Hugo Weaving – Wiki, Biography, Age, Career & More
Hugo Wallace Weaving AO (born 4 April 1960) is a celebrated English-born actor who has become one of Australia’s most versatile and influential performers. Known for his commanding presence, transformative performances, and ability to embody both heroic and villainous characters, Weaving has left an indelible mark across film, television, and stage.
In 2025, he joined the cast of Slow Horses Season 5, which premiered on 24 September 2025, continuing his legacy of powerful roles in major international productions.
Globally recognized for iconic roles—such as Agent Smith in The Matrix, Elrond in The Lord of the Rings, V in V for Vendetta, Megatron in Transformers, and Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger—Hugo Weaving remains one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Hugo Weaving Height & Weight
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 65 kg (143 lbs)
His tall, lean frame and deep, expressive voice have contributed to his reputation for playing authoritative, mysterious, or morally complex characters.
Hugo Weaving Age, Birthplace & Early Life
Hugo Weaving was born on 4 April 1960 at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital in Ibadan, British Nigeria.
He is 65 years old as of 2025.
Hugo Weaving Family Background
- Mother: Anne Lennard (born 1934), a former teacher and tour guide
- Father: Wallace Weaving (born 1929), a seismologist
- Parents met at the University of Bristol
- Maternal grandmother was of Belgian ancestry
Weaving’s early childhood was marked by constant relocation due to his father’s profession. After leaving Nigeria a year after his birth, the family lived in:
- The United Kingdom (Bedford, Brighton)
- Australia (Melbourne, Sydney)
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Returning again to the UK before settling permanently in Australia in 1976
Siblings & Relatives
Hugo has a brother and a sister and comes from a family with creative talent. He is the uncle of:
- Samara Weaving – actress known for Ready or Not, The Babysitter, and Babylon
- Morgan Weaving – actress known for Home and Away
Hugo and Samara appeared together in Mystery Road (2013), showcasing the family’s shared artistic roots.
Hugo Weaving Net Worth
Through his decades-spanning career in film, television, voice acting, and theatre, Hugo Weaving has accumulated an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $4 million.
Hugo Weaving Partner & Children
Hugo Weaving has been in a committed relationship with Katrina Greenwood since 1984.
The couple lives in Sydney, Australia.
They share two children:
- Harry Greenwood – actor
- Holly Greenwood – artist
Both children bear their mother’s surname as an intentional stand against patriarchal naming conventions—an approach the family has openly supported.
Hugo Weaving Education
Weaving attended several schools due to his family’s frequent relocation. His educational journey includes:
- The Downs School, Wraxall (UK)
- Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, Bristol (UK)
- Knox Grammar School, Sydney (Australia)
His fate as an actor became evident early: at age 13, he played Captain Asquith in The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew, sparking his passion for performance.
He later trained formally at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, graduating in 1981, joining the ranks of notable alumni shaping Australian cinema.
Hugo Weaving Career, Filmography & Contributions
Early Career & Breakthrough
Hugo Weaving’s professional career began in the early 1980s with roles such as:
- …Maybe This Time (1980)
- The City’s Edge (1983)
- Bodyline (1984) as Douglas Jardine (breakthrough TV role)
The 1990s marked his rise, earning critical acclaim for:
- Proof (1991) – AACTA Award for Best Actor
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) – as Tick/Mitzi
- The Interview (1998) – multiple awards for Best Actor
Hugo Weaving International Stardom
⭐ The Matrix Trilogy (1999–2003)
Weaving became a global icon as Agent Smith, one of cinema’s most legendary antagonists. His cold precision and philosophical monologues reshaped the archetype of the sci-fi villain.
⭐ The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit
As Elrond, Lord of Rivendell, Weaving played a central role in Peter Jackson’s fantasy epics:
- The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- The Two Towers (2002)
- The Return of the King (2003)
- And later in The Hobbit films (2012, 2014)
His performance remains definitive, though he did not return for Amazon’s The Rings of Power.
⭐ V for Vendetta (2005)
Weaving delivered a powerful masked performance as V, influencing pop culture and political symbolism worldwide.
⭐ Transformers Franchise
He voiced Megatron in the blockbuster Transformers films (2007–2011), showcasing his dynamic range in voice acting.
⭐ Marvel Cinematic Universe
He portrayed the chilling villain Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011).
Although he did not return in Endgame or Infinity War, actor Ross Marquand replicated his voice for continuity.
Hugo Weaving Voice Acting & Other Notable Films
Weaving is celebrated for voice roles in:
- Babe (1995) as Rex
- Happy Feet (2006) & Happy Feet Two (2011)
His diverse filmography includes:
- Cloud Atlas (2012)
- Healing (2014) – acclaimed drama
- Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
- Mortal Engines (2018)
- Hearts and Bones (2019)
- The Royal Hotel (2023)
- How to Make Gravy (2024)
Weaving continues to balance blockbuster roles with intimate Australian cinema, maintaining a powerful presence across genres.
Hugo Weaving Television Work
Notable TV roles include:
- Frontier (1987)
- Bangkok Hilton (1989)
- After the Deluge (2003) – award-winning
- Seven Types of Ambiguity (2017)
- Patrick Melrose (2018)
- Love Me (2021–2023)*
- Slow Horses (2024–2025) as Frank Harkness
Hugo Weaving in Slow Horses (Season 5)
In Slow Horses, Weaving portrays Frank Harkness, a former CIA operative turned ruthless mercenary.
His storyline takes a dramatic turn when he is revealed as River Cartwright’s biological father, adding emotional depth and tension to the espionage narrative.
He stars alongside:
- Gary Oldman
- Jack Lowden
- Kristin Scott Thomas
- Sophie Okonedo
- Jonathan Pryce
His addition to the cast was widely praised for elevating the series’ intensity and complexity.
Hugo Weaving Philanthropy, Advocacy & Influence
Weaving has long been an advocate for social and ethical causes.
Voiceless Ambassador
Since 2004, he has served as an ambassador for Voiceless, an Australian animal rights organization.
He actively supports campaigns, attends events, and helps select grant recipients.
Board Member – Adelaide Film Festival
As of 2022, Weaving sits on the festival’s board, contributing to the advancement of Australian film culture.
His activism reflects his personal commitment to compassion, sustainability, and ethical storytelling.
Hugo Weaving Social Media – Instagram & Twitter
Hugo Weaving maintains a modest presence online.
As of 2025:
- Instagram: ~3.53K followers
- Twitter: ~174 followers
He is known for keeping his private life relatively low-profile, using social media mainly to support artistic projects and social causes.
Conclusion
Hugo Weaving’s career spans more than four decades, defined by profound versatility, intellectual depth, and a rare ability to transform into unforgettable characters. From Australian cinema to global franchises, he has consistently delivered performances that resonate across generations.
With his continued work in series like Slow Horses and his ongoing contributions to film, advocacy, and culture, Weaving remains a towering figure in contemporary acting.




