Actor and film director Kenneth Branagh was born on December 10, 1960, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. After graduating with honors from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1984. He quickly demonstrated his talent as an actor, appearing in "Henry V" at the young age of 23, the youngest in the company's history. In 1988, under the patronage of Prince Charles, he founded the Renaissance Theatre Company with his colleagues. He starred in numerous plays, including "Hamlet" and "King Lear," further increasing his popularity as a Shakespearean actor. Meanwhile, after making his film debut in "High Season" in 1987, Kenneth became interested in film production. This led to the release of "Henry V" in 1989. Kenneth wrote, directed, and starred in this film, achieving the remarkable feat of being nominated for Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Actor. He then became involved in films as both a director and an actor, and his 1996 film "Hamlet" was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards for his role in "My Week with Marilyn," released in 2011.

In recognition of these achievements, he was knighted by the British Royal Family in 2012. As an actor, he is also known for playing the role of teacher Gilderoy Lockhart in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," released in 2002. He is currently directing Disney's live-action film "Cinderella," scheduled for release in March 2015.