Geoffrey Rush

Geoffrey Rush (born July 6, 1951)an Australian actor. BornToowoomba, Queensland, he began his acting career withQueensland Theatre CompanyBrisbane. He also has an Arts Degree fromUniversityQueensland. Whilecollege, he roomedMel Gibson.

Rush's film debut was inAustralian film Hoodwink1981. His next film wasGillian Armstrong's Starstruck,following year. In 1996, he starredShine,which he wonAcademy AwardBest Actor. From that point on, his career skyrocketed. In 1998 he appearedthree major films -- Les Misérables,which he played Inspector Javert; Elizabeth,which he playedsuspicious Sir Francis Walsingham;ShakespeareLovewhich he playedacting company manager who remained calm inmidstchaos (and received an Academy Award nominationBest Supporting Actor).

In 2000, he recevied his third Academy Award nomination,Quills,which he playedMarquis de Sade.

Rush's career continues at an amazingly fast pace,nine films released from 2001 through 2003.