Jamie Dornan was involved in youth theatre in his hometown of Belfast, North Ireland, as well as some amateur dramatic societies as a young boy. He was also heavily involved in school drama productions. While attending university, he decided to take a break and moved to London. It was there where he met an agent and soon found himself at work as a professional actor.

On the big screen, he appeared in the films Marie Antoinette, directed by Sofia Coppola and starring opposite Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman and Judy Davis, Beyond the Rave and Shadows in the Sun.

In his spare time, Dornan enjoys playing rugby, golf, soccer and tennis, as well as skiing and sailing. He is a huge Manchester United Fan and supporter of his local team back home, Bangor Football Club, with whom he stays actively involved. He is an avid reader, with Paul Auster being his favorite modern writer and The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit, by Sloan Wilson, his favorite book.