Timothée Chalamet graces the big screen once again, this time portraying a young Bob Dylan in the much-anticipated biopic directed by James Mangold, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker.
Today (January 17), UK cinemas welcome A Complete Unknown, showcasing Chalamet as a 19 -year -old Bob Dylan venturing into New York City to chase what turned out to be an extraordinary musical journey.
The acclaimed actor from Dune has led several major films recently, but this ‘true’-story drama marks one of his most significant roles yet. In recent interviews, including during the film’s press tour, Chalamet has shared that he spent five years preparing for the role, with filming kicking off in Spring 2024.
Fans are eager to see the 29 -year-old’s performance as the legendary singer-songwriter, and as they do, we delve into Chalamet’s background and achievements.
Early life
Born in December 1995 in New York, Chalamet grew up under the guidance of Nicole Flender, his mother, and Marc Chalamet, his French-born father, along with his older sister Pauline, also an actress, reports the Mirror.
The Chalamets resided at Manhattan Plaza in Hell’s Kitchena renowned complex credited with housing notable artists like Alicia Keys.
In an eye-opening exchange with Graham Norton, Chalamet expressed his astonishment upon discovering that Colman Domingo, celebrated for his work in ‘Rustin’, had lived in the same complex during the same period. Overwhelmed by this revelation, the Hollywood A-lister couldn’t help but repeat in disbelief: “No way.”
During his appearance on the Graham Norton show, he recounted his unique childhood setting, sharing: “That building I grew up in is like, respectfully, super strange, it’s like filled with mimes.”
Despite living in a hub for artists, it wasn’t until the young French-American star saw Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight that he felt an irresistible draw to the craft of acting.
“We went to AMC Empire 25 in Times Square for a 7:30 screening. I left that theatre a changed man, and I’m serious about that. Heath Ledger’s performance in that film was visceral and viral to me, and I now had the acting bug,” he fervently recounted the momentous occasion during his New York Film Critics Circle Awards speech in 2018.
Graduating from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in 2013, Chalamet took large strides towards his acting career.
What roles has Timothee Chalamet taken on?
His breakout role came with Luca Guadagninos 2017 drama Call Me By Your Name, adapted from Andre Aciman’s 2007 novel. The movie catapulted him into stardom.
In the film, he plays Elio Perlman, a 17 -year -old who forms an intense connection with Oliver (Armie Hammer), one of his father’s interns. Their romantic involvement over the summer leaves a permanent mark on Elio’s life.
The poignant love story resonated with critics and audiences alike, securing Chalamet his first and so far, only Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
After his breakout role in Guadagnino’s film, his career has gone from strength to strength. In 2017, he also starred in Greta Gerwig’s semi-autobiographical comedy Lady Bird, sharing the screen with Saoirse Ronan.
In 2018, he played opposite Steve Carrell in Beautiful Boy, portraying the real-life father and son duo, David and Nic Sheff. The following year, he appeared in Netflix’s Shakespearean adaptation, The King, alongside Robert Pattinson and Lily-Rose Depp.
Other notable films featuring the New York-born actor include Gerwig’s Little Women, Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One and Part Two.
According to IMDB, his next film, Marty Supreme, has already wrapped up production and is slated for release this year.
A-list romances
Chalamet is currently in a relationship with fellow A-lister Kylie Jenner. Despite their high-profile statuses, the couple, who reportedly started dating in 2023, have kept their relationship under wraps.
Speculation about their romance began in April 2023, when multiple sources reported sightings of the pair on clandestine dates.
One of their early outings was reported by the Daily Mail, which claimed that Chalamet was spotted getting into Jenner’s car before they stopped at a taco stand, where their security teams placed orders for them.
Since then, the pair have been seen publicly supporting each other at various industry events, including the recent Golden Globe Awards where Chalamet was up for Best Performance by a Male Actor. However, neither of the two stars has openly discussed their relationship.
Prior to his connection with the Kardashian sister, Chalamet had relationships with actresses Lily-Rose Depp, Eiza Gonzalez and Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon, whom he met during their high school years.
A Complete Unknown is in cinemas now.