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Date of birth (location):
January 13, 1977
Canterbury, Kent, England, UK
Mini-Biography:
Born in 1977 in Canterbury, Orlando Bloom's plans of becoming an actor developed quite early, when he realized that "Superman" Christopher Reeve was an actor. His first memorable appearance, a cameo in the critically acclaimed movie Wilde (1997), earned him - only 20 years old by that time - various film offers, all of which he turned down in favour of playing in theatre for about three years. On stage, he appeared in plays like "The Seagull", "Twelfth Night" and "Trojan Women". Peter Jackson then "discovered" Bloom for his much hyped Lord Of The Rings trilogy in 1999. After doing three movies with Jackson, he's worked with Ridley Scott on Black Hawk Down (2001).
Interesting Facts:
Has a sister named Samantha who is two years older.
Spent two years at the National Youth Theatre and went to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Was nearly killed three years ago when he broke his back in a fall out of a window and fell three floors. He was told he may not walk again. He was operated on, and twelve days later he walked out of the hospital.
During the filming for Lord of the Rings, Orlando fell off his horse and broke one of his ribs.
Father, Harry Bloom, died when Bloom was just four.
Chosen as one of Teen People Magazine's "25 Hottest Stars Under 25." [2002]
Originally auditioned to play the role of "Faramir" in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but lost out on that role and was instead asked to play the role of Legolas.
Learned to surf during the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand.
Appeared on 2002 clothing commercial named "Denim Invasion" for Gap with Kate Beckinsale. The commercial was directed by Cameron Crowe.
is named after the hero in Virginia Woolf's novel 'Orlando: A Biography'.
won the 2002 MVT Movie Award for 'Breakthrough Male'.
Was nominated with the entire 'Fellowship of the Ring' cast for 'Best Ensemble Acting' at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Won the award at the 2002 Empire Awards for 'Best Debut'.
Son of Jewish South African lawyer, writer and activist Harry Bloom (1913-1981). Harry Bloom was the author of the important anti-apartheid novel "Transvaal Episode".