Happy Birthday, Ralph Fiennes!

Today, we're celebrating the 49th birthday of two-time Academy Award-nominated actor Ralph (pronounced: "Rafe") Fiennes. He nabbed his first role in a theatrically-released feature film as Heathcliff in 1992's Wuthering Heights but made his first major splash in Schindler's List, for which he scored an Oscar nomination, the following year. He appeared in 1994's Quiz Show and 1995's Strange Days before nabbing another Oscar nomination for his role in 1996's The English Patient. From there, Fiennes starred in a string of lesser films and didn't nab a role in another legitimate film until 2005's The Constant Gardener, which also marked the year he reinvigorated his career by portraying the central villain in the Harry Potter franchise. In between his portrayal of the evil Lord Voldemort, he's managed to make small appearances in critically-acclaimed films like 2008's In Bruges and 2009's The Hurt Locker. Audiences last saw him in the final chapter of the Harry Potter franchise, and they'll next be able to see him in the sequel to the 2010 film Clash of the Titans entitled Wrath of the Titans in 2012. So, to celebrate his birthday, I've created a list of my five favorite Ralph Fiennes performances. I hope you enjoy the videos I was able to supply. Once again, happy birthday, Ralph!

5. Michael Berg
The Reader (2008)

*****

4. Lord Voldemort
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)


*****

3. Contractor Team Leader
The Hurt Locker (2009)


*****

2. Harry
In Bruges (2008)


*****

1. Amon Goeth
Schindler's List (1993)