I consider the multi-talented Kenneth Branagh to be as good behind the camera as he is in front of it! Since Branagh is famous for his Shakespeare adaptations, it should come as no surprise that he began his career on the stage, working with The Royal Shakespeare Company and founding the Renaissance Theatre Company. In 1981, Branagh made his acting debut in an uncredited role in Chariots of Fire. He then made the transition to television, acting in the series Play for Tomorrow, Maybury, Play for Today, Fortunes of War, and Thompson, as well as in movies such as A Month in the Country and High Season. In 1989, Branagh directed and starred in the film adaptation of Henry V. This marked the start of a streak of movies both directed by and starring Branagh, specifically Dead Again, Much Ado About Nothing, Frankenstein, and Hamlet. Other movies featuring Branagh in only an acting capacity include Othello, Wild Wild West, The Road to El Dorado, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Valkyrie and The Boat That Rocked. He has also directed As You Like It, The Magic Flute, Sleuth and Thor. Kenneth Branagh turns 53 today.