Celebs You Didn’t Know Aren’t American

Many of the most famous actors, television personalities, and musicians aren’t actually from the United States. They were born or grew up in other countries – places like Canada, the UK, and Australia – before becoming globally recognized stars. This list features twenty-five of these celebrities, detailing their origins and the work that launched their careers.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves, a Canadian actor, was born in Beirut and raised in Toronto. He first became famous with movies like ‘Speed’ and ‘The Matrix,’ and later revitalized his career with the ‘John Wick’ series. Before becoming a Hollywood star, he started his acting journey in Canadian television and theater. He remains proud of his Canadian roots and often acknowledges Toronto’s influence on his early career.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron grew up in Benoni, South Africa, and initially trained as a ballet dancer. She later transitioned to acting and first became well-known for her role in ‘The Devil’s Advocate’. She won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Monster’. Afrikaans is the language she learned to speak first. Before becoming a film star in Los Angeles, she worked as a model and dancer in Europe.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill is originally from Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, which is a self-governing part of the UK. He gained fame playing Superman in ‘Man of Steel’ and starring in the series ‘The Witcher’. Before becoming a major movie star, Cavill began his acting career in British films and TV. He was educated at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown was born in Spain to British parents, but she spent her childhood in England. She first gained recognition for her role in the popular series ‘Stranger Things’, though she had previously appeared in shows such as ‘Once Upon a Time in Wonderland’. As her career grew, she expanded into new areas, launching her own beauty brand and becoming a producer.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy, originally from Cork, Ireland, began his creative journey in a rock band before becoming an actor. He first gained recognition in films such as ‘28 Days Later’ and went on to star in the popular series ‘Peaky Blinders’. He’s a frequent collaborator with director Christopher Nolan, most recently appearing in ‘Oppenheimer’. With a background in theatre, Murphy continues to perform on stage in both Ireland and the UK.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba was born in London to parents who came from Sierra Leone and Ghana. He first became well-known for his role in the TV show ‘The Wire’ and later starred as the lead in the British series ‘Luther’. Beyond acting, Elba is also a producer and DJ, performing as Big Driis. Before his television success, he trained at the National Youth Music Theatre in the UK.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian actor from Vancouver who first appeared on Canadian television. He became a global star with the movie ‘Deadpool,’ following successes like ‘The Proposal.’ Beyond acting, Reynolds co-owns a Welsh soccer team and has invested in various consumer brands. He began his career in teen shows before transitioning to comedic and action roles in Hollywood.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu was born in Harbin, China, and later grew up in Mississauga, Canada. He first gained recognition for his role in ‘Kim’s Convenience’ and then starred as the lead in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a stuntman and model. Liu is also a writer who often shares his experiences as an immigrant and is a strong advocate for better Asian representation in film and television.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh was born in Ottawa, Canada, to parents of Korean descent. She first gained fame for her role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and later starred in ‘Killing Eve’. Before that, she trained at the National Theatre School of Canada and worked in Canadian films. She’s also hosted several big award ceremonies and continues to do voice work for animated projects.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie began her acting career in her home country of Australia, appearing on the popular soap opera ‘Neighbours’. She gained international recognition with a role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and has since starred in leading roles in films like ‘I, Tonya’ and ‘Barbie’. In addition to acting, Robbie is also a producer, co-founding the production company LuckyChap Entertainment, and frequently works to showcase Australian filmmakers and actors in her projects.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor who first became well-known for his role in the TV show ‘Home and Away’. He achieved international stardom playing Thor in the Marvel movies. A keen surfer, he still lives near Byron Bay and uses his public profile to support wildlife and conservation efforts in Australia.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman, originally from Sydney, began his career in musical theatre. He became globally famous for playing Wolverine in the ‘X-Men’ films and also won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘The Boy from Oz’. In addition to acting, Jackman has hosted the Academy Awards and performed in numerous large-scale concert tours. He received his training at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa, born in London to parents from Kosovo and Albania, spent some of her teenage years in Pristina. She first became popular with songs from her first album and then reached an even bigger audience with ‘Future Nostalgia’. Beyond music, Lipa has worked with fashion designers and started a book club focused on writers from around the world. Before becoming a signed artist, she gained attention by sharing cover songs online.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot is originally from Rosh HaAyin, Israel, and was crowned Miss Israel as a teen. Before becoming an actress, she served in the Israeli army and studied law. She became a global star playing Wonder Woman in films like ‘Batman v Superman’ and ‘Wonder Woman’, and also produces content through her production company, Pilot Wave.

