Actor Jim Broadbent rose from the ranks of British theater to become an internationally acclaimed player, recognized for excessive theatrical romps like “Topsy Turvy” (1999) and “Moulin Rouge” (2001), as well as subtle character-based dramas “Life is Sweet” (1991) and “Iris” (2001). Considered by many to be the quintessential British character actor, Broadbent was unafraid of throwing himself into eccentric art house characters, mannered Victorian fare, and screwball comedies alike, and was a favorite of high caliber directors including Mike Leigh, Mike Newell, Stephen Frears, and Terry
