Ioan Gruffudd and his two younger siblings, brother Alun and sister Siwan, were born to teacher parents, Peter and Gillian. Ioan attended Ysgol Melin Gruffydd junior school, and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf secondary school, during which time he developed his musical skills, playing the oboe in the South Glamorgan Youth Orchestra.
      Ioan started his career as a child star in the Welsh soap opera Pobol Y Cwm (People of the Valley) for six years. After quitting the show he honed his acting skills by enrolling at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. His early projects included A Relative Stranger, Poldark, and Wilde, but it was his small part as Fifth Officer Lowe in James Cameron's Titanic that captured the hearts of audiences. His title role in the mini-series, Horatio Hornblower followed, wowing fans and critics alike. Without a doubt, Ioan was on his way to super stardom.
      Ioan speaks English, Welsh and Yiddish. His favorite sport is Rugby. Favorite bands are Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia, Stereophonics, and Oasis. He loves going to the movies, theatre, and hanging with friends at the pub. Supposedly, he also has a very nice singing voice.
      He currently lives in Kilburn, England with fellow thespian and long-time friend Matthew Rhys.
Photo © Unknown

Bio written by K. Kamarauskas ©2001 - [Please let us know of any errors]