Jonathan Rhys Meyers was born July 27, 1977, in Dublin, Ireland. Jonathan grew up with a tumultuous childhood, spending some time in an orphanage and being permanently expelled from school at age 16. Happy to be out of school, he began spending time in a local pool hall where he was discovered by Hubbard Casting. The casting agents were talent-spotting for the David Puttnamproduction of War of the Buttons, and after three days of auditions, however, Jonathandid not get the role, and gave up on his acting aspirations. Soon afterward, he received a call to audition for an ad campaign for Knorr soup, and though embarrassed by the attention from the ad, he soon found himself considered for major film roles. Jonathan is also a talented singer and musician, having performed his own vocals in "Velvet Goldmine" and appearing on the film's soundtrack. Jonathan still resides in County Cork, Ireland.