Simon Woods has been known for his captivating performances on stage and screen in the British entertainment landscape. From his early days in prestigious institutions to his forays into historical dramas and charming period pieces, Woods has consistently impressed audiences with his versatility.
Yet, his journey does not end there. This article delves into the multifaceted life and career of Simon Woods.
Simon Woods biography
Simon Woods, born on January 7, 1980, is a British actor and playwright who has carved a niche for himself in both television and film.
Woods’ formative years were steeped in the traditions of elite British education. He attended Eton College, a prestigious independent boarding school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and its alumni list brimming with political and cultural figures. Following Eton, Woods continued his studies at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he read English Literature.
Oxford proved to be a breeding ground not just for academic pursuits but also for personal connections. Woods reportedly struck up a friendship with Chelsea Clinton, daughter of the former US President Bill Clinton.
More significantly, during his time at Oxford, Woods met and began a relationship with actress Rosamund Pike. This association, though it ended after two years, held a curious twist of fate.
Years later, in the 2005 miniseries adaptation of “Pride & Prejudice,” Woods and Pike would reunite on screen, playing the iconic roles of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley, a couple destined for love.
Following his graduation from Oxford, Woods embarked on a short-lived career path in journalism. He secured a position at The Guardian, a prestigious British daily newspaper.
However, the allure of storytelling and performance eventually proved stronger. Woods decided to pursue acting, a testament to his passion for creative expression.
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Simon Woods career
Woods boasts a career that transcends the boundaries of television and film.
After a brief stint in journalism, Woods’ acting career took flight in the early 2000s. He began with appearances in television miniseries, landing roles in historical dramas like “The Last King” (2003) and “Elizabeth I” (2005). These projects offered him the opportunity to inhabit characters from bygone eras, honing his skills in portraying figures steeped in historical context.
The year 2005 proved to be a turning point. Woods secured the role of Mr Bingley in the highly anticipated miniseries adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, “Pride & Prejudice”. This iconic character, known for his charm and affability, brought Woods to the attention of a wider audience. Interestingly, he reunited on screen with his former girlfriend, Rosamund Pike, who played Elizabeth Bennet. The chemistry between them resonated with viewers, solidifying Woods’ place as a rising star.
Following his success in “Pride & Prejudice”, Woods continued to showcase his versatility. He played the role of the ambitious Octavian in the critically acclaimed historical drama series, “Rome” (2007). He also starred in the British spy drama, “MI-5”, and the romantic comedy, “Starter for 10” (2006).
While television and film kept Woods busy, he also harboured a passion for the stage. In 2008, he returned to theatre, appearing in productions like “A Previous Engagement” and “The Mystery of Irma Vep”.
In 2011, Woods made a bold move, relocating to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in Hollywood. This decision opened doors to new projects. He landed roles in American television shows like “Cranford” and “Angel”.
Woods’ artistic career extends beyond acting. He has also dabbled in playwriting, further showcasing his creative talents. Woods’ play, “Hansard”, titled after the official record of UK parliamentary debates, hit the stage in London’s Lyttelton Theatre in September 2019. The production was directed by Simon Godwin.
Simon Woods movies
Woods’ filmography spans various genres and historical periods. Here is a selection of his notable works, with a brief description of each:
- The Last King (2003, Miniseries): A historical drama depicting the rise and fall of the House of Plantagenet in 15th-century England. Woods is featured as Captain Churchill.
- Foyle’s War (2004, TV Series): A long-running British detective drama set in World War II Britain. Woods plays the role of Greville Woods in one episode.
- Elizabeth I (2005, Miniseries): This miniseries chronicles the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth I, with Woods appearing in a couple of episodes as Gifford.
- Pride & Prejudice (2005, Miniseries): Jane Austen’s timeless novel comes to life, with Woods portraying the charming and amiable Mr. Bingley, who falls for Elizabeth Bennet.
- The Queen’s Sister (2005, TV Movie): This historical drama delves into the life of Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife. Woods portrays Roddy Llewellyn, one of Mary’s lovers.
- Twisted Tales (2005, TV Series): A British anthology series featuring modern retellings of classic fairy tales. Woods appears in an episode titled “Goldilocks” as Zak.
- MI-5 (2006, TV Series): A British spy thriller following the operations of MI5, the UK’s security service. Woods appears in this production as Rowan.
- Starter for 10 (2006): A coming-of-age comedy set in 1980s Britain, following a young man from a working-class background attempting to fit in at a prestigious university.
- Penelope (2006): A quirky fantasy-comedy about a young woman cursed with a pig’s nose until she finds true love. Woods plays Edward Vanderman, one of Penelope’s potential suitors.
- Rome (2007, TV Series): This historical drama dives into the final years of the Roman Republic, with Woods taking on the ambitious and ruthless Octavian (later known as Augustus Caesar) in Season 2.
- I Want Candy (2007): A British black comedy about a group of friends on a wild weekend getaway that takes a dark turn.
- Angel (2007): A legal drama set in the world of corporate law, with Woods portraying Clive Fennelly.
- Cranford (2007, TV Series): A period drama exploring the lives of women in a small English town during the early 19th century. Woods appears as Dr. Harrison in several episodes.
- A Previous Engagement (2008): A period comedy set in the 1940s about a woman juggling multiple suitors. Woods plays Tyler, one of the romantic interests.
- Sunny et l’éléphant (2008): A French family film about a young boy who befriends a circus elephant. Woods takes on the role of Nicolas.
- Masterpiece Classic (2008).
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Simon Woods’ net worth
There are no reports on Woods’s net worth.
Simon Woods family
Woods is gay and he is married to Christopher Bailey, the former CEO of the renowned British fashion house, Burberry. Their partnership began in 2009 and culminated in a civil ceremony in 2012.
News reports suggest they met through mutual friend Chelsea Clinton, whom Woods knew from his Oxford days.
The couple reportedly has two daughters, Iris and Nell.
Simon Woods age
Woods was born on January 7, 1980. He is 44 years old as of 2024.
Simon Woods now
There are no recent reports surrounding Simon Woods as of the time of writing this article.
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