His mother was a ballroom dancer; his father was a singer.
In his youth, he sold black-market merchandise on the streets of London with his father and brother.
Was a professional diver and member of Britain's national diving team; competed in the 1988 Olympics and finished 12th in the 1992 World Championships.
Was discovered by Guy Ritchie who saw him in an advertisement for Levi jeans and cast him in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.