Dominic Cooper, The History Boys

It's a nice way to launch an international career that's for sure. Dominic Cooper - dark, handsome and a delight in London and Broadway in Alan Bennett's Tony-winning The History Boys - recreates his role as Dakin, the school's studly object of lust and desire in the film version. Touted as yet another Jude Law, the versatile Cooper co-stars with another rising star, James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland), in 2007's romantic comedy Starter for Ten, produced by Tom Hanks's Playtone Company. Cooper graduated from London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. So, like his altar ego in History Boys, he already knows a bit about making the grade.

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