Jeremy Irons’ Best Roles

Jeremy Irons is an actor of immense sophistication and depth whose distinctive voice and classical training have made him a compelling presence on screen for decades. He possesses an intellectual and often aristocratic air that allows him to portray complex and world weary characters with unmatched elegance. He first gained international acclaim for his work in British television and quickly established himself as a leading man in film.

He has built a remarkable career playing a wide range of roles from tortured romantic heroes to some of cinema’s most memorable villains. His ability to convey deep wells of emotion with subtle gestures and his famously smooth vocal delivery make every performance a masterclass in acting. Whether in historical dramas, psychological thrillers, or blockbuster adventures, he brings a unique gravitas and intelligence to his work.

‘The Merchant of Venice’ (2004)

In this cinematic historical drama, Jeremy Irons plays Antonio, the title merchant. His character is a wealthy but deeply melancholic man who is devoted to his young friend. To help his friend woo a beautiful heiress, Antonio makes a dangerous deal with a moneylender, agreeing to offer a pound of his own flesh if he cannot repay the loan.

Irons delivers a nuanced and tragic performance that captures the character’s profound sadness and unwavering loyalty. He portrays Antonio as a man burdened by a private sorrow that makes him willing to sacrifice everything for his friend. The role is a showcase for his ability to convey complex emotions in a classical setting.

‘Being Julia’ (2004)

He plays Michael Gosselyn, the husband and former mentor of a celebrated London theatre actress. His character is a calm and pragmatic manager who must contend with his wife’s flamboyant personality and a looming creative crisis. When she begins a passionate affair with a much younger man, he navigates the situation with quiet resignation and strategic thinking.

Irons provides a subtle and grounding performance amidst the film’s theatrical drama. His character serves as the anchor in the protagonist’s chaotic life, observing her exploits with a mix of amusement and weary affection. The role demonstrates his skill at playing intelligent and composed characters.

‘Margin Call’ (2011)

In this tense financial thriller, he plays John Tuld, the formidable CEO of a massive Wall Street investment firm. He is flown in by helicopter for a late-night emergency board meeting after analysts discover the firm is facing imminent financial collapse. In a single chilling scene, his character calmly and ruthlessly decides to sell off all toxic assets, knowingly triggering a global financial crisis to save his company.

Despite his limited screen time, Irons makes a powerful impact. His portrayal of the pragmatic and amoral executive is both captivating and terrifying. He perfectly embodies the detached and calculated thinking that drives the world of high finance, delivering a memorable performance as a man in absolute control.

‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’ (2015)

Irons portrays G.H. Hardy, a leading English mathematician and professor at Trinity College, Cambridge, before the First World War. His character recognizes the raw genius of a young, self-taught clerk from India and brings him to study at the prestigious university. He becomes a mentor to the young prodigy, pushing him to provide formal proofs for his brilliant but intuitive theories.

He delivers a wonderfully reserved and intellectual performance as the Cambridge academic. He captures the character’s initial skepticism and his eventual awe at his student’s incredible mind. The film explores their difficult but ultimately fruitful collaboration and the clash of cultures they represent.

‘Dead Ringers’ (1988)

In a stunning dual performance, he plays Elliot and Beverly Mantle, identical twin gynecologists who run a successful fertility clinic. He masterfully creates two distinct characters in one body. Elliot is the confident, cynical, and seductive twin, while Beverly is the shy, sensitive, and more introspective one.

The film follows their dangerously codependent relationship as it begins to unravel when a woman enters their lives. Irons’s ability to seamlessly switch between the two personalities is a remarkable acting achievement. The performance is a chilling and powerful exploration of identity, obsession, and psychological collapse.

‘Reversal of Fortune’ (1990)

He won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Claus von Bülow, a wealthy and enigmatic European aristocrat. His character is accused of attempting to murder his wife, who has fallen into an irreversible coma. He maintains his innocence and hires a brilliant law professor and his students to handle his appeal, all while remaining aloof and darkly humorous.

Irons’s performance is a masterpiece of ambiguity and subtle wit. He never lets the audience know for certain whether his character is an innocent man or a diabolical killer. He perfectly captures the cool detachment and sophisticated charm of a man who seems completely unfazed by the serious accusations against him.

‘Kingdom of Heaven’ (2005)

He plays Tiberias, the noble and pragmatic Marshal of Jerusalem, in this epic historical drama. His character is a veteran Crusader who serves the leper king and desperately tries to maintain the fragile peace between the Christian and Muslim armies. He is a voice of reason who foresees the disaster that the more fanatical knights will bring upon the kingdom.

