25 Years Later: What The Actors In Notting Hill Are Doing Now (2025 Updates)
Contents
The Star-Studded Cast of Notting Hill: A Full Biography and Current Status
The film’s success was due in large part to its perfectly assembled cast, blending A-list Hollywood royalty with the best of British character acting. Here is a look at the core ensemble, their roles in the film, and their most significant updates.- Julia Roberts (Anna Scott): The American movie star who falls for William.
- Hugh Grant (William Thacker): The awkward, charming owner of The Travel Bookshop.
- Rhys Ifans (Spike): William’s eccentric, slovenly Welsh flatmate.
- Emma Chambers (Honey Thacker): William’s sweet, quirky sister.
- Hugh Bonneville (Bernie): The kind but forgettable friend at the dinner party.
- Tim McInnerny (Max): William’s supportive, cynical best friend.
- Gina McKee (Bella): Max’s wife, who is in a wheelchair.
- James Dreyfus (Martin): William’s bookshop assistant.
Julia Roberts (Anna Scott): Embracing the Psychological Thriller
Julia Roberts, who played the globally famous Anna Scott, has continued her reign as a Hollywood icon, but her recent work has seen a distinct shift towards darker, more complex roles. Her career post-*Notting Hill* includes an Oscar win for *Erin Brockovich* and acclaimed performances in *Ocean's Eleven* and *August: Osage County*. Her current focus is on high-profile, provocative thrillers. Her next major project is the 2025 psychological thriller, *After the Hunt*. Directed by Luca Guadagnino (known for *Challengers*), the film will star Roberts as a college professor grappling with a difficult reckoning. Additionally, she is reportedly involved in an adaptation of the murder mystery novel *Kill Your Darlings*, signaling a continued interest in the genre. These roles show Roberts moving away from traditional rom-coms and into the realm of prestige dramatic and suspenseful cinema.Hugh Grant (William Thacker): The Villainous Resurgence
Hugh Grant, whose portrayal of the floppy-haired, stammering William Thacker defined the modern British leading man, has undergone a dramatic and highly successful career renaissance. Grant has shed his romantic comedy persona to take on a series of critically acclaimed, often villainous, or morally ambiguous roles. His most recent and notable projects include a significant role in the 2024 horror film *Heretic*, which is set for release in December 2024. The film, an A24 production, is a psychological tale that sees Grant diving headfirst into the horror genre, a stark contrast to his *Notting Hill* days. This follows a string of successful performances in projects like *Wonka*, *Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves*, and the HBO series *The Undoing*, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most versatile and in-demand character actors.The Supporting Cast: From Slacker to Fantasy Royalty
The friends who rallied around William, including the hilarious Spike, the sweet Honey, and the supportive Max and Bella, provided the film's heartwarming foundation. Their post-*Notting Hill* careers have been equally diverse, with some experiencing major international success and others focusing on the British stage and screen.Rhys Ifans (Spike): The King’s Hand
The Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, who played the unforgettable, pants-less flatmate Spike, has achieved global recognition by joining one of the biggest fantasy franchises in television history. Ifans currently stars as Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, in the critically acclaimed HBO series *House of the Dragon*, the prequel to *Game of Thrones*. This high-profile role has introduced him to a new generation of fans. Beyond Westeros, Ifans has several major film projects on the horizon, including a role in the 2024 Marvel film *Venom: The Last Dance* and the upcoming 2025 spy thriller *Inheritance*. His trajectory from the messy shared flat in Notting Hill to a powerful political player in a fantasy kingdom is one of the most remarkable career changes from the cast.Hugh Bonneville (Bernie): The Crawley Patriarch Returns
Hugh Bonneville, who played the endearing but slightly forgettable friend Bernie, has become one of the most recognizable faces in British television and film. His career is intrinsically linked to his role as Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, in the global phenomenon *Downton Abbey*. Fans of the period drama can rejoice, as Bonneville is set to reprise his role for the highly anticipated *Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale* film, which is expected to be released in 2025. In addition to his screen work, Bonneville remains active on the stage, recently starring in a revival of *Vanya* and preparing for a return to the West End in the play *Shadowlands*.A Tragic Loss: Emma Chambers (Honey Thacker)
The cast of *Notting Hill* suffered a heartbreaking loss with the passing of Emma Chambers, who played William’s charming and quirky sister, Honey. Chambers died in February 2018 at the age of 53 from natural causes, which was suspected to be a heart attack. Chambers was also beloved for her role as Alice Tinker in the long-running BBC comedy *The Vicar of Dibley*. Her performance in *Notting Hill* as the sweet, slightly clumsy, and ultimately loving sister remains a cherished element of the film, and she is greatly missed by fans and co-stars alike.Where Are the Rest of William’s Inner Circle Now?
The tight-knit group of friends who gathered for Max and Bella's dinner party were essential to the film's success. Their careers continue across various mediums, from indie films to major stage productions.Tim McInnerny (Max): The Versatile Character Actor
Tim McInnerny, who played the supportive best friend Max, continues to be a fixture in British cinema and television, known for his versatility in both period dramas and contemporary thrillers. Most recently, McInnerny appeared in the 2024 film *The End*, a dark comedy starring Tilda Swinton. He has also been active in theater, taking on a guest detective role in the London stage production *Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] 3*. His career is a masterclass in character acting, having also appeared in the BBC thriller *The Serpent* and the historical drama *The Trial of Christine Keeler*.Gina McKee (Bella): The Stage and Period Drama Veteran
Gina McKee, who delivered a powerful performance as the wheelchair-using Bella, Max's wife, has maintained a prolific career across television, film, and theater. Her work often focuses on nuanced, dramatic roles. McKee recently starred in the acclaimed stage play *The Years* at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London. On the television front, she is slated to appear in a brand-new adaptation of *The Forsytes* for PBS Masterpiece, a major period drama commission. Her continued presence in high-quality British productions, including *Phantom Thread*, showcases her enduring talent and commitment to complex storytelling.James Dreyfus (Martin): The Comedic Stage Presence
James Dreyfus, who played the sardonic and often hilarious bookshop assistant Martin, has a long history in British comedy, notably in the sitcoms *The Thin Blue Line* and *Gimme Gimme Gimme*. While specific 2024/2025 film projects are not widely publicized, Dreyfus remains an active figure in the theatre world. His recent stage work includes a role in the play *By Royal Appointment*, demonstrating his continued dedication to live performance and comedic roles. The cast of *Notting Hill* has clearly not slowed down, with their current projects spanning major Hollywood thrillers, international fantasy epics, and beloved British period dramas. From the red carpet to the West End stage, the stars of this quintessential romantic comedy continue to define modern entertainment.Detail Author:
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