Cary Elwes Bio, Career, Movies, Age, Wife, Net Worth and More

Cary Elwes born Ivan Simon Cary Elwes, is a British actor whose charm, versatility, and enduring presence in film and television have earned him fans worldwide

From swashbuckling heroes to dark thrillers, Elwes has shown he can do it all. Best known for his iconic role as Westley in the 1987 classic The Princess Bride, he has built a decades-long career across genres, mediums, and continents.

In this article, we explore his origins, rise to fame, career highlights, personal life, and ongoing legacy. We also present helpful statistics, a FAQ section, and reliable sources.

Also Read: Randy Havens Bio, Film Career, TV Roles, Facts and More

Cary Elwes’ Biography

Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Ivan Simon Cary Elwes¹

• Date of Birth: 26 October 1962

• Place of Birth: Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom

• Parents: Father: Dominick Elwes (portrait painter); Mother: Tessa Kennedy (interior designer and socialite).

• Siblings: He is the youngest of three sons. His brothers include Cassian Elwes (film producer) and Damian Elwes (artist).

His family background is deeply rooted in art and culture: his paternal grandfather was portrait painter Simon Elwes and his paternal great-grandfather was the diplomat/tenor Gervase Elwes.

Growing up surrounded by arts and culture had a strong influence on his sensibilities. He later moved to the United States for college, attending Sarah Lawrence College and also studied at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).²

The legendary Gene Hackman has passed away. A man whose breath of talent will forever be immeasurable. A true force of nature like no other. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans all over the world. Rest in absolute power, Gene. 💔🙏 #genehackman pic.twitter.com/mXpJvoNYHG

— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) February 27, 2025

Career Beginnings (1980s)

Elwes began his acting journey in the 1980s. His early roles include:

• In 1984, he appeared in the film Another Country as James Harcourt.

• He also appeared in the same year in Oxford Blues.

• In 1986, he featured in Lady Jane as Guilford Dudley.

But the role that truly put him on the map arrived shortly thereafter.

Breakout and Stardom: The Princess Bride and Beyond

The Princess Bride (1987)

In 1987, Elwes was cast as Westley / The Dread Pirate Roberts in the fantasy-comedy film The Princess Bride.

Although the film’s box office earnings were modest (budget: US$16 million; gross: ~US$30.9 million), it gained enormous critical acclaim and later cult-classic status after home-video and television release.

Over time, fans have come to adore it and Elwes’s portrayal remains definitive.

That role defined Elwes for many, showcasing his capacity for romance, swordplay, heroism and his signature charm.

Diversifying Roles (Late ’80s – Early ’90s)

After The Princess Bride, Elwes avoided being pigeon-holed and began exploring varied roles:

• In 1989, he appeared in Glory a serious war drama, playing Major Cabot Forbes.

• In 1990, he entered mainstream Hollywood with Days of Thunder as Russ Wheeler.

• In 1991, he dove into comedy with Hot Shots!, a spoof where he played Lieutenant Kent Gregory.

• In 1992, he featured in Bram Stoker’s Dracula as Lord Arthur Holmwood a more gothic, dramatic turn.

By showing range from hero to villain, from romance to horror Elwes demonstrated that he was more than just the handsome guy in tights.

Peak Career: Mid-1990s to 2000s

Comedy, Parody and Cult Classics

One of his most memorable roles during this period was in the parody film Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), where he played the title character. This cemented his status as a versatile actor capable of comedy, satire and swordplay.

He also starred in the 1993 thriller The Crush as Nick Eliot.

In 1996, Elwes was in the blockbuster storm-chaser film Twister, playing Dr. Jonas Miller.

1997 saw him in popular films like Kiss the Girls and Liar, Liar showing his willingness to take supporting yet high-profile roles.

Transition to Mature Roles and Horror

As the years progressed, Elwes adapted to changing trends. In 2004 he starred in the horror-thriller Saw as Dr. Lawrence Gordon. The film was produced on a modest budget (just over US$1 million) but grossed over US$100 million worldwide.

This move into horror marked a reinvention of sorts showing that Elwes was not afraid to step outside the light-hearted, romantic hero mold. Over time, his filmography grew even more varied, including television, indie films, and genre fare.

Later Career (2010s – Present)

Elwes has continued to stay active and relevant even decades into his career. Some of his more recent and notable works include:

• Several sequels and appearances in the Saw franchise.³

• Roles in films and series across genres from drama to action to indie projects.

