Over the years, the UK has proven itself to be a rich source for new talent. Although there aren't as many opportunities available, some British stars have managed to catch their big break by starring in small projects or having short stints on television dramas, such as Coronation Street or Doctor Who.
However, it is this sort of experience that has helped propel several actors into stardom as many Hollywood producers have given them the opportunity to feature in some big franchises, ranging from the MCU to The Maze Runner movies. With the stars also having such huge fanbases, many are hoping that they will continue to succeed in their careers.
Iain De Caestecker
Born in Glasgow, Iain De Caestecker has had a long and varied career since beginning life as an actor. He has starred in over 50 episodes of the popular British soap opera Coronation Street, where he played Adam Barlow and was nominated for a BAFTA for his role in The Fades.
However, De Caestecker managed to get his big break playing Leo Fitz in the American superhero series Marvel's Agents Of SHIELD. He was one of the show's fan-favorite characters, delivering a multi-layered performance that was equal parts funny, endearing and tragic.
Nathalie Emmanuel
Nathalie Emmanuel's career also began in a British serial drama, appearing in the TV soap Hollyoaks. In this drama, Emmanuel played flirtatious troublemaker Sasha Valentine, who learns her brother Calvin left her boyfriend Warren to die in a tragic fire.
However, Emmanuel later found renewed fame in Hollywood. One particular highlight in her film career is her portrayal of Harriet in the Maze Runner movies. As Harriet, Emmanuel is a hardened and fearless freedom fighter, on the hunt for revenge against the shadowy organization WCKD. Nathalie dominates the screen in this role, in a way that demands the audience's full undivided attention.
Sean Pertwee
The son of Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee, Sean Pertwee has managed to establish an acting career away from his late father's shadow. He has mainly had guest roles in a variety of popular British shows, including Poirot, Death In Paradise, and Luther, as well as starring in the BBC adventure series The Musketeers.
Pertwee is perhaps most known for his U.S. roles. His most popular performance to date is as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman prequel Gotham. Compared to other Michael Caine's performances, Pertwee's version of Alfred was a tough, suave, and well-spoken action hero. While Alfred had often been seen as the moral compass of Bruce, in this version, the viewers saw him also step into the father figure role and protect Bruce from some of the other iconic villains.
Karen Gillan
Originally from Inverness, Karen Gillan is perhaps one of the UK's biggest success stories. Her breakout role came in Doctor Who, where she played the Eleventh Doctor's companion Amy Pond for three series. Gillan received widespread critical acclaim for this role, which saw her win a National Television Award in 2013 for 'Best Female Drama Performance.'
The Scottish actor has since gone on to establish a highly successful Hollywood career. Her first major film role came as Nebula in the Guardians Of The Galaxy movies. Although Nebula did not have a huge role in the first Guardians movie, she has started to become a favorite as the MCU has now begun to show the subtle flickers of humanity under the cold exterior which has made her character so endearing to watch.
Daniel Kaluuya
Born in London, Daniel Kaluuya is another actor that has also become a massive success in Hollywood. He first appeared in the UK version of Skins as Kenneth, who was a secondary character that featured in many hilarious scenes. Kaluuya's recognition in the UK was further established when he also starred in the psychological-thriller Psychoville.
However, since then, Kaluuya has gone on to star in several Academy Award-nominated (and winning) movies, including Black Panther, Get Out, and Judas and the Black Messiah. In fact, Kaluuya had recently won the "Best Actor In Supporting Role" at the 2021 Academy Awards for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah, with many critics lauding his realistic and intense portrayal of Fred Hampton.
Russell Brand
Before achieving stateside success, Russell Brand began as an edgy and controversial British comedian, with some notably extreme political views. From 2004 to 2007, he presented the spin-off show, Big Brother's Big Mouth, and he has also made a few guest appearances on a variety of British drama series, such as The Bill, The Abbey, and Cold Blood.
However, Russell Brand's U.S. career has proven so successful that it has resulted in the creation of an entire Los Angeles film studio devoted exclusively to movies starring the British comic, entitled 'Branded Films.' He also stars in the hugely popular Despicable Me movies, as the voice of Doctor Nefario, a part which he infuses with so much character that it's hard to imagine hearing any other voice coming from Nefario's lips.
Idris Elba
Raised in London, Idris Elba is one of the most beloved British actors in film and television. An early TV appearance saw him star in The Bill as Alex Mason, but perhaps his biggest British television hit was as the titular detective in the popular crime show Luther.
Over in the U.S., Elba's fame levels have risen considerably, having amassed a multitude of successful film projects. One of his most famous is his role in Jon Favreau's live-action remake of The Jungle Book, where he voiced Shere Khan. Elba's take on the character feels considerably more ruthless and terrifying, with the actor's deep tones delivering a gruff and menacing feel to the iconic tiger. He has also received a lot of critical praise for his portrayal as Bloodsport in the DCEU's The Suicide Squad.
Tom Hiddleston
Originally from London, Tom Hiddleston has easily become one of the biggest acting talents around. He first rose to fame in the role of Bill Hazeldine in the crime comedy series Suburban Shootout, before going on to appear as Magnuss Martinsson in the hit drama, Wallander.
However, Hiddleston achieved a whole other level of stardom when he was cast as Loki in the first Thor movie. He proved such a hit with audiences that he would later reprise the part in five more films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, before being given his own TV spin-off. Hiddleston's Loki is both charming and conniving, which makes for a truly winning combination.
Tom Holland
Having graduated from the prestigious BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in London, Tom Holland began his acting career on stage, playing the title role of Billy Elliot in the West End production of Billy Elliot: The Musical. He would later go on to appear in the British period drama Wolf Hall as Gregory Cromwell.
However, his real rise to fame came when he was cast as Peter Parker in the MCU Spider-Man movies. To date, he has played the titular role longer than any other actor, appearing in a total of five films, with a sixth on the way. Holland is arguably the greatest Peter yet, effortlessly playing the teen's geeky and socially inept side, whilst also staying true to Peter's tendency to quip as his superhero alter-ego.