by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: October 29, 2024
6 min read
6 min read
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British actor Eddie Redmayne is widely recognized for his compelling performances, from his Oscar-winning portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything to his magical role as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Despite his global fame, Redmayne has found a unique way to enjoy a relatively ordinary life while residing in bustling London. With his distinct approach to privacy, Redmayne walks among fans without drawing too much attention.
Living a “normal” life in a city as vibrant and populous as London isn’t easy for a Hollywood star. But Redmayne, who shares a home with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe, and their two children, insists on living like everyone else.
While many celebrities prefer to hide behind gates or hop from one private car to another, Redmayne’s trick is simpler and, surprisingly, quite effective. Keep reading to know more!
For Redmayne, maintaining anonymity comes down to a small yet powerful strategy: avoiding eye contact.
As he explains, “I can live a totally normal life, so long as I don’t make eye contact.” Redmayne has observed that looking directly at others, especially in a big city, increases the chances of being recognized.
He’s learned that a glance can lead to fans asking for photos and selfies, which disrupts the “normal” lifestyle he strives to maintain.
Redmayne’s approach is both practical and economical. Instead of isolating himself or resorting to costly measures like hiring private cars, he relies on public transportation and walks around freely.
While this can sometimes lead to being spotted, he finds it a much better alternative to constantly hiding or distancing himself from the public. In his own words, “You can either live behind gates or just pulverize through a bit.”
This perspective reflects Redmayne’s down-to-earth attitude towards fame. He’s not looking to shield himself behind barriers or security details; instead, he believes fame is something you can shape based on your attitude. For Redmayne, the key is to “make of fame what you want.”
Living in London with his family, Redmayne enjoys a life that, while certainly unique, resembles that of many Londoners.
With a successful career spanning two decades, he’s found a way to balance public recognition with private, everyday routines.
His quiet lifestyle is evident in his choice to stay in the city, where he’s often seen using public transport, a rarity for celebrities of his stature.
Redmayne’s commitment to a more normal lifestyle is partly rooted in his love for the city and his family’s routines. The actor enjoys a close relationship with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe , whom he met at Eton College.
Their friendship eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship , leading them to marry in 2014. They now have two children, Iris and Luke, whom they are raising in London. Redmayne’s family life provides him with the grounding and motivation to keep things simple, even amid fame.
Redmayne’s trick of avoiding eye contact has been put to the test on several occasions. During the filming of his latest TV series, The Day of the Jackal , Redmayne was training in spycraft when he was recognized by a fan who asked for a photo.
The incident reaffirmed his belief in his strategy. Although it doesn’t always prevent recognition, he finds it usually works well enough to let him carry on with his day undisturbed.
Despite his open interactions with fans, Redmayne has boundaries he adheres to.
The actor, now 42, has come to understand that success in Hollywood doesn’t have to mean a life constantly in the spotlight.
He prefers walking to places rather than relying on chauffeured cars or gated communities, explaining, “I live in London and get around like everyone else.” This approach not only keeps his costs down but also aligns with his values.
In a recent interview, Redmayne acknowledged how fame can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. He’s aware of the highs and lows that come with public recognition.
As someone who’s appeared in blockbuster franchises like Fantastic Beasts and critically acclaimed dramas like The Good Nurse , Redmayne has seen both sides of the fame spectrum. Still, his grounded outlook keeps him from overthinking these experiences.
Born in London on January 6, 1982, Eddie Redmayne started his career in the theater, performing in West End productions before venturing into film.
His early film roles included The Good Shepherd (2006) and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), but his breakthrough came with My Week with Marilyn (2011), where he played Colin Clark opposite Michelle Williams.
Redmayne’s career took off when he starred as Marius in the musical adaptation of Les Misérables in 2012. This role showcased his vocal abilities and solidified him as a versatile performer.
However, it was his portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything that earned him critical acclaim, winning him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2014. Redmayne continued to push boundaries with his role as transgender artist Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl (2015), earning another Oscar nomination.
In addition to film, Redmayne has been part of major television productions and even lent his voice to animated projects like Thomas & Friends . His role as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts franchise brought him international fame, allowing him to become a household name.
Redmayne’s acting range has seen him tackle a variety of characters, from historical figures to fantasy roles, making him one of the most respected British actors in Hollywood.
Below is a selection of Eddie Redmayne’s most notable films and roles:
Year | Film | Role | Box Office |
---|---|---|---|
2014
|
The Theory of Everything | Stephen Hawking | $35.9M |
2015
|
The Danish Girl | Lili Elbe | $11.1M |
2016
|
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | Newt Scamander | $234.0M |
2018
|
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald | Newt Scamander | $159.4M |
2020
|
The Trial of the Chicago 7 | Tom Hayden | – |
2022
|
The Good Nurse | Charlie Cullen | – |
In an industry where fame can often overshadow personal life, Eddie Redmayne proves that with a little mindfulness, it’s possible to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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