4 Famous Actors To Follow

4 Famous Actors To Follow Discover Four Famous British Actors Out There ChaptersDame Judi DenchSir Anthony HopkinsCharm and Grace: British Actress Kate WinsletGary Oldman: British Actor and ChameleonWith good actors being true chameleons when it comes to accents, it’s sometimes difficult to keep up with which Hollywood actors are American - and which originally came from the UK. Did you know that Kate Winslet comes from Reading? That Anthony Hopkins is Welsh? Find out more about these talented British actors and actresses here. both of Judi Dench’s parents were indirectly involved in the theatre.Her first acting jobs were in productions of Shakespeare, first at the Old Vic, then as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.Her first film roles were Miss Humphries in The Third Secret (1964) and Sally Young in A Study in Terror where Sherlock Holmes attempts to solve the Jack the Ripper murders.In the 1970s she acted in several BBC dramas, while continuing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and even doing a few musicals - Cabaret in 1968, and much late r Sondheim’s A Little Night Music in 1995.Her big breakthrough in film came from the 1997 BBC teleplay Mrs. Brown, which was bought up by Miramax and distributed internationally. Starring Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and Billy Connolly as her manservant John Brown, Mrs. Brown shows off Dench’s poise and dry wit admirably.MHowever, although Mrs. Brown may have convinced Hollywood of Dench’s acting talent and range, it was the James Bond franchise that made her a favourite with the viewers. In the 1995 reboot starring Pierce Brosnan, the role of MI6 head “M” was given to a woman - Dench.She has played M in every James Bond movie since until her character was killed off in Skyfall (though she has a flashback cameo in Spectre).Shakespeare in LoveThe 1998 historical comedy Shakespeare in Love includes Joseph Fiennes as Shakespeare, Gwyneth Paltrow as love interest Viola, Geoffrey Rush as Philip Henslowe, Colin Firth as Lord Wessex and, for all of eight minutes, Judi Dench as Qu een Elizabeth I. This short performance was so intense, however, that it earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.The 2000s and 2010sIn the 2000s she has starred in a variety of classical adaptations and dramas, including Iris (2001), Ladies in Lavender (2004) and Notes on a Scandal (2006).Her most recent hits are comedies The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel, a fun romp about a group of retirees living in a hotel (2011 and 2015). She has also recently starred in a BBC One screenplay of Esio Trot, a children’s book by Roald Dahl, and as the Duchess of York in the historical series The Hollow Crown.Read more about Judi Dench.Sir Anthony HopkinsSir Anthony Hopkins is best known for his role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Photo credit: Deutsche Bank on Visual huntAnthony Hopkins was born in Port Talbot, Wales and entered the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff at the age of 16. After doing his military service he continued to study acting at the Royal A cademy of Dramatic Art.His first job was at the Palace Theatre in Swansea where he stayed for five years until Laurence Olivier invited him to become his understudy in the Royal National Theatre.His film breakthrough was as Richard I the Lionheart in the 1968 movie The Lion in Winter. In The Elephant Man (1980), he played opposite John Hurt as Doctor Treves.Doctor Hannibal LecterHopkin’s most iconic role was as a genius profiler and serial killer Hannibal Lecter in the 1991 thriller Silence of the Lambs, starring Jodie Foster as trainee FBI agent Clarice Starling who must convince Lecter, incarcerated in a mental institution, to help her catch another serial killer.Hopkins reprised his role in the sequel, Hannibal (2001), and the prequel, Red Dragon (2002).Recent FilmsMore recent films with Sir Anthony Hopkins include an older Zorro in The Mask of Zorro (1998) and co-starring beside Brad Pitt in the drama Meet Joe Black, as well as a role as an exorcist priest in The Rite (2011).H e also starred as the god Odin, lord of Valahalla, in the Marvel comic films Thor (2011), The Dark World (2013) and Ragnarok (2017).He is currently one of the stars of HBO series Westworld.Get started with acting classes today with an acting coach.Charm and Grace: British Actress Kate WinsletKAte Winslet has starred in many dramas and indie productions.Photo credit: xenonanon on VisualHuntBorn in Reading, Berkshire, Kate Winslet had acting in her blood: two grandparents and both sisters became actors. She studied acting at the Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, which helped her get roles on stage and in advertising.Her first on-screen role was as Reet in BBC One’s Dark Season