James McAvoy
Actor, producer
Born
April 21, 1979
Birthplace
Glasgow, Scotland
Nationality
Scottish
Net Worth
$50 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Atonement; X-Men franchise; Split; His Dark Materials
James McAvoy Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | James Andrew McAvoy |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1979 |
| Age | 47 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 1995-present |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Lisa Liberati (2022-present); previously married to Anne-Marie Duff (2006-2016) |
| Children | 1 son |
| Net Worth | ~$50 million |
| Known For | Atonement, X-Men: First Class, Split, His Dark Materials |
Early Life & Background
McAvoy was raised in Drumchapel, Glasgow, largely by his grandparents after his parents separated. He attended Cardinal Newman High School and joined the PACE Youth Theatre. Director David Hayman noticed him at age 16, casting him in The Near Room (1995). McAvoy later studied acting at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).
Career Journey
Early Career
McAvoy gained attention in British TV series Shameless and the sci-fi show Children of Dune. Joe Wright's Atonement (2007) earned him BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, solidifying him as a leading man.
Superhero & Thriller Roles
He portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in Fox's X-Men prequels (2011-2019). McAvoy also delivered acclaimed performances in The Last King of Scotland, Wanted, Filth, and M. Night Shyamalan's Split trilogy (Split, Glass), showcasing his range across genres.
Stage & Recent Projects
McAvoy frequently returns to theater, starring in West End productions of Macbeth, Three Days of Rain, and the 2022 Olivier-nominated Cyrano de Bergerac. He voiced Lord Asriel in HBO/BBC series His Dark Materials. Upcoming 2026 projects include starring in Netflix spy series Operation Winterlight and producing a Scottish crime drama through his company, Meanwhile Productions.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Atonement | Robbie Turner | BAFTA nominee |
| 2011 | X-Men: First Class | Charles Xavier | Franchise reboot |
| 2013 | Filth | Bruce Robertson | Won British Independent Film Award |
| 2016 | Split | Kevin Wendell Crumb | Multiple personalities |
| 2017 | Atomic Blonde | David Percival | Spy thriller |
| 2019 | Glass | Kevin Wendell Crumb | Trilogy finale |
| 2020 | His Dark Materials (TV) | Lord Asriel | BBC/HBO series |
| 2026 | Operation Winterlight (TV) | Lead role | In production |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | BAFTA Scotland | Best Actor | The Last King of Scotland | Won |
| 2008 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Drama | Atonement | Nominated |
| 2014 | British Independent Film Awards | Best Actor | Filth | Won |
| 2020 | Olivier Awards | Best Actor | Cyrano de Bergerac | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$50 million (2026)
McAvoy earns from franchise films, prestige TV, stage work, and voice acting for video games and audiobooks. He invests in Scottish theater companies, indie film funds, and mental-health charities.
Personal Life
McAvoy co-parents his son with ex-wife Anne-Marie Duff. He splits time between London and Glasgow with wife Lisa Liberati. Known for humility and humor, he enjoys football (Celtic FC), cooking, and supporting young Scottish actors.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He supports Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People, the British Red Cross, and the #MakeThatCall mental-health campaign launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. McAvoy donated to PPE funds and funds scholarships at his alma mater.
Social Media Presence
McAvoy keeps a limited digital footprint, occasionally appearing on Instagram Lives hosted by charities or @xmenmovies. Most updates come through interviews or theater press releases.
Lesser-Known Facts
- McAvoy considered joining the Royal Navy before acting opportunities emerged.
- He is fluent in Scots Gaelic phrases learned from his grandparents.
- McAvoy performed all 23 personalities himself in Split, devising distinct postures for each.
- He narrated the audiobook for Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
McAvoy is filming Netflix's Operation Winterlight in Prague and will reprise his Olivier-nominated role in a Broadway transfer of Cyrano de Bergerac in late 2026. Meanwhile Productions is developing a docuseries about Scottish youth theaters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is James McAvoy?
James McAvoy is a Scottish actor known for Atonement, playing Professor X in the X-Men prequels, and starring in M. Night Shyamalan's thrillers.
What is James McAvoy most famous for?
He is most famous for Atonement, Split, and his portrayal of Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class and its sequels.
Is James McAvoy active on social media?
He maintains a low-key presence, occasionally participating in charity streams, but does not regularly use personal social media accounts.