When you picture the quintessential American actor, a few familiar faces might pop into your mind. Yet, some of Hollywood's brightest stars have been fooling audiences with their spot-on American accents and portrayals of true-blue American characters. These celebrities are so ingrained in American pop culture that no one stops to question their origins.
Meet Charlie Hunnam, born Charles Matthew Hunnam on April 10, 1980, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Known for his roles in "Sons of Anarchy," "Pacific Rim," and "The Lost City of Z," Charlie has mastered the art of playing the rugged, down-home American. You might be surprised to learn he hails from Newcastle. It was after his role in "Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?" that he moved to the U.S., but it was his performance in "Green Street Hooligans" that caught the eye of "Sons of Anarchy" creator Kurt Sutter. From 2008 to 2014, he brought to life Jackson "Jax" Teller, leader of a California motorcycle club, making us all believe he was a native Californian.
Ryan Gosling, Hollywood's swoon-worthy leading man, actually hails from north of the border in Canada. He proudly shared with CBC News, “I think it was very helpful to grow up in Canada, or in a small town.” Known for his roles in "The Notebook," "Blue Valentine," and "Crazy, Stupid, Love," Gosling is such a familiar face in America that many forget he's not from the U.S. Born in London, Ontario, Ryan moved around Ontario before briefly living with Justin Timberlake during his "Mouseketeer" days. His portrayals of romantic leads in American settings have convinced everyone he's just the boy-next-door from any American suburb.
Who could've guessed that the all-American hero Jack Bauer was actually British-Canadian? Kiefer Sutherland, born in Paddington, London, has fooled many with his American accent in shows like "24" and films such as "A Few Good Men." Though he eventually moved to Canada, he made his way to sunny California to jump-start his Hollywood career. It's his captivating performances as American patriots that have solidified his place in the world of American action entertainment.
These stars have seamlessly integrated into American entertainment culture, showcasing their ability to perfectly capture American characters. Their diverse backgrounds not only highlight their exceptional acting skills but also enrich Hollywood storytelling with international perspectives, often without audiences even realizing it.