in 1991.Her breakthrough film was Heavenly Creatures in 1994, where she played a teenager who helped her friend commit murder.Oddly enough, her intense performance in Heavenly Creatures almost cost her the part of Marianne in Emma Thompson’s Sense and Sensibility, but she was able to convince director A ng Lee in a single reading.Before her most famous and iconic role, Winslet played in two more period dramas, Jude and Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, both of which came out in 1996. In Hamlet she played the difficult role of Ophelia to good reviews.TitanicOnce more, Kate Winslet fought for a role: that of Rose, a rich girl caught in the constraints of early 20th-century upper-class society, who meets a poor young artist Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) on board the cruise ship Titanic. Caught in a whirlwind romance, she refuses her place on a lifeboat to stay with Jack. Though she manages to survive, Jack does not; but she dedicates her life to him, learning to fly a plane and seeing the world.Indie Films and DramaAfter the pressure of stardom in Titanic, which was the highest-grossing film of all time when it came out, Winslet turned to smaller indie productions, refusing offers for roles in more mainstream films. She came back to slightly more established roles in the thriller Enigma i n 2001 and playing a young novelist Iris Murdoch in Iris, sharing the role with Judi Dench.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, widely hailed as one of the best movies of the 21st century, starred Winslet as a woman who erased all memories of her ex-boyfriend before meeting him again a few years later.Among her more recent films, the most controversial thus far has been The Reader in 2009, in which Winslet plays an illiterate concentration camp guard who has a younger Jewish boy come in to read to her - and falls in love with him.After a hiatus to focus on her children, she came back to star in the HBO mini-series Mildred Pierce as a Depression-era single mother.In 2015 she played Apple’s marketing chief Joanna Hoffman opposite Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs.One of her most recent releases is The Mountain Between Us in 2017, about a group of people stranded in the mountains after a plane crash.Gary Oldman: British Actor and ChameleonGary Oldman has played many villains, includ ing Count Dracula and Lee Hrvey Oswald. Photo credit: JiBs. on Visualhunt.comBorn in London in 1958, Gary Oldman studied at the Young People’s Theatre in Greenwich and graduated the Rose Bruford College in 1979.He worked for some years at the Citizen’s Theatre in Glasgow; his first film role was in the 1982 multiple-plotline Navy film Remembrance. He then went on to play a skinhead in Meantime, but it was his acting in a revival of Edward Bond’s play Saved that truly kickstarted his career.His performance earned him a place at the Royal Court Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. After seeing him in The Pope’s Wedding at the Royal Court, Alex Cox offered him a starring role in his film Sid and Nancy about the lead singer of the Sex Pistols punk rock band.His first Hollywood film was State of Grace in 1990; in 1991 he took on the role of Lee Harvey Oswald in Oliver Stone’s JFK, which opened the doors for a series of roles as villains:Dracula in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, directed by Francis Ford CoppolaA sadistic pimp in True Romance 1993Bent DEA officer Norman Stansfield in Léon the Professional in 1994A cruel prison warden in Murder in the First 1995Tyrannical corporate magnate Zorg in The Fifth Element 1997A Russian  terrorist in Air Force One 1997Dr. Zachary Smith in Lost in Space 1998Mason Verger in Hannibal, (opposite Anthony Hopkins) 2001A Man of Two FranchisesWhen the Harry Potter book series was filmed, Gary Oldman was cast as young Harry’s godfather Sirius Black, on the lam from wizard prison in the third instalment, The Prisoner of Azkaban, and subsequent films.After a slight hiatus, Christopher Nolan revived the character of Batman on the big screen in 2005 with his trilogy starring Christian Bale as the Dark Knight, Michael Caine as his loyal butler Alfred and Gary Oldman as the superhero’s liaison with the Law, Police Commissioner Gordon.In subsequent years, Oldman’s best-known films include The Book of Eli, a post-apocalyptic film co-starring Denzel Washington (2010), John Le Carré adaptation Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (in the role of George Smiley) in 2011 and 2017 biopic Darkest Hour, for which he won an Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA for his depiction of Winston Churchill.Want to learn how to act with the best? Why not try out our Superprof acting tutors?Find drama classes near me with Superprof.

Master Conditionals in 5 Days or Less!

