Jeremy Northam was born in Cambridge, England to parents John and Rachel, both professors at Cambridge University. John is best known for his translations of Ibsen. The family moved to Bristol in 1972. Jeremy attended London University, where he majored in English. He received his professional training at the Old Vic Theatre School, then worked his way through regional theater to the London stage. Northam was the recipient of the prestigious Olivier Award - the British equivalent of the Tony - for outstanding newcomer, for his 1990 performance as Edward Voysey, the moral pivot of the Royal National Theatre revival of the 1905 play "The Voysey Inheritance." In 1994 he hit the American Film Arena in his Portrayal of Jack Devlin in the thriller The Net with Sandra Bullock. More recently he gave an acclaimed performance in Enigma opposite Kate Winslet; and in Gosford Park with his portrayal of Ivor Novello.


While playing the small role of Osric and understudying the title role in a 1989 production of "Hamlet," Jeremy replaced star Daniel Day-Lewis when the actor had a total breakdown in mid-performance. He has two older brothers, Christopher and Tim, and an older sister, Kate. Through them he has 10 nieces and nephews, plus some great nieces and nephews.