George MacKay Biography

George MacKay photo

Born: March 13, 1992

GEORGE MACKAY

Date of Birth: March 13, 1992

George MacKay told the Evening Standard: "Professionalism is the main thing. It stops it being about you."

That's just one of the lessons he's learned in his life as an actor.

George was born in London, England to costume designer Kim and stage manager Paul MacKay. When George was just five, he put on a production of Peter the Wolf. He produced, directed and starred in the play, while the cast consisted of his friends.

George's parents both have theater backgrounds, and their son quickly joined the family business. As soon as he could talk, George was a stage actor.

When George was 10 he was spotted by an acting scout. This led to him being cast in 2003's Peter Pan.

At age 13 he was cast in 2006's The Thief Lord, which helped to propel him further into the world of screen acting.

George played Eddie in the 2013 feature film How I Live Now. He fell in love with co-star Saoirse Ronan during filming. The two play lovers in the film, and their performances garnered both actors critical praise. The two have since gone their separate ways.

In 2013 George also starred in For Those in Peril, playing the role of Aaron, a young misfit who lives in a remote Scottish fishing community. The indie flick received widespread critical acclaim and helped to cement George's reputation as a serious actor.

His next major film was 2014's Pride. George had the opportunity to act alongside veterans Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton. The film won the Queer Palm at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and put George on the international radar.

In 2016 George played a main role alongside Viggo Mortensen as his eldest son in Captain Fantastic. The film received positive reviews from critics.

Feature films that followed include the romantic drama Ophelia (2018), in which he plays none other than Hamlet, alongside Daisy Ridley, Naomi Watts and Clive Owen. In the biopic True History of the Kelly Gang (2019), George played legendary Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. The movie made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.

When he's not making movies, George loves to follow in his parents' footsteps by acting in theatrical productions as well. Besides acting, he also enjoys playing and watching soccer.

Filmography:

Marrowbone (2018)
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Bypass (2014)
Pride (2014)
Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson (2013)
How I Live Now (2013)
Sunshine on Leith (2013)
For Those in Peril (2013)
Private Peaceful (2012)
Hunky Dory (2011)
The Boys Are Back (2009)
Defiance (2008)
The Thief Lord (2006)
Peter Pan (2003)

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