Master Conditionals in 5 Days or Less! Trying to learn  all of the English conditionals at once can be a daunting (and confusing!) task.  So, I suggest splitting up  the following 5 mini lessons over 5 days.  That way, you can let your brain digest the information and maybe even  get a chance to use your new knowledge  in a conversation  that day.  If you need a native speaker to practice with, schedule a class with one of our friendly, professional English teachers!  So, well spend a day on each of the four conditional types, and then take  a quiz at the end.  Lets get started!Types of Conditionals:ConditionalUseIf clause (condition) Main clause (result)Zero                           General truth, imperativesPresent simplePresent simpleFirstReal and probable situationsPresent simpleFutureSecondUnreal, imaginary situationsPast simpleWould + verbThirdUnreal past situation and probable result in pastPast perfectWould have + past participleDAY 1: ZERO CONDITIONALIf/When + (subject) + (present simple), (subject) + (pres ent simple)If/When this thing happens, that thing happens.If/When + (subject) + (present simple), (imperative)If/When this thing happens, do thisUses:We use zero  conditional to talk aboutFacts: If water temperature goes  below 0 °C, it freezes.General truths:  When I take the train, I bring  a book.  Imperatives: If you see him, be nice.Good to know:For all of the conditionals, we can flip the sentences around by putting the main clause/result first and the if/when clause second.  Like this:(Subject) + (present simple) if/when (subject) + (present simple).  That thing happens if/when this thing happens.We can use both if and when for zero conditional, but if suggests that something happens less often.  For example, If she gets a day off from work, she spends time with her  son.  This gives the idea that she doesnt get many days off work.  On the other hand, when suggests that something happens more frequently.  For example, When I read a book, I dont listen to music.  This gives the idea that I read books frequently.Practice:  For each exercise, write your answers in the comments section.When he (have/has) time, he (cook/cooks) dinner for me.We (go/went) to yoga together when we (had/have) the same day off.I _____ (to ride) my bike to work when I ____ (to have) time.If she _____ (to go) to a friends house, she usually (not/to bring) drinks.____ (to read) the newspaper if there ___ (to be) nothing on TV.Great job!  Remember, the best way to learn is to practice, so try to use this grammar in a conversation today.  Maybe youll talk to someone about what you usually read  when you take the train.  Need a chance to practice English with an LOI instructor?  Schedule a conversation class today!DAY 2: FIRST CONDITIONALIf/When + (subject) + (present simple), (subject) +  will/(be) going to + (verb)If this thing happens, that thing will happen.When  this thing happens, that thing is going to happen.Uses:We use first conditional to talk aboutWhat you think will happen in a specific situation in the future: If the weather is nice, I will bike to work.When I have a day off work, Im going to visit my sister.Good to know:If and when can both be used in first conditional, but if suggests that youre not sure if something will happen or not.  For example, If it is sunny tomorrow, Ill wear  sunglasses.  We dont know what the weather will be like.    When suggests that you know this thing will happen at some point.  For example, When I see her, Ill give that to her.  You know you will see her at some point.Conditional modals:Could:  We could go swimming if its sunny tomorrow.Should:  If she asks you on a date, you should say yes.Might:  If she invites me to the party, I might go.Watch and listen:  Heres a quick, helpful video to clarify the uses of first and zero conditional.Practice:If we (went/go) to her house tonight, we (should take/should taken) a bottle of wine.Q: What are you going to do if it (snow/snows)?A: Im just (going to shovel/will shovel) the snow away.When you ____ (to call) me, I ____ ____ (to give) you my address.We ____ ___ (to hug) her if we ___ (to see) her.Excellent work with day 2!  Only 3 more to go.  Dont forget to practice this conditional in a conversation today.  Maybe you can talk with a colleague about what you will do in future scenarios at work.  Dont forget to schedule a conversation class with LOI if youd like to practice with a native speaker.DAY 3: SECOND CONDITIONALIf + (subject) (past simple), (subject) would + (verb)If this thing happened, that thing would happen.If + (subject) (past simple), (subject) + would be + (verb)ingIf this thing happened, that thing would be happening.Watch and learn:Uses:What we would generally do in imaginary situations: If I won the lottery, I would buy a vacation home.Good to know:We cant use when since were talking about  imaginary situations that probably wont happenIt is considered grammatically incorrect to use was, in this conditional.  