6 Things You Need to Know About Beauty and the Beast's Dan Stevens

Updated on March 17, 2017 at 1:00 AM

If you don't already know Dan Stevens, you will very soon. The English actor got his big break playing Matthew Crawley on Downton Abbey, but now he's really stepping into the spotlight as he takes on the iconic role of the Beast in Disney's live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Of course, his charming good looks and acting skills aren't the only reasons we love him. Did you know that the 34-year-old is a Cambridge man? Or that he's good friends with fellow English heartthrob Benedict Cumberbatch? See some of his most interesting facts here.

He Was Adopted

The actor was born in Croydon, London, where he was adopted by two school teachers. He also has a younger brother who was adopted.

He's Married With Kids

Dan first met South African jazz singer Susie Hariet in 2006 and they eventually tied the knot in 2009. Together, they have a 7-year-old daughter named Willow and a 4-year-old son named Aubrey.

He Went to Cambridge

The actor studied English literature at Emmanuel College while at the University of Cambridge.

He Has a Posh Group of Friends

He is good friends with his The Fifth Estate costar Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston.

He Does Voiceover Work

Outside of acting, Dan has also narrated over 30 audiobooks, including Casino Royale, Wolf Hall, and War Horse. He was even nominated for his work on Frankenstein at the Audie Awards, a show specifically dedicated to audiobooks and spoken word entertainment.

He's a Writer

Not only was he a regular columnist for the Sunday Telegraph, but he also cofounded an online literary magazine, The Junket, with his friends.