- 2007: Portrayed James Gregory, Mandela's censor officer and prison guard in "Goodbye Bafana" based on the book by Gregory titled Goodbye Bafana: Nelson Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend
- 2006: Played a gay schizophrenic in the film adaptation of the Augusten Burroughs book, "Running With Scissors"
- 2004: Starred in "The Merchant of Venice" a Shakespearian adaptation, set in 16th century Venice
- 2004: Appeared in the WWII drama "The Great Raid"
- 2003: Cast as religious reformer Martin Luther in the biopic "Luther"
- 2002: Starred opposite Heather Graham in the controversial romance "Killing Me Softly" directed by Chen Kaige
- 2001: Co-starred in "Enemy at the Gates" with Jude Law and Ed Harris
- 2001: Cast in title role of "Edward II" at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre; reprised role in London's West End in spring 2002
- 1999: Cast as one of three men attracted to the same woman in "The Very Thought of You/Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence"
- 1998: Cast in the title role of the period romance "Shakespeare in Love"; co-starred with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck
- 1998: Co-starred opposite Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth"
- 1998: Returned to the London stage in "Real Classy Affair"
- 1996: Feature film debut, "Stealing Beauty" directed by Bernardo Bertolucci
- 1996: Offered well-received turns as Troilus in "Troilus and Cressida" and Silvius in "As You Like It"
- 1995: TV acting debut, "The Vacillations of Poppy Carew"
- 1995: Was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company
- 1993: West End debut in "The Woman in Black"
- 1978: Worked as a dresser at the National Theatre
- Began stage career with the Young Vic Youth Theatre
- Had a peripatetic upbringing, living in various parts of England and in Ireland