Dev Patel

Okay, let me tell you about Dev Patel. This guy is a true talent. Born in London to Indian parents, he first caught my eye on the series ‘Skins,’ but it was ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that really put him on the map. Since then, he’s consistently delivered strong performances in films like ‘Lion’ and the visually stunning ‘The Green Knight.’ What a lot of people don’t know is he’s also a serious athlete – a trained taekwondo competitor, no less! And now, he’s moved behind the camera, directing projects not just in India, but all over the world. He’s clearly someone to watch, both in front of and behind the lens.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Born in London, Benedict Cumberbatch received his training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He first gained widespread recognition for his role in the TV series ‘Sherlock,’ and later became known for playing ‘Doctor Strange’ in Marvel films. A versatile performer, Cumberbatch has also appeared in acclaimed stage productions like ‘Hamlet’ and has worked as a narrator for British television and radio.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is a Madrid native who began her training as a classical ballet dancer before pursuing acting. She gained international recognition through her work with director Pedro Almodóvar, particularly in the film ‘Volver’. Cruz received an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ and has also worked as a model for Spanish fashion brands. Additionally, she actively supports charitable work in Spain.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem was born in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, into a family with a history in Spanish filmmaking. He became internationally famous for his role in ‘No Country for Old Men’ and has been working in both Spanish and English-language films since the 1990s, frequently alternating between Hollywood projects and Spanish productions.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas was born in Cuba and studied acting at the National Theater School in Havana. She began her career in Spanish television, moving to Spain before finding success in Hollywood with the film ‘Blade Runner 2049’. More recently, she earned an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Blonde’ and continues to act in both English and Spanish-language films.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi, originally from Wellington, New Zealand, started his career as a comedian and painter before becoming a celebrated director. He’s known for films like ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ and the Oscar-winning ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ and he successfully breathed new life into the ‘Thor’ series with ‘Thor Ragnarok.’ Waititi frequently features aspects of Māori culture and the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand in his work.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones, born in Swansea, Wales, began her career in musical theatre in London’s West End. She became a Hollywood star with the film ‘The Mask of Zorro’ and later won an Academy Award for ‘Chicago’. From a young age, she received training in both dance and singing, and she continues to work in movies, television, and on stage.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig, originally from Chester, England, received his acting training at the National Youth Theatre and Guildhall. He’s best known as the sixth actor to portray James Bond, beginning with ‘Casino Royale,’ but he’s also performed in Broadway plays like ‘Macbeth’ and appeared in a wide range of films, from small independent projects to big-budget action movies.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom, born in Canterbury, England, trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He became internationally known for his roles in blockbuster films like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Beyond film, Bloom has also acted in stage productions in both London and New York. He’s a dedicated supporter of UNICEF, even participating in their work in the field.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson was born in Paris to British parents and raised in Oxfordshire, England. She’s best known for playing Hermione Granger in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. After attending Brown University, she continued her acting career with roles in movies like ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower,’ and she’s also worked as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o was born in Mexico City to parents from Kenya and spent her childhood in Nairobi. She gained widespread recognition for her Oscar-winning role in ’12 Years a Slave’ and later starred in ‘Black Panther.’ A Yale School of Drama graduate, Nyong’o is also an author, having published a children’s picture book. She’s fluent in English, Spanish, and Swahili, and has performed on stage in Broadway productions.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt, a London native, honed her acting skills at Hurtwood House, a well-known performing arts school. She began her career on stage and then appeared in British television. She gained widespread recognition with the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and went on to star in successful movies like ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ and ‘A Quiet Place’. Throughout her career, she’s skillfully moved between historical dramas, suspenseful thrillers, and action-packed films, working in both the UK and the US.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya, born in London to Ugandan parents, started writing plays as a teen. He first appeared on TV shows like ‘Skins’ and ‘Black Mirror’ before transitioning to movies. He gained worldwide recognition for his role in ‘Get Out’ and later won significant awards for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. In addition to acting, he continues to work as a writer and producer, developing new projects.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet, born in Reading, England, began her career with appearances on British television and in independent films. She gained worldwide fame with her role in ‘Titanic’ and later received critical acclaim for performances in ‘The Reader’ and ‘Mare of Easttown’. Throughout her career, she’s successfully worked in both movies and limited series, and has also been a supporter of theatre in the UK.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy, a London native, trained at the Drama Centre London. He began his career with British films and television, gaining wider recognition for his role in ‘Band of Brothers’. He’s since appeared in major films like ‘Inception’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, and ‘The Revenant’, and continues to work on both UK television projects and stage performances.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton started her acting career in experimental film and theatre after studying at Cambridge University in London. While she initially worked on smaller projects, she gained wider recognition with roles in films like ‘Michael Clayton’, ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’, and ‘Doctor Strange’. Known for her work with European filmmakers, she also actively supports the arts in her native Scotland.

