Yes, Eddie Redmayne has swiftly become one of the most notable new actors to emerge in recent years. A cursory glance at Eddie makes it hard to imagine that he could be anything but a star. However, reflecting on the inventory of Mr. Redmayne’s accomplishments, and supported by that beautiful mug of ginger freckles, it is clear that there is an enduring deeper "it" factor at play. These rare combination of traits are a testament to why we see him as the crux of great design.
Eddie's alma mater is Eton College, the renowned British preparatory school. This famed institution has produced 19 British Prime Ministers and a slew of notables, ranging from greats such as Hugh Laurie to Bear Grylls. Seven hundred year old Eton has been noted as “the chief nurse of England’s statesmen”, which helps give origin to one of Eddie’s distinguishing attributes as an Actor: his sophistication.
Eddie's traits - impeccable education coupled with boyish good looks, inimitable talent, and a slew of freckles that could make any number of demographics sigh - seem to have produced a veritable icon out of this London local.
Eddie first found home in the limelight during 2002 with his first professional stage role, debuting in a production of The Twelfth Night at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. During the 10 years that followed, Redmayne went on to play a multitude of roles on stage and film. Eddie also won a number of awards, which eventually propelled him to take the co-starring role in the 2011 major motion picture My Week With Marilyn.
Like so many great designs in life, Eddie’s breakout role in My Week With Marilyn had him playing another real-life old Etonian, British filmmaker Colin Clark. Redmayne’s wide-eyed innocence contrasted beautifully with Monroe’s hyper sexuality. The film received acclaimed reviews.
At this stage, Redmayne was now a seasoned actor in an industry where youth is currency. His lean frame and good looks earned him character roles much younger than his years, including that of Marius Pontmercy in the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables (2012) working alongside greats like Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.
Eddie was appointed as OBE in 2015 following his portrayal of the ALS afflicted physicist, Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. For this role he won an Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award.
Redmayne’s range is colossal. From his (second) Academy Award nominated role as the courageous Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl (2015), to the whimsical Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), Redmayne transforms himself from one role to another like a true thoroughbred.
With or without his freckles, sophistication and talent anchor the foundation of this rising star.