MARK Strong is a familiar face to many having starred in some of the biggest movies in the last few years.

And now he's taking on the villain role in upcoming DC Comic movie Shazam!

2 Mark Strong has starred in many blockbusters over the past few years Credit: Getty - Contributor

Who is Shazam! actor Mark Strong?

Mark Strong is an English actor who was born Marco Giuseppe Salussolia on 5 August 1963 to an Austrian mother and an Italian father.

His mother changed his name to Mark Strong so he would fit in with his peers.

He was raised by his mother in Islington and moved around a lot for her job as an au pair.

Mark cites French actor Alain Delon as his inspiration for becoming an actor as:

"I remember watching him in films and though I couldn't understand a word he was saying I remember thinking he looked great.

"Failing that, an astronaut, after watching the moon landing on a tiny, portable, black-and-white TV at my gran's house."

After attending Wymondham College he studied German law at Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich for a year before deciding he didn't actually want to be a lawyer.

Upon returning home he then studied English and Drama at Royal Holloway before attending the prestigious Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol.

How old is Mark?

2 Mark will be starring as the villain in upcoming movie Shazam! Credit: Alamy

Mark was born on 5 August 1963 - making him 55-years-old.

He lives in London with his wife Liza Marshall and two kids.

And has stated he has "no desire to live anywhere else."

As well as his native English, Mark speaks German fluently as well as conversational Italian.

He even dubbed Daniel Craig's voice in German for the 1997 film Obsession.

Having grown up in Islington it's perhaps no surprise that the actor supports Arsenal FC.

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What else has he starred in?

Mark is best known for his roles in Stardust, Sherlock Holmes, Kick-Ass, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Zero Dark Thirty and Kingsman - to name a few!

But besides his extensive film career he has also had a successful stage career, having been nominated for two Laurence Olivier Awards and winning one in 2015 for his performance in A View From The Bridge.

The actor also recieved a Tony Award for the Broadway version of the role.

He'll be portraying the villain Doctor Thaddeus Sivana in upcoming DC Comics movie Shazam!