Dave Benett
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gettyimages.comLee Pace: From 'Soldier's Girl' to 'The Hobbit' and 'Foundation'
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Lee Pace is an American actor known for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Born in Oklahoma and raised partly in Houston, Texas, Pace gained recognition for his breakout role in the 2003 film "Soldier's Girl" and has since starred in notable productions such as "The Hobbit" trilogy, "Guardians of the Galaxy," and the Apple TV+ series "Foundation."
Lee Pace's Early Life and Education
en.wikipedia.org
Lee Pace was born on March 25, 1979, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Charlotte, a schoolteacher, and James, an engineer
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. As a child, Pace spent several years in Saudi Arabia due to his father's work in the oil industry before the family settled in Houston, Texas1
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. He attended Klein High School in Spring, Texas, where he began his acting career, briefly dropping out to perform at Houston's Alley Theatre3
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In 1997, Pace was accepted into the Juilliard School's Drama Division1
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. During his time at Juilliard, he honed his craft by performing in various productions, including "Romeo and Juliet," "Richard III," and "Julius Caesar"1
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. Pace graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2001, setting the stage for his future success in the entertainment industry1
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Pace's Breakthrough Role in Soldier's Girl
Jessica Silverstein
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gettyimages.comLee Pace's breakthrough role came in the 2003 Showtime film "Soldier's Girl," where he portrayed Calpernia Addams, a transgender woman who falls in love with a U.S. Army soldier. The film, based on a true story, required Pace to undergo a significant physical transformation, including wearing prosthetic breasts and hips
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. His performance was widely acclaimed, earning him nominations for a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award, as well as winning a Gotham Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance2
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Pace's portrayal of Calpernia Addams was particularly noteworthy for its sensitivity and depth. He worked closely with the real Calpernia Addams throughout the shoot to ensure an authentic representation1
. The role challenged Pace both physically and emotionally, as he had to navigate the complexities of portraying a transgender character at a time when such representations were rare in mainstream media3
. This performance established Pace as a versatile actor capable of tackling complex and challenging roles, setting the stage for his future success in the entertainment industry.3 sources
Lee Pace (Photos)
Dave Benett
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gettyimages.comMike Marsland
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gettyimages.comimdb.com
Lee Pace's Film and TV Highlights
Lee Pace's filmography showcases his versatility as an actor across various genres and mediums. Here's a selection of his notable film and television roles:
Pace's diverse roles range from fantasy epics to critically acclaimed television series. His portrayal of Ned in "Pushing Daisies" earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2003 | Soldier's Girl | Calpernia Addams |
2006 | The Fall | Roy Walker / The Masked Bandit |
2008 | Pushing Daisies | Ned |
2012-2014 | The Hobbit Trilogy | Thranduil |
2014 | Guardians of the Galaxy | Ronan the Accuser |
2014-2017 | Halt and Catch Fire | Joe MacMillan |
2019 | Captain Marvel | Ronan the Accuser |
2021-present | Foundation | Brother Day |
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. In film, he's known for his performances in blockbuster franchises like The Hobbit and the Marvel Cinematic Universe2
. More recently, Pace has taken on the role of Brother Day in the Apple TV+ series "Foundation," based on Isaac Asimov's science fiction novels3
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Lee Pace's Awards and Honors
imdb.com
Lee Pace's stage career has been marked by critically acclaimed performances and notable accolades. After graduating from Juilliard, he made his Off-Broadway debut in "The Credeaux Canvas" and appeared in "The Fourth Sister" at the Vineyard Theatre
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. In 2004, Pace starred in the Off-Broadway production "Small Tragedy," winning an Obie Award for his performance and earning a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Actor2
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Pace's stage repertoire expanded with his role in the two-character play "Guardians" in 2006, which garnered him another Lucille Lortel Award nomination2
. He made his Broadway debut in 2011, portraying Bruce Niles in Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart"3
. In 2018, Pace took on the role of Joe Pitt in the Broadway revival of "Angels in America," further solidifying his reputation as a versatile stage actor1
. These performances showcase Pace's range and his ability to tackle complex characters in both contemporary and classic theatrical productions.3 sources
Lee Pace Interviews (Videos)
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Lee's Personal Life and Relationships
eonline.com
Lee Pace's personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly regarding his sexuality and relationships. In 2018, Pace publicly came out as a member of the queer community, acknowledging that he has dated both men and women
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. He emphasized the importance of living authentically and embracing one's identity proudly2
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In August 2022, Pace revealed that he had married Matthew Foley, an executive at fashion label Thom Browne2
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. The couple was introduced by a mutual friend a few years prior to their marriage3
. Pace has described their relationship as an "endless sleepover with your weirdest friend," highlighting the joy of finding someone with whom he can be his true self2
. Recently, there have been reports suggesting that Pace and Foley have become parents, though the actor has chosen to maintain privacy regarding this aspect of his life4
.4 sources
Related
How did Lee Pace and Matthew Foley meet
What are some of Lee Pace's favorite activities to do with his husband
How has Lee Pace's marriage influenced his career
What does Lee Pace value most in his relationship with Matthew Foley
How did Lee Pace's early life shape his personal beliefs and values
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