Robert Pattinson is one of the most well-known actors in the world. With a filmography that includes the critically acclaimed The Twilight Saga, House of Gucci, and many more, it’s no wonder why. The British actor has also been romantically linked to some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood history; he is currently dating Kate Bosworth. But did you know that he is also the twin brother of Robin Pattinson, a filmmaker who often works with their better-known sibling? We took a closer look at their relationship in the film industry and how they juggled their social lives whilst maintaining a high-profile career. Keep reading to find out more!
A Brief History Of The Twins
The first twin-centre to study the effects of separation on fraternal twins was the University of Chicago. The school’s Dr. David Lyttle carried out the research, which was published in the Journal Of Clinical Psycholoqy in 2009. According to the study, ‘separation anxiety is a common concern among twins and may contribute to higher rates of depression and anxiety in this population.’ To reduce the stress that comes with being a twin, Dr. Lyttle and the University of Chicago recommend a ‘twinning treatment strategy, which aims to provide each twin with an individual “safe space” within a shared physical space.’
Separating twins is not always easy. There are medical reasons that make it so, but sometimes it’s done for behavioural reasons. In 1871, Harry Harpham, an English social reformer, published a book about the problem of ‘rowdy’ or ‘disorderly’ twins, which became known as The Twin Problem. He believed that fraternal twins were more likely to engage in risky behaviour and encouraged parents to separate them. The trend continued, and in the 1950s, the US Census reported that about 5% of all twins were adopted, separated, or institutionalised for psychiatric reasons. Fortunately, this trend has slowed, and today, older generations may remember twinning as “the good old days” when sibling bonds were considered sacred.
How The Twins Fared In Showbusiness
Robin is best known for his 2014 documentary short A Million Dollars More, which follows a group of young filmmakers as they strive to become the next big thing in Hollywood. One of the filmmakers, Will Powell, recalls: “We all felt that we had been thrown into this mysterious world where suddenly we were expected to find fame and fortune, and we didn’t know how.” The film is an amusing and candid look at the ups and downs of making it in Hollywood, with plenty of cameos from famous faces. Some of the highlights include an appearance from the twins’ famous father, Robert Pattinson, who gives them some much-needed financial support; and a surprisingly moving moment when one of the young actresses breaks down in tears at the thought of not seeing her brother and sister again. It’s a touching, if slightly bizarre moment that shows just how much these siblings rely on and care about each other. A Million Dollars More is a fun and intimate look into the creative process, and it shows that even though Robin is best known for his documentaries, he has definitely not lost his sense of humour.
Robert Pattinson’s Early Life
Born in London in 1981, the actor grew up with his twin sister, Rosie. The two were raised by their single mother, Vanessa, and attended a private school in Kensington, where they were apparently very happy and well-adjusted children. According to a family friend, “They were such lovely kids and so well-behaved. They were just two beautiful little angels.” In contrast, Pattinson’s father, the late photographer and entrepreneur Robert Pattinson Sr., was largely absent from their lives. The Hollywood Reporter claims that even though his parents were never married and remained on good terms, their relationship was strained, and Robert wanted to distance himself from his father as much as possible.
The Twilight Saga: How The Twins Help The Series
If you’ve seen a single one of the Twilight films, you’ll know exactly what scene we’re talking about. Pattinson plays Edward Cullen, a handsome young man who turns all of the women in his life into swooning, mindless vampires. For those of you who haven’t, the scenes are unforgettable – from Pattinson’s seductive gaze to his unrequited romantic feelings. Aside from being one of the most recognisable faces in contemporary entertainment, Robin is also credited with helping to establish the Twilight phenomenon. As a co-creator of the hit TV series, he helped to shape the stories and characters that have become some of the most iconic and popular in modern times.
After graduating from Oxford University, where he studied English literature and film, Pattinson landed a role in the first season of The Twilight Saga, playing the part of Alec, a witty and mysterious outsider who befriends Bella Swan (portrayed by Kristen Stewart). It was a bold move, as Twilight was not yet a household name, but it paid off. In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2016, Kristen Stewart revealed that she and Pattinson had initially turned down the role, before later changing their minds. “I didn’t want to do the first season of The Twilight Saga, and then I did,” Stewart said. “Robin convinced me to do it, and I’m so glad I did.”
It’s fair to say that the Twilight films and TV series changed the game for onscreen couples, as the franchise has repeatedly broken cinema records for box office hits and is often hailed as one of the greatest series of all time. The films have also earned a stellar reputation for their leading man, with Vanity Fair declaring that “Robert Pattinson is the new heartthrob” and The Telegraph dubbing him “Hollywood’s saddest soul mate”. Despite his reputation as a heart-breaking seducer, Pattinson has always denied being ‘the sad guy in Hollywood’. In an interview with Esquire in 2016, he responded with a joke: “Everyone thinks I’m so sad and tortured, but on the contrary, I’m really not that sad. I’m a pretty happy guy.”
House Of Gucci
Pattinson rose to fame in the spotlight of Hollywood, but he has also maintained a close connection with the fashion industry, dressing many high-profile figures in the process. In 2014, he was named GQ’s man of the year, and that same year, he made the cut in Vogue’s list of the ‘World’s Most Influential Designers’.
Amongst his notable clients are the famous socialite and fashion icon Grace Kelly, who worked with him on the film The Princess Bride; the late Michael Jackson, who was reportedly a huge fan of the Twilight films; and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who was photographed wearing a Gucci gown on the occasion of her wedding to the Duke of Cambridge.
The fashion industry has honoured the twins with a variety of distinguished awards, including an Italian fashion award, a French fashion award, and a British fashion award. In 2014, they were named the most influential designers of the year by GQ, and that same year, Vogue placed them at number six on their ‘World’s Most Influential Designers’ list. It’s fair to say that Hollywood and the fashion industry have colluded to give Robert and Robin the kind of recognition that they so richly deserve.
Kate Bosworth
Having maintained a relatively low profile in comparison to their famous sibling, Robert Pattinson and Kate Bosworth have enjoyed some romantic bliss. The British Columbia-born actress became the object of the Twilight actor’s affection after appearing in the drama A Most Wanted Man. They were first linked in 2013, and in 2015, they were spotted canoodling on a beach in Spain. Since then, they have been spotted together at a number of luxurious destinations, including Venice and the French Riviera.
However, their romance didn’t stop the industry from recognising Kate’s remarkable acting talent. In addition to having a leading role in the popular HBO series Room 104, Kate has also achieved international recognition for her starring role in the 2018 drama film The Promise. The film follows a young woman, Lila, who is torn between following her heart and her family’s wishes when they ask her to marry a man she doesn’t love. On the occasion of its premiere in Toronto, Kate was presented with a diamond necklace by an admirer, and the actress revealed that she couldn’t believe the generosity of the gift; she had been previously been given a sapphire as a parting gift by a co-star on the set of Room 104. With her movie career taking off, it appears that Kate is well-prepared to shine on her own.