Toby Stephens began his acting career while a stagehand at the Chichester Festival Theatre, in end-of-season productions mounted by the crew. In his brief professional career, he has already won the Sir John Gielgud prize for Best Actor and the Ian Charleson Award for his performance in the title role of "Coriolanus" at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1994. His other work at the RSC includes "Measure for Measure," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Antony and Cleopatra," "Wallenstein," "All's Well That Ends Well" and "Unfinished Business." Stephens also starred in Peter Hall's production of "Tartuffe" at the Aldwych Theatre and has just finished filming The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. His television appearances include "A View from the Bridge" and "The Camomile Lawn." He made his screen debut in Sally Potter's Orlando.

Son of the late Sir Robert Stephens and Dame Maggie Smith

Stepson of Patricia Quinn.

Brother of Chris Larkin

Attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

In 1999, appeared on Broadway in "Ring Round the Moon".

Has the uncanny ability to master the American accent which, along with his smile and look, helped set him apart from the other actors reading for the part of Jay Gatsby and ultimately helped him land the role (a role he said he had the most fun playing and would do the part again in a heartbeat).

Was considered for the role of "Robin" in Batman Forever (1995).

Has turned down Hollywood many times; he concentrates mainly on theater.

After his parents' divorce when he was four years old, Stephens and his brother (actor Chris Larkin) grew up traveling back and forth across the Atlantic with their mother for her numerous acting engagements.

Stepbrother of Quinn Hawkins.

Toby and his wife welcomed their first child in May 2007. A son named Eli Alistair Stephens.