Stuart Townsend was born in Howth, County Dublin in 1972. Although his father, Peter Townsend was a professional golfer, Stuart was determined to be an actor and began his career by appearing in a number of student films, while attending the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. He spent several years on stage in Dublin with productions including John Crowley's "True Lines", and Joe Dowling's "Borstal Boy." In 1996, he made his first feature film debut with Richard Harris in Trojan Eddie. Although his part was small, Townsend attracted a London agent and began appearing in numerous film productions in England and Ireland, including Michael Winterbottom's "Wonderland," and "Shooting Fish" with Kate Beckinsale. America began to take notice of Stuart's talents when he appeared in three films featured in the 200 Sundance film festival, in one of which, About Adam (2000), he took the title role. He also played Lestat de Lioncourt in Queen of the Damned (2002), and played alongside Helen Mirren in the very successful Donmar theatre production of Tennessee Williams "Orpheus Descending" directed by Nicholas Hytner. He also wrote and directed the film "Battle In Seattle" starring Woody Harrelson, Ray Liotta, Channing Tatum, and Charlize Theron in 2007. Townsend was in a romantic relationship with actress Charlize Theron from 2001 to 2009.

Parents: Ryder Cup Golfer, Peter Townsend