Hugo Weaving is a British-Australian actor whose career spans four decades, from Australian television to the biggest fantasy and sci-fi franchises in cinema. He is best known for playing the stern half-elf leader Elrond in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and the chilling Agent Smith in The Matrix series. His deep voice and imposing height of 6’2″ have made him a favourite for authoritative and villainous roles, yet he has also shown remarkable range in independent films and on stage. For another actor biography, see our profile of Eddie Redmayne – Biography, Wife, Height, Net Worth and Oscar Win.
Born in Nigeria to English parents, Weaving moved to Australia as a teenager and built his reputation in Australian film and theatre. He remains a highly private figure, living in Sydney with his long-term partner of over forty years. Despite his fame, he has never married, once telling an interviewer that the idea of marriage “petrified” him.
In 2025, Weaving continues to work selectively, with no major film projects announced at the time of writing. His recent appearance in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses has not been confirmed by official sources, though fan speculation persists. This article provides a comprehensive look at his career, personal life, and the facts that define him.
What are the most famous movies starring Hugo Weaving?
4 April 1960 (age 64)
Wikipedia
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Wikipedia
British-Australian
Wikipedia
Elrond (Lord of the Rings), Agent Smith (The Matrix), V (V for Vendetta)
Common knowledge
Key insights
- Weaving is among the most recognisable character actors from two major franchises (LotR and Matrix), but his career also spans independent films, Australian cinema, and extensive voice work.
- Despite his fame, he maintains a relatively private personal life; his partner of over 40 years is rarely in the spotlight.
- His height and deep voice have made him a go-to actor for authoritative or villainous roles.
- Net worth estimates vary widely due to lack of public financial disclosures; no official figures exist.
Snapshot facts
| Category | Fact |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hugo Wallace Weaving |
| Date of Birth | 4 April 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Ibadan, Nigeria (to English parents) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Partner | Katrina Greenwood (since 1984, not married) |
| Children | 2 – Harry Greenwood (actor) and Holly |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed (owns dairy farm purchased with Matrix proceeds) |
| Notable Awards | Six AACTA Awards; Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) |
Weaving’s international breakthrough came in 1999 when he played Agent Smith in The Matrix, a role that became iconic for its cold, precise menace. He reprised the role in the sequels The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. At the same time, he was cast as Elrond, the wise leader of Rivendell, in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), and later returned for The Hobbit trilogy (2012–2014). These two franchises made him a household name.
Beyond blockbusters, Weaving has taken on a wide variety of roles. In 1994 he starred in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, playing a drag queen, a performance that earned him critical acclaim. He played the masked revolutionary V in V for Vendetta (2005), the villainous Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), and voiced Megatron in the live-action Transformers films (2007–2011). He also narrated the beloved film Babe (1995). His filmography includes Cloud Atlas (2012), The Wolfman (2010), Bangkok Hilton (1989), and Hacksaw Ridge (2016).
Weaving’s Agent Smith and Elrond have become archetypal characters in science fiction and fantasy. His ability to portray both a cold, computer-generated antagonist and a wise, ancient elf showcases his impressive range as a character actor.
How tall is Hugo Weaving and what are his personal details?
Hugo Weaving stands 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 metres) tall, a height that has contributed to his commanding presence on screen. He was born on 4 April 1960 in Ibadan, Nigeria, to English parents. The family moved to Australia in 1976, when Weaving was a teenager. He is a British citizen and has resided in Australia ever since, making him a British-Australian actor.
Weaving was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13, a condition that has affected his daily life. Because of it, he has never obtained a driver’s licence. He has spoken about how the condition shaped his childhood and his decision to pursue acting.
What did Hugo Weaving look like when he was young?
Photographs of Weaving from his twenties and early thirties show him with a lean face, thick dark hair, and the same intense gaze that later defined his most famous roles. Early career images from the 1980s – such as his role in the Australian television drama Bodyline (1984) – reveal a young actor with a quieter, less imposing look than the iconic characters he would later inhabit. His youthful appearance is documented in the archives of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (source). After moving into his thirties, his features matured into the distinguished, angular face audiences recognise today.
Age and current status
As of 2025, Hugo Weaving is 64 years old. He remains active in the film and theatre industry, though he has not announced any major upcoming film projects. He continues to live in Sydney, Australia, and is expected to focus on stage work in the near future.
Who is Hugo Weaving’s partner and what is his net worth?
Hugo Weaving has been in a committed relationship with Katrina Greenwood since 1984. They have two children together: Harry Greenwood (born 1989), who has followed his father into acting, and a daughter named Holly (born 1993). Despite their long partnership, the couple has never legally married. Weaving once said that the idea of marriage “petrified” him, as reported in interviews (source).
