Dannyka Manangan

ON THIS DAY: Celebrating Hugh Grant’s birthday and his iconic romantic comedy movies

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757402621014OTD-Sep_09-HughGrant.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Today, September 9, marks the 65th birthday of Hugh Grant, one of cinema’s most beloved leading men whose name has become synonymous with romantic comedies. With his signature mix of charm, wit, and humor, Hugh helped define the rom-com genre in the 1990s and early 2000s, leaving behind a filmography filled with classics that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.</p><p>In celebration of his special day, here’s a look back at some of Hugh Grant’s most popular and timeless romantic comedies:</p><div> </div><div><strong>Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)</strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>The breakthrough role that made Hugh an international star, this Richard Curtis–penned film follows a group of friends navigating love and life through four weddings and, inevitably, one funeral. His portrayal of the charming yet awkward Charles earned him widespread acclaim, as well as Golden Globe and BAFTA awards.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eLl8ypXxFyU" title="FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (1994) | Funniest Moments | MGM" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Notting Hill (1999)</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Paired with Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, Hugh starred as William Thacker, a mild-mannered bookshop owner whose life changes after falling for a world-famous actress. With its heartfelt story and the now-iconic line, “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy…”, the film remains one of the most cherished romantic comedies of all time. It also became the highest-grossing British film in history at the time of its release.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ffryI72TFt0" title="Notting Hill | &quot;I&#x27;m Just a Girl&quot;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Mickey Blue Eyes (1999)</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>In this quirky romantic comedy, Hugh played Michael Felgate, a mild-mannered Englishman who becomes entangled with the Mafia after proposing to his girlfriend. His trademark awkward charm blended perfectly with the film’s offbeat humor.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7kfa4pi4t3g" title="Mickey Blue Eyes (1999) Official Trailer - Hugh Grant Movie HD" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Two Weeks Notice (2002)</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Starring opposite Sandra Bullock, Hugh played George Wade, a billionaire real estate developer who relies too heavily on his assistant. Their hilarious back-and-forth banter and undeniable chemistry made the film a rom-com favorite.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1YG-vYfz8yM" title="Two Weeks Notice (2002) Official Trailer - Hugh Grant, Sandra Bullock Movie HD" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Love Actually (2003)</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>An ensemble holiday film that has since become a Christmas staple, Hugh’s role as the single Prime Minister dancing through 10 Downing Street remains iconic. His storyline, involving an office romance with his staff member, is one of the film’s most memorable and heartwarming arcs.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NxfkdHO0l3M" title="Love Actually | Hugh Grant&#x27;s Iconic Dance Scene | Extended Preview" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Music and Lyrics (2007)</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Teaming up with Drew Barrymore, Hugh played a washed-up 1980s pop star attempting a comeback. With music, humor, and romance at its core, the film showcased his charm in a fresh light and gave audiences the infectious hit song “Way Back Into Love.” According to <em>Vogue</em> and <em>Variety</em>, Hugh prepared for the role by learning to sing, play the piano, and even studying the mannerisms of famous musicians despite admitting he didn’t listen to much music at the time.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4C6sSZlVKZE" title="Music and Lyrics (2007) Official Trailer - Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore Movie HD" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009)</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Starring opposite Sarah Jessica Parker, Hugh played Paul Morgan, a Manhattan lawyer forced into witness protection with his estranged wife after witnessing a crime. This fish-out-of-water rom-com blends romance and humor as the city couple struggle to adjust to life in small-town Wyoming, rekindling their relationship along the way.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i4E05P-Hwt4" title="Did You Hear About the Morgans? Trailer - In Theaters 12/18" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>The Rewrite (2014)</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>In this later rom-com gem, Hugh starred as Keith Michaels, a once-successful screenwriter who reluctantly accepts a teaching job at a small university. There, he meets a single mother who inspires him to see life and love through fresh eyes. The film highlighted the actor’s enduring charm well into his 50s.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cL-tP03XoH4" title="The Rewrite - Official UK Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>From bumbling English gentlemen to cheeky charmers, Hugh Grant’s performances have defined an era of romantic comedies. As he celebrates his birthday today, it’s the perfect time to revisit these classic films that prove his versatility as one of the top rom-com actors.</p><div> </div>