Christian Bale Photos
Bale was born in Wales, his parents were South African-born entrepreneur, commercial pilot, and talent manager David Bale, and circus clown and performer Jenny James, both of English heritage.He is the youngest of four children. After leaving Wales, Bale spent his childhood in several countries, including England, Portugal, and the United States.
In 1976, when Bale was two years old, his family left Wales and returned to England. They settled for four years in Bournemouth and Henley-on-Thames, where Bale attended Bournemouth School and Shiplake C of E Primary school respectively. He participated actively in rugby union. Bale has described his childhood, with respect to his mother being in the circus, as interesting. This unconventional life for a long while suited Christian's mother, Jenny, who worked as a clown and a dancer, riding elephants and introducing acts in the circus. He recalled his first kiss was with an acrobat named Barta. As a child, he trained in ballet and guitar. His sister Louise's work in theatre also influenced his decision to become an actor.Bale's father David was very supportive of his son's acting, resigning from his job as a commercial pilot to travel and manage Bale's burgeoning career. The elder Bale later married feminist icon Gloria Steinem, and died on 30 December 2003, from brain lymphoma, aged 62.
UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS
