Clive Owen: Acting is all about rhythm and timing

Even before he graduated from secondary school, Clive Owen knew what he wanted to do with his life.

"I was 13 years old and performed in a play at school, and from that time I was absolutely clear that acting was what I wanted to do," recalls the British-born theatre, television and film star. "I feel very lucky to have known from such a young age. Lots of people struggle to find their vocation in life."

After graduating from drama school, Owen appeared in a number of British television programmes and minor films before making his big Hollywood debut in 1996's The Rich Man's Wife with Halle Berry.

He went on to star in Patrick Marber's play and film Closer (the latter of which earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in 2005); popular hits such as Gosford Park, Sin City and Inside Man; and the critically acclaimed Children of Men as a former political activist out to save humanity.

"Acting is all about rhythm and timing, both in the doing of it and also throughout a career," Owen says. "Every actor will tell you that getting breaks at the right time is hugely important. For me, getting a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art when I was 19 was a huge opportunity and getting certain film roles at certain times really helped my career."

Having played everything from an aspiring writer-turned-croupier to King Arthur, Ernest Hemingway and a chauffeur to the stars for a series of short films for BMW, Owen is not one to be typecast.