Rupert Friend
Armed with an ability to play both the refined gentlemen and the uncultured street thug with equal believability, British actor Rupert Friend quickly built up an impressive résumé within a few short years. Following his small, but memorable feature film debut opposite a debauched Johnny Depp in the historical drama "The Libertine" (2004), the actor attracted more attention with a supporting turn in a well-received adaptation of "Pride & Prejudice" (2005). The dashing young performer also caught the eye of the film's leading lady, Keira Knightley, who Friend would date for the next five years. As an actor, he took risks with often unconventional roles in such projects as the heartbreaking Holocaust drama "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" (2008) and the sexually-charged, tragic love story "Cheri" (2009), opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. A starring turn as a man who overcomes childhood horrors and a life of crime to become a successful author in the British biopic "The Kid" (2010) preceded his breakout role on American television as CIA analyst Peter Quinn on the acclaimed action-drama "Homeland" (Showtime, 2011- ), alongside series star Claire Danes. From the beginning of his diverse career, Friend consistently demonstrated a willingness to take on challenging roles - a work ethic that soon delivered critical and popular success for the promising young actor.