the sorting poll

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Daniel Radcliffe's first movie role was as David Copperfield in a TV adaptation of Dickens's classic book. He was only 8 years old, but he already had a promising career.

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Rupert Grint made his film debut in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." He also costarred in "Thunderpants," about a boy with an unusual -- and stinky -- gift.

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Born in France and raised in England, Emma Watson went on to play the very English Hermione Granger -- her first professional acting role.

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Before he appeared in the first Harry Potter film, Tom Felton already had a list of professional acting credits. He has guest-starred in two episodes of the English TV show "Second Sight."

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One of Britain's most popular comedians, Robbie Coltrane has been in dozens of TV shows and movies. Aside from playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter films (rumor has it he was personally selected for the role by author J.K. Rowling), Robbie is probably best known for starring in the critically acclaimed English series "Cracker."

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Known as "The Great Gambon" in the London theater world, Michael Gambon has also had an incredible film and television career. He's won the BAFTA award (the British equivalent of the Academy Award®) four times.

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Screen legend Maggie Smith began her career in the 1950s and is still going strong. She first caught the attention of American audiences with her Oscar®-nominated turn as Desdemona in 1965's "Othello," opposite Laurence Olivier.

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One of Britain's most popular actors -- and most recognizable voices -- Alan Rickman has been in dozens of movies. He first came to the attention of American audiences as the icy terrorist in "Die Hard."

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Gary Oldman burst upon the scene with his portrayal of Sid Vicious in the acclaimed 1986 film "Sid and Nancy." From a doomed punk rocker to Ludwig van Beethoven in "Immortal Beloved," Gary has played a wide array of characters -- and not all of them musically inclined.

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Emma Thompson has the distinction of winning an Oscar® for Best Actress for "Remains of the Day," and for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Sense and Sensibility." She also wrote the screenplay for "Nanny McPhee."

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With his star turn in the critically acclaimed film "Naked," David Thewlis established himself as one of the finest actors of his generation. His choice of roles has been wide-ranging, from an eccentric artist in "The Big Lebowski" to a giant worm in "James and the Giant Peach."

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Die-hard rock fans may remember Timothy Spall from his role in the classic '70s film "Quadrophenia." He's since been in a slew of other memorable movies, including "Secrets and Lies," "Topsy-Turvy," and "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street."