His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. Unlike many celebrities, Weaving keeps his finances private. He is known to have purchased a dairy farm north of Sydney using earnings from The Matrix films. Various online sources estimate his net worth to be between $8 and $12 million, but these figures are speculative with no official confirmation. What is clear is that his careful financial choices have allowed him to work selectively, prioritising roles that interest him rather than financial necessity.
No authoritative source has ever published Hugo Weaving’s net worth. All estimates are based on industry averages and should be treated as unconfirmed. He has no known endorsement deals or public investment disclosures.
Career timeline: key milestones
- 1960 – Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, to English parents.
- 1976 – Moves to Australia with his family.
- 1984 – Begins his professional acting career in Australian television with Bodyline; meets Katrina Greenwood.
- 1991 – Stars in the Australian film Proof, gaining critical attention.
- 1994 – Breakthrough role in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
- 1999 – Plays Agent Smith in The Matrix, launching him into international stardom.
- 2001 – Portrays Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
- 2005 – Stars as V in V for Vendetta.
- 2007 – Provides the voice of Megatron in Transformers.
- 2011 – Plays Johann Schmidt/Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger.
- 2012–2014 – Reprises Elrond in The Hobbit trilogy.
- 2016 – Appears in Hacksaw Ridge.
What is known for certain – and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Height, birth date, nationality, partner name, and filmography are well-documented and consistent across sources. | Net worth is speculative; no official financial disclosures exist. Estimates vary between $8–12 million. |
| His role in Slow Horses has not been confirmed by any official source; no record of his involvement exists in reliable databases. | Young photos from early childhood are rare; images from his 20s exist but are not widely available. |
| Weaving was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13 and never obtained a driver’s licence. | Future project details beyond 2025 are unconfirmed. |
Career analysis: a balance of blockbusters and art
Hugo Weaving’s career demonstrates a successful balance between blockbuster franchises and independent or arthouse films. Unlike many actors who become typecast after playing a single iconic role, Weaving has alternated between villainous characters (Agent Smith, Red Skull) and noble, sympathetic figures (Elrond, Mitzi Del Bra in Priscilla). His performances in The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings have become deeply embedded in popular culture, influencing character archetypes across science fiction and fantasy.
His voice work also shows remarkable versatility. From the gentle narrator of Babe to the menacing growl of Megatron, Weaving has proven he can transform his vocal presence as convincingly as his physicality. He has received six AACTA Awards and was honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to the performing arts (source).
As of 2025, with no major film announcements, fans await any news on a possible return to the Matrix universe or a role in the upcoming Lord of the Rings animated film The War of the Rohirrim, though Elrond’s involvement has not been confirmed. Weaving is expected to continue his stage work in Australia, where he remains a highly regarded figure in the theatre community.
Sources and notable quotes
“I’m not interested in being a movie star. I’m interested in being a character actor.”
– Hugo Weaving, interview with The Guardian, 2006 (source)
“Hugo is one of those actors who completely disappears into a role. He’s a chameleon.”
– Cate Blanchett, co-star in The Lord of the Rings
Summary: what to remember about Hugo Weaving
Hugo Weaving is a uniquely versatile actor whose career spans Australian independent cinema, blockbuster franchises, voice acting, and the stage. He is defined by his towering height, his refusal to marry despite a four-decade relationship, and his careful financial independence. While much of his personal financial life remains private, his professional legacy is clear: few actors have left such a lasting mark on both Middle-earth and the Matrix. For more actor biographies, see our profile of Eddie Redmayne – Biography, Wife, Height, Net Worth and Oscar Win.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hugo Weaving related to Hugo Weaving the actor from Canada?
No, that is a different person. The actor discussed here is British-Australian.
Did Hugo Weaving voice Megatron?
Yes, he voiced Megatron in the live-action Transformers films (2007–2011).
Why did Hugo Weaving not return for The Hobbit films?
He was not invited to reprise the role of Elrond; the character was written out after an early draft.
Does Hugo Weaving have a biography book?
No full-length biography exists, but his Wikipedia page is the most comprehensive source.
Is Hugo Weaving in Slow Horses?
There is no record of his involvement in the series as of 2025; official cast announcements do not include him.
What awards has Hugo Weaving won?
He has received six AACTA Awards and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
What is Hugo Weaving’s height?
He is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 metres) tall.
How old is Hugo Weaving?
He was born on 4 April 1960, making him 64 years old as of 2025.
Who is Hugo Weaving’s wife?
He is not married. His long-term partner is Katrina Greenwood, with whom he has been since 1984.
What is Hugo Weaving’s net worth?
His net worth has not been publicly disclosed. He owns a dairy farm purchased with earnings from The Matrix.
Fiona Caldwell is Managing Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the newsroom workflow.