Graduated from prestigious Australian theatrical school NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts) in 1986.
One of six children of an accountant.
Went to ANU in Canberra to study economics before deciding to become an actor. Lives in New South Wales on the Eastern beaches.
Has a flat in Notting Hill, London.
Has directed plays in Australia.
Is the youngest of his six siblings.
Played Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty in two different movies.
The mouth piece he wore as the Fantom in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (2003) distorted his voice so much that he had to redub his dialogue for the film's release.
Dated Miranda Otto. They both went to NIDA, the famed drama school attended by actors such as Judy Davis, Mel Gibson and Cate Blanchett.
Assumes a different accent and octave-level for each character, with his character's voices ranging from the wimpy, ridiculous screech he used as the Duke for "Moulin Rouge" to his rich, deep Romanian accent as Dracula in "Van Helsing."
Like Christopher Lee and Frank Langella he has portrayed Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, unlike them he played Sherlock Holmes before playing Dracula.
Appears in two films where Victorian British characters are altered in an action packed fantasy setting - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003) and Van Helsing (2004).
Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2005 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was suggested in the Worst Supporting Actor category for his performance in the film Van Helsing (2004), he did not receive a nomination however.
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