Julian Sands was born in Yorkshire, England. Wanting to be an actor from an early age he was able to gain experience in many school productions before attending the renowned Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Though he first anticipated a career in classical theatre, it was his work in film that led to his early successes.
Julian Sands has appeared in such films as the Oscar® nominated The Killing Fields, A Room With A View, Vatel, Leaving Las Vegas, and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and is notable for his roles in Warlock, Boxing Helena, Impromptu, Oceans 13, Arachnophobia and scores of other films. He just completed the film Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. In addition, he has appeared in many European and American art films working with distinguished directors such as Paul Schrader, Wim Wenders, and The Tavianni Brothers. Throughout his career, he has established himself as both a romantic lead as well as an edgy character actor.
Television appearances include 24, the iconic Jor-El in Smallville, and as the James Bond of ghost busters in Stephen King's Rose Red. Most recently he filmed roles on Dexter and Banshee. His theatre and radio work is also extensive and diverse. Julian was honored for playing Tony Blair in David Hare's Stuff Happens at the Mark Taper Forum, and performed opposite Annette Benning in Female of the Species at The Geffen in Los Angeles. His work in A Celebration of Harold Pinter has been praised since it debuted at The Edinburgh Festival, earning a prestigious 2013 Drama Desk Award nomination in New York.