• Participation in newer films like Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023).

• Continuous collaborations and explorations in film, television, and even voice roles.

Despite being active for over four decades from 1979 to present Elwes remains a working, adaptable actor, embracing evolving genres and new audiences.

Personal Life

• Elwes met photographer Lisa Marie Kurbikoff in 1991 at a chili cook-off in Malibu, California.⁴

• They became engaged in December 1997 (in Paris) and got married in 2000.

• The couple have one daughter, Dominique Elwes, born in 2007.

Elwes is also known for his charitable work. He has served as an ambassador for the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund through UNICEF.

Also Read: Rob Morgan Bio, Career, Movies, TV Roles and Success Story

Key Stats & Facts

Cary Elwes’ Legacy and Impact

There are several reasons why Cary Elwes continues to resonate with audiences, even decades after his debut:

1. Versatility — From romantic fantasy to horror, comedy to drama, Elwes has done a wide variety of roles.

2. Longevity — Very few actors maintain relevance across decades. Elwes continues to act in films and series and adapt to changing trends.

3. Cult Status — His roles in The Princess Bride and Robin Hood: Men in Tights remain beloved. For many fans, he is the definitive Westley or Robin Hood.

4. Human Side — With his charitable work, steady family life, and warm persona, Elwes shows what it means to stay grounded despite fame.

5. Inspiration — For new actors and fans, his story shows how training, persistence, and willingness to take risks can sustain a long, fruitful career.

Career Highlights

Below is a (non-exhaustive) list of key movies and roles in Cary Elwes’s career. It captures the breadth of genres and highlights of his work.

• Another Country (1984) — James Harcourt

• The Princess Bride (1987) — Westley / The Dread Pirate Roberts

• Glory (1989) — Major Cabot Forbes

• Days of Thunder (1990) — Russ Wheeler

• Hot Shots! (1991) — Lieutenant Kent Gregory

• Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) — Lord Arthur Holmwood

• Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) — Robin Hood

• The Crush (1993) — Nick Eliot

• Twister (1996) — Dr. Jonas Miller

• Kiss the Girls (1997) — Detective Nick Ruskin

• Liar Liar (1997) — Jerry

• Saw (2004) — Dr. Lawrence Gordon

• More recent titles include Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) among others.

This list underscores how Elwes has navigated the changing tides of cinema, embracing roles that let him evolve rather than remain static.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cary Elwes (@caryelwes)

FAQ’s

Q: What is Cary Elwes’s real name?

A: His birth name is Ivan Simon Cary Elwes.

Q: When and where was he born?

A: He was born on October 26, 1962, in Westminster, London, England.

Q: Which role made him famous?

A: His breakout role was as Westley / The Dread Pirate Roberts in The Princess Bride (1987). That film remains one of his most beloved and iconic.

Q: Is Cary Elwes still active in acting?

A: Yes. His career spans from 1979 to present, and he continues to act in films and TV. For example, he appeared in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023).

Q: Is he married? Does he have children?

A: Yes. He married photographer Lisa Marie Kurbikoff in 2000. They have a daughter, Dominique Elwes, born in 2007.

Q: Has he worked outside of acting (like producing or charity work)?

A: Yes. He has worked as a producer and writer, and he has also served as an ambassador for the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund under UNICEF.

Q: What kinds of roles has he played, is he typecast?

A: Not at all. Over his career he has played romantic leads, comedic roles, dramatic parts, villains, supporting roles, and horror characters. His filmography covers a wide variety of genres.

Q: Does he still get fan love / cult status?

A: Absolutely. His performances in The Princess Bride and Robin Hood: Men in Tights in particular continue to endear him to fans. His name regularly appears among “favorite actors” in fan communities. For many, his charisma, charm, and nostalgia factor keep his popularity alive.

Conclusion

Cary Elwes is not just “that actor from The Princess Bride.” He is a veteran performer whose career spans over four decades. From romantic heroism to gothic horror, from comedy to serious drama, from leading man to valued supporting actor he has done it all.

Behind the charm and the roles lies an actor who values art, family, and giving back. As long as he continues to act, write, or contribute, Cary Elwes will remain a name that resonates across generations.

Whether you first fell in love with him in The Princess Bride, or discovered him later in one of his many films, his versatility and longevity make him a rare gem in Hollywood.

Also Read: Francesca Reale Bio, Breakthrough Roles, Success Story and More

1. en.wikipedia.org
2. tvguide
3. fandango
4. thefamouspeople