Irons brings a powerful sense of gravitas and world-weariness to the role. He portrays Tiberias as a wise and honorable leader who is tired of the endless conflict and political maneuvering. His commanding presence makes him a memorable figure in the film’s large ensemble cast.

‘The Mission’ (1986)

In this acclaimed historical epic, he stars as Father Gabriel, a Spanish Jesuit priest in the 18th century. His character journeys into the South American wilderness to build a mission and bring Christianity to a remote indigenous community. He is a man of unwavering faith and peace who uses music to connect with the local people.

The film tells the story of the mission’s struggle to survive against the forces of European colonialism. Irons gives a deeply moving performance as a man dedicated to non-violence, even in the face of brutal oppression. His portrayal of quiet strength and spiritual conviction is the heart of the film.

‘Die Hard: With a Vengeance’ (1995)

Irons plays Simon Gruber, the main villain in this action-packed sequel. He is a cunning and theatrical terrorist who holds New York City hostage with a series of bombs. He forces a suspended cop to play a twisted game of “Simon Says,” sending him on a wild goose chase across the city while he executes a massive heist.

As the brother of the villain from the original film, he creates a completely different but equally memorable antagonist. His character is sophisticated, brilliant, and ruthlessly efficient, always staying one step ahead of the heroes. Irons’s cool, menacing performance made Simon one of the best villains of the action genre.

‘The Borgias’ (2011–2013)

He stars in this historical television series as Rodrigo Borgia, the cunning patriarch of the Borgia family who schemes his way to becoming Pope Alexander VI. Set in Renaissance Italy, the series follows his reign as he uses his immense power to enrich his family and eliminate his rivals. He is a man of both deep faith and profound corruption.

Irons commands the screen as the complex and powerful Pontiff. He portrays the character’s shrewd political mind, his devotion to his family, and his ruthless ambition. The role allowed him to explore the fascinating contradictions of a man who was both a spiritual leader and a Machiavellian ruler.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

In this acclaimed television series, he plays the brilliant and eccentric Adrian Veidt, also known as the hero Ozymandias. His character, once celebrated for saving the world, is now living in opulent isolation in a mysterious country manor. He spends his days conducting bizarre experiments with a series of identical servants while secretly plotting his escape.

Irons delivered a captivating and often humorous performance as the aging genius. His storyline is a strange and compelling mystery that slowly unfolds over the course of the season. He perfectly captured the character’s incredible intellect, his massive ego, and his profound loneliness.

‘Elizabeth I’ (2005)

He plays Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, in this historical miniseries. His character is the lifelong friend and romantic obsession of Queen Elizabeth I. The story explores their complex and passionate relationship, which was a source of political scandal and personal heartache for both of them throughout their lives.

For his performance, Irons won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. He portrayed the dashing and ambitious courtier with immense charm and emotional depth. His powerful chemistry with his co-star created a poignant and unforgettable portrait of a great historical romance.

‘The Hollow Crown’ (2012–2016)

In this series of televised historical plays, he portrays King Henry IV. His character is a man who usurped the throne and is now burdened by guilt and the constant threat of rebellion. He is a weary ruler who struggles to unite his fractured kingdom while also dealing with his rebellious and seemingly worthless son, the future King Henry V.

Irons delivered a commanding and masterful performance as the troubled monarch. He powerfully conveyed the immense weight of wearing the crown and the king’s deep disappointment in his heir. The role was a perfect showcase for his classical training and his ability to bring iconic characters to life.

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

He provided the unforgettable voice for Scar, the villain of this animated classic. Scar is the intelligent, sarcastic, and treacherous brother of the king, Mufasa. Consumed by jealousy, he plots to kill both his brother and his young nephew, Simba, in order to seize control of the Pride Lands for himself.

Irons’s silky, menacing voice is one of the most iconic in the history of animation. He created a villain who was both terrifying and theatrically charismatic. His chilling delivery of the character’s famous lines helped make Scar one of the greatest villains in the studio’s history.

‘Brideshead Revisited’ (1981)

In the role that made him a star, he plays Charles Ryder in this celebrated television serial. The story follows Charles’s life and his transformative relationship with the Flytes, a wealthy and devoutly Catholic aristocratic family. His journey begins at Oxford, where he forms an intense bond with the charming and troubled Lord Sebastian Flyte.

This landmark series was a critical and popular success around the world. Irons’s performance as the thoughtful and observant narrator who becomes entangled with the fascinating family was highly acclaimed. He perfectly captured the character’s sense of longing, nostalgia, and romantic idealism.

What is your favorite performance from Jeremy Irons’ distinguished career?