Jason Statham

I’ve always been a fan of Jason Statham. It’s cool to learn he actually started out as a competitive diver! Before becoming the action star we know and love, he was even working in fashion. Guy Ritchie really launched his career with ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,’ and from there, he just blew up with films like ‘The Transporter,’ ‘Furious 7,’ and even ‘The Meg.’ What I really admire is that he does a lot of his own stunts, and he consistently supports British filmmaking – that’s awesome!

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh, born in Oxford, England, first gained recognition for her role in the independent film ‘Lady Macbeth’. Since then, she’s starred in popular movies like ‘Midsommar’, ‘Little Women’, and ‘Black Widow’. Beyond acting, Pugh also makes music and works to showcase talented individuals in the British arts scene.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed is a British actor born in London who went to Oxford University and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. He first became well-known for his role in ‘Four Lions’ and later starred in acclaimed projects like ‘The Night Of’ and ‘Sound of Metal’. Beyond acting, Ahmed is also a rapper and writer, often exploring themes of identity and representation in his work. He’s a strong supporter of the arts in the UK, particularly programs that offer mentorship opportunities.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan is a London-born actress who initially studied law at Oxford University before pursuing drama training. She began her career with appearances in British television and theatre, and later gained international recognition with roles in projects like ‘Humans’, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, and ‘Eternals’. In addition to acting, she’s also a documentary narrator and a vocal supporter of increased diversity within the UK media industry.

Andrew Lincoln

Andrew Lincoln grew up in London, Hull, and Bath after being born in London. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and built a career appearing in many British TV shows. While known worldwide for his role in ‘The Walking Dead’, he first gained recognition in series like ‘This Life’ and continues to perform in both stage productions and British television dramas.

Cate Blanchett

Born in Melbourne, Cate Blanchett trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney. She first gained recognition through her work with the Sydney Theatre Company before achieving international success in films like ‘Elizabeth’, ‘Blue Jasmine’, and ‘Tár’. Despite her film career, Blanchett continues to regularly perform in Australian theatre.

Rose Byrne

Born in Sydney, Rose Byrne started her acting career in Australia, training at the Australian Theatre for Young People. She first appeared in Australian films and TV shows before gaining international recognition. Some of her most well-known roles are in ‘Damages’, ‘Bridesmaids’, and ‘Neighbors’. Byrne frequently works with Australian directors and is a supporter of arts education.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth began his acting career in Australia, appearing in several television shows there. He later moved to the United States after gaining some initial experience. He’s best known for his role in ‘The Hunger Games’ movies and has also starred in a number of action and thriller films. Despite his success in America, he still stays connected to the Australian film industry.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts was born in Kent, England, but grew up in Australia. She began her acting career on Australian TV and in films before becoming well-known internationally. She first gained major recognition in the film ‘Mulholland Drive’ and went on to star in popular movies like ‘The Ring’ and ‘21 Grams’. Today, she continues to work on both films and television series.

Alexander Skarsgård

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Alexander Skarsgård started acting at a young age. After fulfilling his military service requirement, he pursued his acting training in the United States. He became well-known internationally with his role in ‘True Blood’, and later starred in popular series like ‘Big Little Lies’ and the film ‘The Northman’. He often works on projects filmed in both Scandinavian languages and English.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander, originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, began her performing career with ballet. She initially worked in Swedish TV and movies before gaining international attention for her roles in films like ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘The Danish Girl’. She still frequently participates in European films and projects that use multiple languages.

Mads Mikkelsen

Mads Mikkelsen, born in Copenhagen, originally trained as a dancer before becoming an actor. He first gained recognition in Denmark through his work in the ‘Pusher’ film series. He’s become well-known internationally for his roles in films like ‘Casino Royale’, the TV series ‘Hannibal’, and ‘Another Round’, but he continues to work on projects in his home country of Denmark.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is a Danish actor born in Rudkøbing. He trained at the National Theatre School in Copenhagen and began his career in Danish film and theatre. He gained international fame for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’ and has since appeared in both Scandinavian and English-language films. Coster-Waldau also actively supports UNESCO and the arts in Denmark.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek began her career in Mexico, studying acting in Mexico City and appearing on Mexican television. She later moved to the United States and became known for films like ‘Desperado’, ‘Frida’, and ‘Eternals’. She also works as a producer, focusing on projects that showcase Latin American culture and talent.

Sofía Vergara

Sofia Vergara began her career in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, working as a model and TV host. She first gained recognition in Spanish-language soap operas before becoming a star on American television, most famously in ‘Modern Family.’ Since then, she’s continued to act in and produce various projects for both TV and film. Alongside her entertainment career, Vergara has also pursued business opportunities and remains connected to the media in Colombia.

Share your favorites in the comments and tell us which surprising hometowns we should add next.

2025-10-30 03:19