When the general public are asked to name an actor who indelibly displays what it means to be English, it is highly likely that Hugh Grant would be at the top of the list they compile. This certainly isn’t an accident – since his debut as Lord Adrian in 1982’s Privileged, Grant has built a career out of appearing in films in which he often portrays a charming, if bumbling, English gentleman.
However, Grant is also a keen watch collector, and as a leading manufacturer of custom rubber watch straps, that fact is something Rubber B can certainly be appreciative of. With that in mind, we have decided to take a closer look at Hugh Grant’s early life, his most well-known films, and his watch collection to create a more complete portrait of the veteran English actor.
Who is Hugh Grant?
Hugh Grant was born in London, England on September 9th, 1960, the son of Fynvola Susan MacLean and Captain James Murray Grant, a career military officer who would later become a professional carpet installer. He would make his film debut in a 1982 feature entitled Privileged, which was produced by the Oxford University Film Foundation. Grant has a degree in English and graduated with Second-class honors.
Grant has been open about the fact that he views his acting career as more of a situation of happenstance than a pursuit of passion, and for a long time, he was fairly open about his disdain for celebrity culture and the profession of acting as a whole. In more recent years, however, he has softened his view on this, stating that he now enjoys acting during an interview with Radio Times in 2020.
What Movies is Hugh Grant Best Known For?
With 68 credits to his name, according to the Internet Movie Database, Grant has a lot of films to choose from when trying to answer this question.
For a lot of people, especially to audiences in the United States, he came to prominence with his role in Four Weddings and a Funeral. He would then move on to Notting Hill and About a Boy, both of which would continue his winning streak in the romantic comedy genre, where he is arguably most prominently known.
However, in more recent years, Grant has gone out of his way to undertake more character-based parts and act in film genres he is not necessarily immediately thought of for, such as sci-films and action movies. This late-career resurgence has led to two of his most well-received performances in recent years: first as multiple characters in 2012’s Cloud Atlas, and then as Fletcher in 2019’s The Gentlemen. The second feature was particularly notable, as it was Grant’s first appearance in a proper English gangster drama, and his second working with legendary British director Guy Ritchie.
What Kind of Watches Does Hugh Grant Own?
Hugh Grant has been collecting watches for years, even before he became a world-famous actor. According to Grant, his first watch was a Timex, which he purchased after being fired from his job as a delivery driver for quiches around London. Grant stated that he was fired because he drove too quickly, and as a result, the quiches would often become damaged in transit.
After achieving some success as an actor, Grant would eventually buy himself a gold Rolex, which he purchased in 1987 before the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of the film Maurice. Grant mentioned that his suit ripped during this screening and that he took great pains not to drop his watch as he attempted to hide the rip from the view of the attendees.
Hugh Grant sporting a Panerai Luminor
Hugh Grant has a passion for Panerai watches, he is seen above wearing a steel Panerai Luminor with a Panerai leather strap.
In more recent years, he has also been spotted wearing a Panerai Luminor as well. It is likely that he owns other watches as well, but these are the ones we can be certain he owns based on various interviews that he has given.
Looking for a Custom Rubber Watch Strap For Your Panerai Timepiece? Visit Rubber B Today
If you are looking for a custom rubber watch band for your Panerai watch, the team at Rubber B would be more than happy to help you find a custom strap that will further complement your personal style and accessorize your watch. Rubber B carries watch straps for Panerai and several other prominent luxury retailers, and you can see our complete product lineup on our website.
