Beyond Newport: Pontypool, Aberbargoed & Luke Evans

Luke Evans was born on April 15, 1979, in Pontypool and raised in Aberbargoed. He began his career on the stage, performing in London’s West End in productions such as Rent, Miss Saigon, and Piaf. His powerful voice and commanding presence soon led him to break into film.

Evans gained international recognition with his role as Apollo in Clash of the Titans (2010), followed by prominent roles in Immortals (2011) and as the villainous Owen Shaw in Fast & Furious 6 (2013). He portrayed Bard the Bowman in The Hobbit trilogy, cementing his place in fantasy cinema. In 2017, he starred as Gaston in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, showcasing both his acting and vocal talents.

Beyond film, Evans is also a recording artist, having released two studio albums, At Last (2019) and A Song for You (2022), both of which feature a mix of classic and contemporary covers.

Evans is openly gay and a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in the entertainment industry. Known for his versatility and charisma, he continues to represent Welsh talent on a global stage across film, music, and theatre.