BWW Profile: Mark Rylance Oscar-Nominated Star of Stage and Screen

The profile of Mark Rylance, veteran star of stage and screen, has risen this year due to a number of high profile projects. He is nominated for actor in a supporting role for his turn as Rudolf Abel, an undercover KGB agent who is tried for espionage in BRIDGE OF SPIES. This may be his first Oscar nomination, but Rylance is no stranger to accolades for his acting.

Rylance is famous for quoting poet Louis Jenkins during his acceptance speeches for Tony Award wins in 2008 and 2011, which caused confusion for those who were not familiar with the poet's work. What is not in question is Rylance's skillful performances in in such plays as BOEING BOEING, JERUSALEM, and the double-bill of TWELFTH NIGHT and RICHARD III, earning three TONY AWARDS in the process.

He was the first artistic director (after founder Sam Wanamaker) of the "new" Globe Theatre in London, and his career performing Shakespeare roles includes more than 50 productions. On film, Rylance has also been seen in THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL and the upcoming film THE BFG. He also starred in the TV adaptation of the historical novel WOLF HALL as Thomas Cromwell, garnering nominations for leading actor at THE GOLDEN GLOBES and Emmy Awards.

Rylance is currently involved in NICE FISH which he conceived, wrote, adapted and is starring in at St. Anne's Warehouse in Brooklyn. NICE FISH is based on the poetry of Louis Jenkins. According to Playbill NICE FISH is described as follows: "On a lake in frozen Minnesota, the ice is beginning to creak and groan. It's the end of the fishing season, and two men are out on the ice one last time, angling for answers to life's larger questions," state production notes. "A play woven together from the acclaimed prose poems of Louis Jenkins, Nice Fish reflects nature with a wry surreality."