James McAvoy was born on April 21st, 1979, in Glasgow, Scotland. His mother Elizabeth worked as a psychiatric nurse, while his father James McAvoy Sr. worked as a builder. He has a sister named Joy and a half-brother named Donald.
His parents divorced when he was only seven, and because of his mother’s poor health, he was sent to live with his maternal grandparents instead. Since his childhood, he has had no contact with his father.
McAvoy attended a Catholic school named St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary. For a brief period, he had considered becoming a priest and joining the Catholic priesthood.
While working, McAvoy started a relationship with Anne-Marie Duff and they married on 11 November 2006 in a quiet ceremony. They have one child together (b. 2010). On 13 May 2016, McAvoy and Duff jointly announced their decision to divorce.
McAvoy's big interest outside acting and science fiction is football; he is a huge fan of Celtic Football Club, stating that his dream role would be to play Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone. McAvoy considers himself a spiritual person.
He started acting at the age of 15 via The Near Room (1995).
In order to raise money for a charitable organization, he did a BASE jump from the world’s tallest building of a hospital.
Actors Tom Ellis, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch are his good friends.
He is an avid fan of Celtic Football Club.
His fans are called “McAvoyeurs.”
He is allergic to horses.
Was ranked #18 on Entertainment Weekly's '30 Under 30' the actors list. (2008).
While growing up, he wanted to be a priest.
Chosen as one of People Magazine's Sexiest Men Alive for 2007.
Worked out to improve his physique for the action scenes in Wanted (2008). However he suffered several injuries during shooting, including a twisted ankle and an injured knee.
Said the script for Kefaret (2007) was the best he had ever read.
Is good friends with actors Tom Ellis and Benedict Cumberbatch.
His favorite director is Ken Loach.
Height : 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm
Weight : 67 kg or 148 pounds