Born in 1960, Ireland. He is an actor and?director who is widely known for his film adaptations of Shakespearean plays. In 1984 he joined the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company, where he received acclaim for his performances in?[#i_]Hamlet[_i#]?and?[#i_]Henry V[_i#]. In 1987 he left the RSC to co-found the Renaissance Theatre Company. He has been widely credited with making Shakespeare accessible to the masses.