Biography
A English actor noted for his aptitude with distinguished and erudite characterizations, Jonathan Aris first bowed onscreen in his native Britain during the mid-'90s, but caught the attention of American audiences uncharacteristically, with his supporting turn opposite heavyweights
Bruce Willis and
Richard Gere in the action thriller
The Jackal (1997) -- a remake of
Fred Zinnemann's epic political thriller
The Day of the Jackal (1973). He returned to the U.K. for a supporting contribution to
Philip Saville's bittersweet comedy drama
Metroland (1997), then teamed up with the eminent
Mike Leigh for a small role in the Gilbert & Sullivan biopic
Topsy-Turvy (1999). Thereafter, Aris placed a particularly strong emphasis on British television work. Projects in this arena included the outings Horatio Hornblower: The Fire Ships (1998, in a bit role), an episode of the mystery series
Poirot (2000), the Beethoven biopic
Eroica (2003), and a portrayal of the Marquis of Worcester in the telemovie Beau Brummell: The Charming Man (2007). Also in 2007, Aris starred alongside
Michael Caine and
Demi Moore in the caper film
Flawless. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide