Adrian Paul
british actor
Who is the real person behind Duncan's furrowed brow? Why, it's British actor Adrian Paul. He was born Adrian Paul Hewett on May 29, 1959, in London, to a British father and Italian mother. While Highlander projects remain his most successful, he's taken on many other screen roles, worked behind the camera, and founded a charity organization.
Adrian was involved in a variety of sports from a young age, and later became semi-professional soccer player. He then established a career in modelling, studying dance and choreographing shows. Adrian was involved in a few theatre productions. A friend took notice of his acting potential and recommended TV.
Adrian's first role was that of Russian expatriate ballet dancer Kolya (1986-1987) in The Colbys, a spin-off of Dynasty. He then appeared as John Kincaid in the TV version of War of the Worlds (1989-1990), and had guest spots on Beauty and the Beast (1987) and Tarzan. (1991)
Several more TV roles led to Adrian's "big break" as the lead of Highlander: The Series. (1992-1998) Because of the show's emphasis on action, it was necessary for him to spend two years study the martial arts, particularly sword work.
Many attribute the success of Highlander: The Series to Adrian's thoughtful portrayal of Duncan MacLeod. Adrian also helped to create innovative fight scenes using unconventional settings and weapons, some of which had never been seen on television. Adrian also served as director on several episodes, including the fan favourites Methuselah's Gift and Homeland.
Adrian brought Duncan to the silver screen in Highlander: Endgame in 2000, for which he also served as producer. Christopher Lambert of the original Highlander film co-starred.
Adrian returned to television with Tracker in 2001, described as a "romantic action comedy with a sci-fi twist". He plays the innocent but formidable Cole, an alien security guard aiming to capture 218 escaped extraterrestrial convicts. In addition to his starring role, Adrian was executive producer. Unfortunately but typically of new science fiction series, Tracker was cancelled after just one season.
Adrian kept busy with film roles in the years to follow, including The Void (2001), The Breed (2001), Code Hunter (2002), Nemesis Game (2003), and Wraiths of Roanoke. (2007) Recent releases are The Immortal Voyage of Captain Drake, Eyeborgs and The Heavy, all in 2009.
Picking up Duncan's katana again, Adrian completed filming of Highlander: The Source in 2006, and again served as producer. The film has Duncan and a rag-tag group of Immortals seeking their origin. It aired on the Sci-Fi Channel in 2007 and was then released on DVD.
Adrian's charity is The PEACE Fund (Protect, Educate and Aid Children Everywhere). In 2008 he embarked on a global tour to promote children's charities.
Adrian was married to actress Meilani Paul but they later divorced. He and his long-time girlfriend Alexandra Tonelli, a Hungarian, spend most of their time in Budapest. The two announced the birth of their daughter Angelisa (Adrian's first child) on January 8, 2010.
