, he pursued his dream of being on stage by attending the Guildhall School Of Music & Drama.

As a fervent admirer, I couldn’t help but spot the BAFTA-winning actor who kept a modest demeanor while making an appearance in our city capital on a drizzly summer Friday.

For his excursion, he donned a straightforward black tee and grey denim pants paired with sneakers, injecting a burst of color through a vibrant baseball hat.

It seemed like he had a recent injury, as he was wearing a black wrist support on one hand. Can you figure out who this person might be?

Rhys Ifans is the very same actor who took on the memorable character of Spike in the 1999 movie Notting Hill, starring opposite Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

Earlier, it was disclosed that Rhys had been living a secretive lifestyle – attending a prestigious drama school during the day and covertly residing in approximately fifteen squats for extended periods.

A Welsh actor stated that he planned to take out the steel doors from vacant town hall buildings, rekey them, and make those spaces his residence for more than four years.

In my days, as I honed my craft at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama during the vibrant Nineties, I found myself living an unconventional lifestyle – squatting. Looking back, it was a remarkable chapter in my life, but let me clarify that while it may have seemed glamorous or carefree, I knew full well that it was both illegal and potentially hazardous.

He shared on Rob Brydon’s podcast that he had spent a year in London prior to attending drama school. He relocated there with one of his friends.

Throughout my entire drama school tenure, I resided in numerous squats, approximately fourteen to fifteen in total.

‘It was of course illegal, and I guess looking back, dangerous. But it was a great life.

Instead of council properties or council flats, it refers to apartments or houses owned by the local government. In the dead of night, one might remove the main door and swiftly replace the locks. A warning sign would then be posted on the door immediately.

After turning on both the gas and electricity, you would be able to stay inside for a span of several weeks or even months.

He mentioned that for several years, he frequently changed locations with a group of friends from Belfast whom he had met at a Cramps concert. They shared living arrangements, bouncing between variously comfortable and uncomfortable squats.

‘In a sense I had this real double life, which was wonderful.

In college, I led a rather privileged and delightful lifestyle. However, upon returning home each evening, my existence transformed into an unconventional, nomadic-like way of living.

‘Back then, performing a squat was quite straightforward. However, these days, it’s almost difficult to the point of impossibility to execute a proper squat.’

In recent years, Rhys has played Fool to Glenda Jackson’s King Lear, and Scrooge at the Old Vic. 

1. He was the head of the production of “Exit The King” for the Nationals, followed by his leading role in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

2. He directed “Exit The King” for the National Theatre, and later appeared in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

3. In the National Theatre, he took charge of “Exit The King,” and then graced the stage at the Royal Court in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge.”

4. As the director of “Exit The King” for the Nationals, he subsequently starred in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

5. He managed the production of “Exit The King” for the National Theatre, and later acted in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

6. He orchestrated “Exit The King” for the Nationals, and afterward took on the role in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

7. In charge of the National’s production of “Exit The King,” he later played a part in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

8. He oversaw the staging of “Exit The King” for the National Theatre, and then performed in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

9. As the head of “Exit The King” at the National Theatre, he later starred in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

10. He helmed the National Theatre’s production of “Exit The King,” and then showcased his talent in Ed Thomas’s play “On Bear Ridge” at the Royal Court.

After Rod Stewart expressed his desire for a biopic about his life in 2020, following the box office hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, he selected actor Rhys to portray him in the movie.

Expressing his viewpoint about the suitability of Rhys as the Notting Hill star, he commented: “Indeed, Rhys could make an excellent choice. However, he needs to address his hairstyle.

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2025-07-25 18:48

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