Remember when Rob Smith became Robert Pattinson? In May 2014, Pattinson confirmed to the public that he had legally changed his name from Rob Smith to honor his favorite actor, Robert Smith. In September 2014, Smith died at age 60 from cancer. Three months later, on December 31, 2014, Pattinson legally changed his name once more to reflect his and Smith’s shared passion for rock music. Since then, the actor has regularly been referred to by both of his monikers.
Pattinson’s Dressing Style Evokes Smith’s
One of the first images many people will associate with the actor is his Edward Cullen character from Robert Pattinson’s new film, The Rover. Set in contemporary times, the film revolves around a romance between a 21-year-old teacher, Allie, played by Bella Swansberg, and a 28-year-old man, Tom, played by Pattinson. In the film, the two main characters meet at a party and form an instant connection. However, their meeting is not without its obstacles. Tom struggles with living a life of solitude while Allie tries to make her way in the world as a teacher. The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by British writer, James McBride. The story is set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse and highlights the complexities associated with falling in love with someone you know you may never get to know well.
They Were Once Prominent In The Industry
Pattinson began his acting career in 1998 with a minor role in the British television series, The Royal Hunt of the Sun. Then, in 1999, he had a recurring role as Edward Cullen in the British television series, Being Human. In June 2011, he portrayed author, Robert Smith, in the biopic, BAFTA-winning film, Restoring Carter. The following year, he appeared in the Broadway musical, Titanic, as well as the London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard.
Pattinson’s Filmography Since 2014
In addition to his work in The Rover, Pattinson has starred in the films, A Cry For Help, The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Relationship, and What Hi-Fi. He will next be seen in the upcoming Netflix series, Sex Education, alongside Gillian Anderson and Annabel Karim Kassar. Then, in 2020, he will star alongside Lily James in the fantasy adventure film, A Dream Like Ours.
Pattinson’s Instagram Is A Source Of Inspiration
Like many popular social media personalities, Pattinson uses his Instagram page to share both his own photos and those of other celebrities he follows on the platform. The actor’s Instagram account features a mix of personal and artistic shots, as well as a curated collection of images from other users he finds inspiring.
In the past, Pattinson has acknowledged the profound effect Instagram has had on his personal and professional life. In 2019, he wrote, “I have so much more respect for the people I meet on Instagram. It’s changed my life. Really. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”
Why Do You Want To Change Your Name?
As a child, aspiring to be an actor was the farthest thing from Pattinson’s mind. In fact, he initially considered becoming a musician. However, after watching a friend’s performance in a play, he realized he could channel his creative energies into acting.
In an interview with The Guardian, Pattinson shared, “My friend came off stage and I was like, ‘What was that just?’ I went to see her do it again and again, because I wanted to know what happened. That’s the kind of response you get when you act in a play; you don’t get that often when you’re just singing or dancing, so I decided to give it a go.”
Pattinson’s first paid acting job was a minor one, but it kickstarted his career. Since then, he has appeared in a number of high-profile films and TV shows, gaining a loyal fan base along the way.
What Does The Future Hold?
Although Pattinson has enjoyed a successful acting career, he has repeatedly stated his desire to move beyond simply playing characters and to become a real, three-dimensional actor.
As yet, he has not managed to secure any significant roles in major productions, but in 2019, he did star in the London premiere of Tracy Letts’ Broadway play, May, alongside Kate Dickins and Mark Gatiss. In an interview with The Guardian about the role, Pattinson said, “This is the most fun I’ve had on a big stage in a long time.”
Tracy Letts, the playwright who authored May, considers his latest role a “triumph”. In a statement, he said, “I couldn’t be happier for Robert. When I first read the script, it was like someone had punched me in the gut. But then I realized it was the best thing that could have ever happened to him.”
Pattinson has also expressed a desire to work with renowned Scottish playwright, William MacLeman. The two met while working on the 2008 movie, Sex and the City 2, and worked together on the 2013 play, MacLeman’s The Odd Couple.
In 2019, as rumors began circulating that he might star in a film based on DC Comics’ Birds of Prey character, Erika Price, the main protagonist of the series, Pattinson revealed he had never actually read the comic book and was unaware of the rumors.
While waiting for his big break, Pattinson has established himself as a highly accomplished musician, acting alongside some of the greatest talents in Hollywood. Since 2014, he has managed to stay busy, portraying a variety of characters and showing off his incredible versatility.