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Christian Bale

Actor born in Haverfordwest

Christian Bale was born on 30 January 1974 in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, the son of David Bale, an entrepreneur, and Jenny James, a circus performer. The family left Wales when Christian was two years old, moving through Portugal and Oxfordshire before eventually settling in Bournemouth, England, where he attended Bournemouth School.

Bale's acting career began early: he appeared in a television commercial at the age of eight and made his breakthrough at thirteen in Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun (1987). He went on to build one of the most acclaimed careers of his generation, known for his intense preparation for roles, including losing a dramatic amount of weight to play the lead in The Machinist (2004) before regaining it to play Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).

He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as a former boxer in The Fighter (2010), and has gone on to star in films including American Hustle, Vice and Ford v Ferrari, earning further award nominations along the way.

Although his birth in Haverfordwest gives him a genuine Welsh birthplace, Bale left Wales as a toddler and was raised entirely in England. He has spoken candidly about his identity, once remarking: "I was born in Wales but I'm not Welsh \u2013 I'm English."

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Academy Award-winning actor born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, though raised in England from early childhood.

Bale's parents divorced in 1991, and at seventeen he moved to Los Angeles with his father and sister. He has since become one of Hollywood's most respected leading men, working with directors including Christopher Nolan, David O. Russell and Adam McKay.

Career Highlights

  • Empire of the Sun (1987) — breakthrough role as a child actor, directed by Steven Spielberg
  • Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises (2005–2012) — starred as Bruce Wayne / Batman
  • Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Fighter (2011 ceremony)
ℹ️ Born 30 January 1974 in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, but the family left Wales when he was two; Bale has said he does not consider himself Welsh.

From: McVitie
Didn't Mr. Bale go to school in Bournemouth, does he consider himself Welsh?
From: LuckyMe
Although I deeply admire Mr. Bale's acting (and he's not too sore on the eyes, either), he doesn't really acknowledge the fact that he was born in Wales and declares himself to be English.
From: WagonWheel
Only found out today that Christian Bale was Welsh. I am pleasantly surprised. A very good actor. Great site! keep up the good work.
From: Tia-Megan
Christian Bale is an astonishing actor for someone so young. His performance at the age of twelve in 'Empire of the Sun' was amazing! He is a versatile actor and has great screen presence.
From: faither
We love Christian Bale!
From: Sweety101_3
Christian Bale is the most talented male actor I have ever heard of in my life. I enjoy watching his performances a great deal.
From: jediqueen
I've been a long-time fan of Christian Bale. I admire the films that he has chosen to be a part of. He seems more interested in independent films that spark creativity and always does an exceptional job in them. I also hope that he will be able to keep his privacy being part of the 'Batman' franchise now. I hope that everyone will be able to respect his privacy even now since he has been able to keep his privacy for the past twenty years in his career.
From: maryanbiggs
Among the actors that I have admired, Christian Bale is my most favorite. Although, i've only seen a few of his films. I would still describe him as a total performer. He does not only act but he sings and dances as well. Which makes him exceptional. I would love to see him dance and sing again!
From: keiftas
Christian Bale does tell people he is Welsh. Michael Caine said so in a recent interview.
From: cymro666
The song that Christian Bale sings in "The Empire of the Sun" is a Welsh Lullaby and I know the person who did the English translation for him.
From: MrPessimist
In an interview on GMTV, Christian Bale admits that he doesn't consider himself to be a true 'Taffy'. Ed Says, Yes his family are not Welsh, they were in Wales when he was born. Having said that, who can say how influential discret influences like in this case, place of birth play in ones development. Both Cliff Richard and Spike Milligan were born in India and even though they had very British upbringing they have both stated this fact hence, one would assume there must be some influence however small.
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