He is best known for his roles in American Psycho, Empire of the Sun, and Batman Begins. Bale is also known for his versatility as an actor, including mimicking accents, harsh regimens of shedding and gaining weight. Bale first caught the public eye when he was cast in the starring role of Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun at the age of 13.

On April 14, 2000, Lions Gate Film finally released American Psycho in theatres. 2002 was a busy and disappointing year for Bale. He starred in three feature films, none of which were successful at the box office. After a year’s hiatus, Bale returned in 2004 to play Trevor Reznik, the title character in the psychological thriller The Machinist.

Bale had long been a contender to portray Batman, from as early as 2002. Batman Begins was released domestically on June 15, 2005 to wide critical, fan and public approval. Bale earned the Best Hero award at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards for his performance.

Batman Begins was a domestic and international triumph for Warner Bros., costing approximately US$135,000,000 to produce and taking in over US$370,000,000 in returns worldwide. The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, is in production, with Bale set to reprise his role as Batman and Heath Ledger set to play his famous archnemesis The Joker. It is expected to complete filming sometime in 2008.

On January 29, 2000, Bale married independent film producer Sibi Blazic. Together they have a daughter who was born on March 27, 2005 in Santa Monica, California.

Public Name: Christian Bale
Birth Name: Christian Charles Philip Bale (also known professionally as Christian Morgan Bale)
Date of Birth: January 30, 1974
Place of Birth: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Filmography

• The Dark Knight, 2008
• 3:10 to Yuma, 2007
• I'm Not There, 2007
• Empire of the Sun, 2006
• The Prestige, 2006
• Rescue Dawn, 2006
• Harsh Times, 2006
• The New World, 2005
• Batman Begins, 2005
• Hauru no ugoku shiro, 2004
• Maquinista, El, 2004
• Equilibrium, 2002
• Reign of Fire, 2002
• Laurel Canyon, 2002
• Captain Corelli's Mandolin, 2001
• Shaft, 2000
• American Psycho, 2000
• Mary, Mother of Jesus, 1999 (TV)
• A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1999
• All the Little Animals, 1998
• Velvet Goldmine, 1998
• Metroland, 1997
• Pocahontas, 1997 (VG)
• The Secret Agent, 1996
• The Portrait of a Lady, 1996
• Pocahontas, 1995 (voice)
• Little Women, 1994
• Prince of Jutland, 1994
• Swing Kids, 1993
• Newsies, 1992
• A Murder of Quality, 1991 (TV)
• Treasure Island, 1990 (TV)
• Henry V, 1989
• Empire of the Sun, 1987
• Mio min Mio, 1987
• "Heart of the Country", 1987 (mini) TV Series
• Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna, 1986 (TV)

Awards

• MTV Movie Award Best Hero "Batman Begins" 2006
• National Board of Review Special Citation Best Juvenile Performance "Empire of the Sun" 1987