Jason Isaacs was born in Liverpool, the third of four children of Sheila and Eric Isaacs. His parents were both from Jewish families (from Eastern Europe). He studied law at Bristol University and graduated in 1985 with a degree in law but decided to study acting. While at Bristol University, he directed and/or appeared in over 20 productions. He then attended the Central School of Speech and Drama and graduated in 1989.
Jason’s notable roles include Col. William Tavington in The Patriot (2000), Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, Mr. Darling/Captain Hook in Peter Pan (2003), and Maurice in Good (2008). In 2014, he appeared with Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, and Jon Bernthal in the World War II-set film Fury (2014).
Jason is married to documentary filmmaker Emma Hewitt, with whom he has two children.