Will Kemp became a well-known figure in the entertainment industry for his outstanding portrayal of The Swan in Matthew Bourne’s revolutionary ballet, Swan Lake. This production made history by showcasing an all-male cast and a reimagined, homoerotic version of the traditional tale.
Additionally, Kemp has appeared in various projects such as the thrilling horror movie Van Helsing, the dance-themed drama Step Up 2: The Streets, and the acclaimed revival of Equus in London’s West End.
Will Kemp Bio Summary
Full name: William Kemp
Date of birth: June 29, 1977
Age: 47 years old (as of 2024)
Gender: Male
Place of birth: Hertfordshire, England
Nationality: British
Profession: Actor and dancer
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Parents: Barry and Rosalind Kemp
Spouse: Gaby Jamieson
Children: Thalie and Indigo
Relationship status: Married
Early Life & Education
Will Kemp was born in Hertfordshire, England on June 29, 1977. His parents, Barry and Rosalind Kemp, were both teachers and he was their only child. Growing up in a rural setting, Kemp developed a passion for dancing.
At the age of nine, he began taking ballet lessons, and his natural talent and potential were quickly recognized. Kemp then went on to study at the renowned Royal Ballet School and graduated in 1995.
He was admitted into the dance group Adventures in Motion Pictures (AMP), where he crossed paths with the renowned choreographer Matthew Bourne, who then became his guiding figure and partner.
Professional Journey
Will Kemp has had an impressive and multifaceted career as a dancer and actor. In 1995, he made his professional debut as a dancer with AMP and has since showcased his talents in a range of productions including Cinderella, The Car Man, and Highland Fling. His portrayal of The Swan in Swan Lake was particularly noteworthy, propelling him to success and recognition.
From 1997 to 2000, he successfully portrayed the character in both London and Broadway, receiving high praise and accolades. Despite being offered a lucrative modeling deal with Giorgio Armani, he declined, citing his desire to be recognized as an actor rather than a model.
In 2004, he made his first appearance as a werewolf in the thrilling action movie Van Helsing, starring alongside Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale.
The director Stephen Sommers was amazed by his physical prowess and nimbleness, and Will Kemp performed the majority of his stunts. He was also featured in the made-for-TV film The Scorpion King: Rise of a Warrior, the suspenseful Mindhunters, and the humorous Miguel and William.
Will Kemp returned to the stage in 2007, when he played the horse Nugget and The Young Horseman in the West End revival of Equus, starring Daniel Radcliffe. He received praise for his expressive and powerful performance and his chemistry with Radcliffe.
He ventured into various genres and characters, appearing in both film and theater productions. In 2008, he took on the lead role of Blake Collins, the head of Maryland School of the Arts (MSA) and brother of Chase Collins, in the dance drama Step Up 2: The Streets.
He displayed his impressive dance abilities and charm, and also contributed to the film’s soundtrack with his song “You Can Dance.”
Additionally, Will Kemp made appearances in the television shows The Prisoner, The Great Fire, Reign, and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce. In the historical drama Mary Queen of Scots, he portrayed the role of Lord Darnley, and he lent his voice to the character of Roderick in the animated movie The Snow Queen 2.
He also had leading roles in numerous stage productions, including The Seagull, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and The Four Seasons.
Personal Life
Will Kemp and Gaby Jamieson, a film producer and former dancer, tied the knot in 2002 after meeting in 2001 while working on the Broadway show Swan Lake. The couple now has two kids, Thalie and Indigo.
They live in Los Angeles, California, where they moved in 2004 to pursue their careers in Hollywood. They are a happy and supportive couple who share a love for dance, art, and nature. They also have a dog named Luna.
Net Worth
Will Kemp’s net worth is believed to be around $5 million, which he has accumulated through his thriving career as a dancer and actor, as well as through endorsements and sponsorships.
