Obscure British Actors 101: Ioan Gruffudd

If my friends had to describe me in three words, I know for a fact that there is one word everybody would choose: Anglophile. I've been obsessed with British history and pop culture for ten years now, and I'm fairly confident that few people have a greater knowledge of obscure British actors than me. With that in mind, I've created a regular feature that I can use whenever my life is boring and I have no incentive to blog. Like "Current Obsessions Disguised as Recommendations," but with even more pretty boys. And now, without further ado, I present to you: Obscure British Actors 101!*

*not an actual college course, unfortunately

I saw this meme floating around tumblr yesterday and thought it would be a great way to introduce some of my favorite actors. And I've decided that there's no better place to start than with the obscure British actor that started it all, Ioan Gruffudd.

• The first thing I saw him in - Waaaaay back in 9th grade (fall of 2000), I was spending another boring Saturday watching movies on television. As I flipped past A&E, a very pretty man in a naval uniform caught my attention and made me stop. It didn't take long for me to be hooked, and I credit Horatio Hornblower with introducing me to the costume drama genre (as well as several actors).
• Why I like him - Besides the pretty-boy face with lovely blue eyes and great bone structure, Ioan is obviously a great actor. Specifically, he's a great actor for roles of fictional and historical leaders (Horatio, Mr. Fantastic, William Wilberforce, Lancelot). Ioan has the fantastic ability to give passionate and inspiring speeches, and he's always believable despite his youthful appearance.
• My favorite role of his -I'll always have a soft spot for Horatio Hornblower, but it's probably William Wilberforce in Amazing Grace.
• My least favorite role of his - Definitely 102 Dalmatians (although he did meet his wife on the set, so at least something good came out of that movie)
• A role I'd like to see him in - Ioan's ability to play natural leaders suggests that he would be great as one of England's more inspiring monarchs, but I'd also love to see him go against type and play a charming con man, a la Matt Bomer in White Collar.