Trivia

Is a huge David Bowie fan and has called singer "the biggest musical influence on my life." He says, "I don't know why, but no one else has ever had such an effect on me. I didn't have most of his work. I had everything." In the 1970s, when Bowie was changing his appearance and style with every album, Owen would re-dye his hair whatever color Bowie's was at the time.

Got the the role of King Arthur (2004) after Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson and Hugh Jackman turned it down and after producer Jerry Bruckheimer vetoed the director's choice of a then comparatively unknown Daniel Craig because he was convinced Owen was going to be the next James Bond.

Began acting at age 13.

When his Beyond Borders (2003) co-star Angelina Jolie told him he looked sexy, she says, he "fell over laughing".

In a 2005 poll, was voted the top choice to play James Bond in Casino Royale (2006) but polled fewer votes than Pierce Brosnan continuing the role.

Has 2 daughters, Hannah Owen (born 1997) and Eve Owen (born 1999), with Sarah-Jane Fenton.

In the original theater production of "Closer" he played the character Dan. In the film version he played the other prominent male character, Larry, while Dan was played by Jude Law.

Although his 'official' date of birth is 1964, the News of the World published a birth certificate stating it as 1962 as part of an article about the real age of movie stars.

Turned down the role as The Driver for BMW twice. He was sent a copy of the script for the first ad, read it and was impressed by its presentation. He immediately accepted the role, jumped on a plane to LA, and was whisked away to the set of the first ad as soon as he landed.

Met his wife at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art while doing Romeo and Juliet.

Was voted "Best dressed male" by GQ magazine in 2006

Was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1984. After he graduated, he joined the Young Vic Theatre.

Admitted in a Newsweek interview to promote The International (2009) that he has considered submitting false trivia about himself ("I once talked to someone about putting something on IMDb") and was surprised at how seriously people took it. In the same interview he also claimed he doesn't eat biscuits because 'He-men don't need biscuits.'.

Has four brothers and was raised by his mother and stepfather.

Had a recurring role on a series of BMW commercials as their mysterious driver. He played a valet in the film Gosford Park (2001) and played a fellow "Agent" named the Professor in The Bourne Identity (2002) who was sent to kill Bourne.

After Russell Crowe turned down the role, he was chosen by Jerry Bruckheimer over Antoine Fuqua's choice of Daniel Craig for the lead role in King Arthur (2004). Owen was later turned down for the role of Lord Asriel in The Golden Compass (2007) in favor of Daniel Craig in spite of offering to screen test for the part.

He is a supporter of Liverpool Football Club.

Two of his brothers, Alan and Lee, became musicians and released a single called "Heartbeat."

January 2007 - has signed on as the face of a new Lancome anti-aging cream for men. He was also be named the new spokesman of the cosmetics firm's new Hypnose Homme fragrance. The print adverts resulted in complaints to the advertising Standards Authority over the heavy airbrushing used to make him look younger.

Voted #5 in Elle (France) Magazine's "15 Sexiest Men" poll (June 2007).

Was named Empire Magazines #25 in the list of 100 Sexiest Stars(2007).

In November 2006, he became patron of the Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich, England and launched an appeal for funds to repair deteriorating elements of the fabric.

Lobbied for the role of Lord Asriel in The Golden Compass (2007).

Mentioned in the song 'Risen Within' by MC Homicide featuring PAZ.

Developing a remake of popular 70s children's TV series Catweazle (1970) as a starring vehicle and as co-producer. (December 2009)

Invited to join AMPAS in 2005.

Member of the 'Official Competition' jury at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival in 2016.