Why He's No. 104

Already a sensation in the UK, he won international renown in the sleeper hit Croupier, then as the deranged professor who tried to whack Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity. After donning the crown in King Arthur, he got nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Closer, and brought justice to the apocalypse in Sin City.

Back Stage

He took on the role of Larry in Closer (2004), which landed him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Oscar nod in the same category. He actually portrayed obit writer Dan in the London stage production of the same name.

With fame and renown solidly built, Owen starred in the movie event of 2005, the raucous, wildly original screen adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel Sin City. Clive plays hardened photographer Dwight, one of the few good guys in a corrupt town.

With this star-power clout, Owen is a modern favorite that men aspire to and women desire, and his movie roles will only get bigger, as can be seen in 2005's Derailed and 2006's The Poseidon Adventure. Seems like he doesn't need to play James Bond at all; Clive reportedly turned down the coveted role, opting instead to diversify his portfolio.

Forcaste

He's badass, he's charming, he's an incredible actor. Clive Owen looks like he stepped right out of an East End dagger fight onto the film studio, bringing a fresh stack of authentic steely attitude to the screen. We are hip to the coolest British export since the Jaguar.