John Hannah

Actor

Birth Date: April 23, 1962

Age: 61 years old

Birth Place: East Kilbride, Scotland, UK

Awards

Although he had planned to be an electrician, Scottish star John Hannah fell into acting after a friend recommended he give it a go. Following a few lean years, the unconventionally handsome Hannah impressed with his turn as a sensitive gay man in the international smash "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994). That comedy gained him much recognition, but Hannah also became a regular face on British dramatic television by appearing on programs like "Out of the Blue" (BBC, 1995-96) and "McCallum" (BBC, 1995-98), where he aided the fight against crime in various capacities. Feature film roles across the pond began to come his way, including a romantic lead opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the touching dramedy "Sliding Doors" (1998) and in the blockbuster "The Mummy" (1999) and its two sequels. He also branched out into occasional roles on American television, with his highest profile credit undoubtedly being "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" (Starz, 2010-2012), in which he portrayed the villainous slave school owner Quintus Lentulus Batiatus. Partnered with Lucy Lawless as his equally amoral wife, the pair were among the most talked about components of the sexy, violent miniseries and were invited back for the prequel, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" (Starz, 2011). With his natural charisma and willingness to take risks as an actor, audiences were impressed by Hannah's aptitude in parts that ran the gamut from lighthearted comedy to grim procedural drama.