Rhys Ifans was born and raised in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales,the son of teacher parents, Beti Wyn (Davies) and Eirwyn Evans. He waseducated in two Welsh language schools - Ysgol Pentrecelyn, where hismother taught, and Ysgol Maes Garmon. During his childhood, Ifansshowed an interest in performing and attended youth acting school. Hewent on to train at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

Ifans made his small screen debut as the host of Welsh children's TVshow, Stwnsh. Various roles in theater and Welsh language televisionalso followed. His breakthrough on the big screen came in the BritishhitTwin Town (1997), where he actingalongside his younger brotherLlyr Ifans.More film success followed, notably asHugh Grant's scruffy housemate inNottinguhiru no koibito (1999). Other projectsincludeDancing at Lughnasa (1998) ,Little Nicky (2000),Enduring Love (2004),Elizabeth: Golden Age (2007),Harii Pottâ to shi no hihô part 1 (2010)andAmeijingu Supaidâ Man (2012).

In 2004, he played iconic British comedianPeter Cook in the TV filmNot Only But Always (2004).His performance earned him an Emmy nomination and a BAFTA award forBest Actor.