Charles Matthew Hunnam, professionally known as Charlie Hunnam, is an English actor, screenwriter, and producer.
He gained international recognition for portraying Jackson “Jax” Teller in the FX crime drama Sons of Anarchy, a performance that earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Hunnam is also best known for starring in Queer as Folk, Green Street, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, The Lost City of Z, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Triple Frontier, The Gentlemen, and Shantaram.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Charles Matthew Hunnam
- Stage Name: Charlie Hunnam
- Born: April 10, 1980
- Age: 46 years old
- Birthplace: Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Ethnicity: White (English, Scottish, and Irish descent)
- Occupation: Actor, Screenwriter, Producer
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: William Hunnam and Jane Bell
- Siblings: William “Oliver” Hunnam, Christian Hunnam, and Oliver Hunnam
- Spouse: Morgana McNelis
- Children: None
- Relationship: Dating
- Net Worth: $20 million USD
Early Life and Education
Charlie Hunnam was born on April 10, 1980, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He was raised by his parents William Hunnam, a scrap metal merchant, and Jane Bell, a business owner. After his parents divorced when he was young, he was primarily raised by his mother.
He grew up alongside his older brother, William “Oliver” Hunnam, and later gained two younger half-brothers, Christian Hunnam and Oliver Hunnam, following his mother’s second marriage.
From an early age, Hunnam developed an interest in writing, acting, and martial arts. His ethnicity is White, with English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry.
He attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith before studying Film Theory and Film History at the University of Cumbria (formerly Cumbria College of Art and Design).
Career
Charlie Hunnam began his acting career after being discovered by a production manager while shopping in Newcastle.
He made his television debut in Byker Grove before earning wider recognition for his role as Nathan Maloney in the groundbreaking British drama Queer as Folk.
His Hollywood breakthrough came with the football drama Green Street, followed by leading roles in Children of Men, Cold Mountain, and Nicholas Nickleby, showcasing his range across drama and action films.
Hunnam achieved global fame between 2008 and 2014 through his portrayal of Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, a role that remains the defining performance of his career.
He later starred in Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak, followed by critically praised performances in The Lost City of Z, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Triple Frontier, The Gentlemen, and the Apple TV+ drama Shantaram.
In addition to acting, Hunnam has written screenplays and expressed interest in developing his own film projects.
Awards and Nominations
- Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination – Sons of Anarchy
- Satellite Award nomination
- CinemaCon Award – Male Star of the Year
- Multiple People’s Choice Award nominations
Social Media
Charlie Hunnam does not have a social media account.
Personal Life
Charlie Hunnam, 46, was previously married to actress Katharine Towne. The couple married in 1999 but divorced in 2002 after a short-lived marriage.
Since 2005, Hunnam has been in a long-term relationship with jewellery designer Morgana McNelis. Although they have been together for many years, they have not married and do not have children.
He enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, hiking, writing, motorcycle riding, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Charlie stands 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall.
Net Worth
Charlie Hunnam has an estimated net worth of $20 million USD. His income is derived from film and television acting, screenwriting, producing, endorsement partnerships, and other entertainment ventures.
His sustained success in major Hollywood productions and acclaimed television dramas has made him one of Britain’s most respected actors.
Filmography
- Byker Grove
- Queer as Folk
- Green Street
- Children of Men
- Sons of Anarchy
- Pacific Rim
- The Lost City of Z
- King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
- Triple Frontier
- The Gentlemen
- Shantaram