Colin Firth: The Thinking Ladies' Leading Man

Pride and Prejudice
In this 1995 BBC television adaptation of Jane Austen's classic tale of girl meets boy in 19th century England, Firth plays the lead, Mr. Fitzwilliams Darcy, the owner of Pemberley, a wealthy family estate in Derbyshire. Although he is regarded in high esteem by those close to him, his aloof attitude and prideful manners make a poor impression on others, including Elizabeth Bennet, the headstrong protagonist. He eventually wins the heart of Lizzy, capturing the hearts of female viewers worldwide along the way. The famous scene in which Darcy emerges dripping wet from a lake elevated the actor to hunk status and left British women salivating for more.

• 2011 TIME 100: Colin Firth