Mark Strong (born Marco Giuseppe Salussolia; 30 August 1963) is an English actor. He is best known for his roles in films such as RocknRolla, Body of Lies, Syriana, The Young Victoria, Sherlock Holmes, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Kick-Ass, Green Lantern, Robin Hood, and John Carter. He often portrays villains or antagonists. Strong was born in London to an Austrian mother, Waltraud D. (née Schrempf), and an Italian father, Giuseppe A. Salussolia. His father left the family soon after his birth, and he was raised by his mother, who worked as an au pair. He attended Wymondham College, where he sang in the punk bands, the Electric Hoax and Private Party (the name of the latter was based on the idea that the band’s shows would not be attended, due to prospective audiences thinking that the event was a "private party"). His English name is not a stage name; when he was a child, his mother changed his name by deed poll to help him fit in with his peers. He was baptised a Catholic. He speaks fluent German and some Italian. His original ambition was to become a lawyer, but after studying at university in Munich for one year, he decided to change his direction in life and returned home to London. There, he studied English and Drama at Royal Holloway, and later attended Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.