January 28, 2023, marks the 210th anniversary of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” published in 1813. To celebrate, let’s honor Mr. Darcy and the actors who’ve portrayed him over the years.
Mr. Darcy’s Age
In “Pride and Prejudice,” Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pemberley, Derbyshire, is 28 years old. However, in 2023, he turns 210 years old in terms of book years.
Actors Who Played Mr. Darcy
Over the past century, several actors have taken on the role of Mr. Darcy, the aloof but endearing romantic hero of “Pride and Prejudice.” Playing opposite the sharp-witted Elizabeth Bennet is no small feat, but these actors have managed to capture Jane Austen’s iconic character perfectly.
Top Mr. Darcy Actors, Ranked (With Fun Facts)
1. Colin Firth in “Pride and Prejudice” (1995)
Colin Firth is often seen as the quintessential Mr. Darcy. Interestingly, his aunt wasn’t keen on him taking the role because it might taint her image of the character. Despite this, Firth’s portrayal is widely loved.
2. Matthew Macfadyen in “Pride and Prejudice” (2005)
Matthew Macfadyen brought a unique take to Mr. Darcy, mainly because he avoided watching Firth’s version. His chemistry with Keira Knightley added depth to his character.
3. Sir Laurence Olivier in “Pride and Prejudice” (1940)
This adaptation made bold choices in setting and style, including Victorian costumes. Initially, the role was intended for Clark Gable, but after he declined, Olivier stepped in. His performance influenced future portrayals of Mr. Darcy.
4. David Rintoul in “Pride and Prejudice” (1980)
The only Scottish actor on the list, Rintoul delivered a very faithful and somewhat stiff portrayal of Mr. Darcy, which has its own fans.
5. Colin Firth in “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001)
Helen Fielding created Mark Darcy with Colin Firth in mind, resulting in a fun, self-referential performance. Firth reprised shades of Mr. Darcy four times in different projects.
6. Matthew Rhys in “Death Comes to Pemberley” (2013)
Rhys took inspiration from Colin Firth’s portrayal to prepare for his role in this continuation of the story and was successful in capturing the essence of Mr. Darcy.
7. Elliot Cowan in “Lost in Austen” (2008)
For those dreaming of marrying their own Mr. Darcy, Cowan’s performance in “Lost in Austen” hits the mark. He even recreated the famous lake scene from the Firth adaptation.
8. Daniel Vincent Gordh in “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” (2012)
Appearing in only 12 episodes of the web series, Gordh’s modern take on Mr. Darcy left a significant impression and earned him a Streamy Award nomination for Best Actor.
9. Martin Henderson in “Bride & Prejudice” (2004)
Henderson prepared by studying the original novel and the BBC series to balance eastern and western styles in this fresh adaptation.
10. Sam Riley in “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” (2016)
Riley’s mother, a huge fan of the original book, was thrilled when he got the role. His performance combined elements of Colin Firth’s depiction and other iconic characters.
Conclusion
Whoever your favorite Mr. Darcy might be, let’s celebrate all that makes Fitzwilliam Darcy a timeless character. Remember that first impressions aren’t everything, and you might find a new favorite portrayal to enjoy. Who is your favorite Mr. Darcy actor? Join the discussion in the comments!
