Gemma Arterton

Birthday: 2 February 1986, Gravesend, Kent, England, UK

Birth Name: Gemma Christina Arterton

Height: 170 cm

Gemma Christina Arterton was born in Gravesend, Kent, England, where she was raised. She is the daughter of Sally-Anne (Heap), a cleaner, and Barry J. Arterton, a welder. Her mother's cousin is singer-songwriter Eric Goulden.Her parents divorced when she was age five, and Gemma subsequently lived with her younger sister and her mother. Her parents encouraged their children to explore their creative abilities. Gemma's sister, Hannah, liked to sing, whereas Gemma chose acting. During her teenage years, she was part of the Masquerade and Miskin theater companies, appearing in productions of The Massacre of Civitella and Guiding Star. In 2004, she won an award for Best Supporting Actress, which helped her to win a grant to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).Whilst studying at RADA, she landed her first professional role in Capturing Mary (2007), directed by Stephen Poliakoff and starring Maggie Smith. Gemma graduated from RADA in 2007 and won her first film role in St. Trinian's (2007). Her breakthrough role came in 2008, when she appeared in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace (2008). In 2009, she was the winner of Empire's Best Newcomer Award. Show less «

In comparison to many actresses I think I'm really average - when I got the Bond film Quantum of Sol...Show more »

In comparison to many actresses I think I'm really average - when I got the Bond film Quantum of Solace (2008) there was this big hoo-ha about me not being hot enough, I have to say I agree - I don't think I'm in that realm. Show less «

On making The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009): I wanted something that was getting down and dirt...Show more »

On making The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009): I wanted something that was getting down and dirty, and really not about how you look. I wanted to be, like, f***ing hair and make-up everywhere, just not giving a f***! And yes, I get tied up, beaten, and there's nudity. All the things that made people go, 'You should not do this!' But I put my foot down. Show less «

As soon as I say, 'I can't go out in that dress, I've already worn it before!' my dad will say, 'Lis...Show more »

As soon as I say, 'I can't go out in that dress, I've already worn it before!' my dad will say, 'Listen to yourself! Stop being stupid!' Show less «

When you put yourself in these huge popcorn movies you get out there, in the public arena, more than...Show more »

When you put yourself in these huge popcorn movies you get out there, in the public arena, more than anyone else. But that also means that you're out there to be criticised more than anyone else. With Keira Knightley, she's brave to do her play. Because, for some reason, if you're successful in Britain, people tend not to like you. But if you're a successful woman, and beautiful, in Britain, you're even more disliked. Show less «

[on her skincare routine] I really have to make myself take off my make-up. I really hate doing that...Show more »

[on her skincare routine] I really have to make myself take off my make-up. I really hate doing that, and brushing my teeth! At the end of the day, when you decide you're ready to go to bed, it's yet another thing to do... Show less «

The minute anyone says, 'Oh my God! You're so amazing!' I just have to go, 'Shut up! Please!' I am n...Show more »

The minute anyone says, 'Oh my God! You're so amazing!' I just have to go, 'Shut up! Please!' I am normal. I have just one rule - don't believe the hype! Show less «

Sometimes it's hard to make action and adventure movies real, because obviously you have limitations...Show more »

Sometimes it's hard to make action and adventure movies real, because obviously you have limitations with the writing. In Clash of the Titans (2010), I have this line: "I imagine you are sympathetic to this plight." I walked around [on set] going: "Are *you* sympathetic to the plight...?" [laughs] You have to work yourself up to it, a bit like Shakespeare - you really have to *believe* your character says that. In The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009) I'm shouting, "F*** off, you c***!" a lot. It was nice. I can imagine myself saying that more! Show less «

[on pressure from studio executives on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)] They sent me to a...Show more »

[on pressure from studio executives on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)] They sent me to a personal trainer, wanted to get my teeth done, hair extensions, make me look like somebody else. And that's fine I had the tan, I had the hair, I went to the gym. I became the thing they wanted me to be for the part. But I don't agree with what they think is beautiful because it's not me. Unless you're really famous and successful then they're going to bully you into going to the gym. It's a side of the industry that I find uncomfortable. Show less «

Actors are so bloody annoying! We are the most erratic self-centered people and I am amazed how two ...Show more »

Actors are so bloody annoying! We are the most erratic self-centered people and I am amazed how two actors can live together. It is hard enough when there is just one! Show less «

I'd really like the type of career Rachel Weisz has. I have a lot of respect for her: brilliant, int...Show more »

I'd really like the type of career Rachel Weisz has. I have a lot of respect for her: brilliant, intelligent, a witty sort of woman... You know, she'll do a rom-com - not that I ever want to do a rom-com - but then she'll go off and do The Constant Gardener (2005), have a family, and live a quite normal life, it seems. I respect that. Show less «

[on the set of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)]: When [director Mike Newell] first met me...Show more »

[on the set of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)]: When [director Mike Newell] first met me for the film he said, 'Oh dear. Can't you do posh?' I thought, 'I can't believe he's asked me that!' So I said (firmly, through gritted teeth), 'Of course I can, I went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic F***ing Art!' Show less «

On one of the [2009] movies, I'd just done this big comedy scene, and all they said was, 'You need t...Show more »

On one of the [2009] movies, I'd just done this big comedy scene, and all they said was, 'You need to work on your arms!' Hey, when you've had 12 fingers, everything else looks OK from here. And I said, 'But what about the acting?' And they said, 'Don't worry about the acting, worry about your arms!' I just wanted to say, 'Screw you all! I'd rather do a play!' Show less «

Gemma Arterton

Gemma Arterton's FILMOGRAPHY

Gemma Arterton'S roles

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