Most of us have heard of Robert Pattinson, but few have actually paid much attention to his stories. The British actor is best known for being the object of fanciest of all time Twilight movies or for his leading roles in Water for Elephants, Beautiful Creatures, or Legend. While those movies undoubtedly made him famous, it’s also his off-screen work that’s had the most impact. He’s acted in numerous plays, earned several Tony Award nominations, and founded a theatre company in Los Angeles.
So, what is it that makes the British thespian so special? Let’s explore with his most recent biographer, Lisa Lefferts, as she details the fascinating history of one of the most prolific actors of our time. Here’s a bit more about his story.
Born Into Wealth
Robert Pattinson was born in London on September 19, 1982. He is the son of Elizabeth Taylor and Ronald Harrison, an heir to the petrochemicals fortune. Although he wasn’t quite aware of it at the time, he was raised in a big way. One of the most luxurious cities in the world, London, served as his educational backyard. He attended the exclusive St. Peter’s College and the High School of Glasgow, where he developed his passion for the dramatic arts.
Pattinson’s parents were very into spending money, and he grew up in a house full of servants. The young actor made his theatrical debut at the age of five, and two years later he was starring in a West End production. By the time he was 11, his parents had dropped most of their eccentric parties and wild living to concentrate on their only child’s education. They became incredibly supportive of his career, taking him on trips to New York, Los Angeles, and Paris to meet with agents and producers. They also funded a number of his stage productions, which helped establish his legitimacy in the acting world. In 2007, at the age of 19, he was named the sexiest man alive by Rolling Stone magazine.
The Making Of A Mogul
In 2014, Robert Pattinson bought what was previously the Setes Models Agency in London. The purchase included a significant amount of real estate along with the luxury marketing company. Soon after, he converted the top floor of the building into a beautiful penthouse apartment. In 2018, he bought a villa in the South of France. The British actor now lives a life that most people can only dream about.
Even before he became a full-time actor, Robert Pattinson was able to amass a significant fortune. He starred in the indie flick Dogs Have Eyes, which was nominated for an award at the London Independent Film Festival in 2001. Two years later, he won the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Zurich Film Festival for his work in the gangster flick Gangster No. 1. He also nabbed a BAFTA nomination for his role in the 2005 gangster movie Gangster Squad.
Pattinson’s first feature film as a leading man was the 2008 romantic comedy Whatever You Do, Don’t Look Down. The following year, he starred in the dark comedy The Runaway Bridesmaid, and in 2010 he wrapped filming on the sci-fi action movie The Rover. The British actor took a bit of a break from acting in 2012, but returned in the thriller Death Valley. In 2016, he had a small role in the Marvel movie Doctor Strange as an Englishman named Stephen Strange who lives in Japan.
A Life Of Contrasts
Robert Pattinson’s private life is just as interesting as his public one. Even in his teen years, he had a way of attracting controversy. While he was dating FKA Twigs in 2016, he was photographed with a number of women who had previously accused him of rape. The British actor has yet to comment on the photo, but many have since called it a “joke” and a “set up”. The picture received mixed reviews, with many questioning whether or not it was real, but a number of celebrities coming to his defense, including Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow tweeted that “the whole ‘rape’ scandal is such a crock” and that “photographs of @robertpattinson with some of these women look as if they could be from a fun night out.”
In 2012, Pattinson was involved in a car accident that resulted in a fractured arm. He later said that the accident was the result of “careless, risky driving” and that “if it didn’t happen, it would be a miracle.” In 2014, he was arrested for drink driving. He had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. Later that year, he was linked to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Los Angeles involving his ex-girlfriend Rose Maddermore. Maddermore filed a restraining order against Pattinson, and he was later fined and ordered to complete 20 hours of domestic violence education. In 2015, he tested positive for benzodiazepines in his system; a prescription drug that treats anxiety and insomnia. He later issued a public apology. In 2017, Pattinson was arrested in Madrid for affray. According to reports, he had been involved in a fight outside of a bar. He was released later that day without charges.
An Actors Life
Aside from his acting career, Robert Pattinson has spent a large amount of time pursuing other activities that he finds interesting. He has an extensive collection of comic books and often spends his free time reading them. He is also a big fan of classic literature and has been known to spend his nights immersed in a good book. The 19-year-old has been involved in theater since he was a child and has recently begun a career in the field. In 2019, he co-founded a theatre company with his Hunger Games star girlfriend Shailene Woodley. The two announced the formation of a theater company named “Common Ground”, which will specialize in creating improvised musicals. This is just one of the many areas that Robert Pattinson has shown interest in. He has stated that he plans to use his wealth and influence to help change the world for the better.