For example:If he were rich, hed buy a car.If he were rich, hed be buying a car.Conditional modal verbs:Might: If he had time, he might be able to do it.Could: If I had a lot of money, I could  take us to the beach.Should: If she asked you to help, you should help her.Practice:  Fill in the gaps below. You’ll use a verb in the past simple for the first part, followed by a modal verb in the second part of the sentence.  (See Pauls full second conditional lesson here!)1. If you ___  more time, you ____ be able to study more English.2.  If you _____ more, you ____ be healthier.3. If I ___ more money, I ______ work so much.4. If you ____ more money, you ____ have to work so much.5. If he ____ a lot of English classes, his English _____ be great.Complete the sentences below.1. If I had a million dollars, _____________________.2. If you were smart, ____________________.3. ________________________, I would be happy.4. _________________________, I would travel the world.5. _________ ________________, I wouldn’t study English.Now, practice with Beyoncé:  (See the full lesson here!)If I were a boy I’d _______out of bed in the morning and go.If I were a boy _______ drink beer with the boys.If I were a boy I’d ______I could understand. (Note: could is the participle hear.)If I were a boy, I swear to you, I would ______ a better man.……______ listen to her.If I were a boy I’d ______off my phone.…____put myself first.Youve had lots of practice today.  Great work!  Remember to reinforce  all this new knowledge in a conversation sometime today!DAY 4: THIRD CONDITIONALIf + (subject) + (past perfect), (subject) + would have + (past participle)If this thing had happened, this thing would have happened.If (subject) + (past perfect), (subject) + would have been + (verb)ingIf this thing had happened, this thing would have been happening.Uses:Imaginary situations in the past:  If I had won the lottery last week, I would have bought a house.What you would have done differently:  If I had known better, I would have payed more attention in school.Good to know:Only use if to discuss imaginary situationsConditional modals:Could have:  I could have practiced Spanish if I had gone on the trip.Should have:  If I had had money, I should have gone to the concert.Might have:  If I had had time off work, I might have gone home for the holidays.Practice:If he had (had/has) more time, he (could have go/could have gone) to the gym.You (would have read/would had read) more as a child if you (hasnt/hadnt) played so many sports.If I ___ ______ (to work) harder, I _____ ____ ____ (to make) more money.We _______ ____ ____ (not/to do) it if we ___ ____ (to know) it would upset you.If you ___ _______ (to decide) to move to Europe, what city _____ you ____ ______ (to choose)?Awesome!  Youve almost completed the five day challenge.  For a little something extra today, try this 3rd conditionals  quiz!DAY 5: PUT IT ALL TOGETHER!Congratulations, youve made it to the fifth day!  Hopefully by now youre feeling pretty confident with all of the conditionals.  Today well put all that knowledge to the test with a quiz and yet another challenge.Quiz:If the weather is nice tomorrow, he  ____ ____ (to take) her out for a picnic.Im sorry, I didnt realize you were allergic to peanuts.  If I ___ _____ (to know), I _____ ____ ____ (to tell) you.  (If/When) I go out to lunch, I usually go to the Thai place down the street.If I ___ (to have) enough money, I _____ __ (to go) to Canada.  Unfortunately, I dont have any money!She doesnt like running, and she thinks its really boring.  (If/When) she goes running, it is a very short distance.Please ___ (to set) the table when the guests ______ (to arrive).We _____ __ ______ (to be laying) on the beach right now if we ____ (to be) still on holiday.My friend is always texting.  (If/When) she gets a text message, she writes back immediately.I love to go running!  When I ____ (to have) enough energy, I ___ (to run) in  the park.I really wanted to go running with my friend last night, but I was too tired.  If I ___ ___ (to have) enough energy, I _____ ____ ____ (to go) with her.A: Im sorry, I dont know what he got you for Christmas.  B:  _____ you  ____ (to tell) me if you ____ (to know)?Im not a man, but if I ____ (to be) a man, my name _____ __ (to be) Derrick.Its a shame Phil is not here.  If he ____ (to be) here, he _____ ____ (can/to cook) us something nice.If you ____ (to help) me carry these boxes, I ____ ___ (to buy) you a beer later.If you ___ (to eat) too much, you ___ (to get) sick.Dont forget  that singing is also a great way to remember grammar, learn new vocabulary and practice fluency.  So, review  all the conditionals with  these hit songs!If you just cant get enough of conditionals, dont worry, heres a bonus challenge for you.  Its a short video about how we mix our tenses  when using conditionals.  Watch it  and try the exercise below.  (Click here for Pa uls  full post).1. If you __________ (insulted) him yesterday, he _______ __ ____ to the wedding tomorrow. 2. If she __________ (accepts) the promotion, she ____ __ ____ to Brazil in 2015. (future using will) 3. I ________ ______ (speak) fluent Spanish, if I ____ lived in Spain for 10 years. 4. He _____ _____ ____ (left), if he ____ _____ (known) you were coming.