Born in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 9th 1964, and studied at the Centro de Investigación y Estudios Cinematográficos

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 9th 1964, and studied at the Centro de Investigación y Estudios Cinematográficos.

• Born in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 9th 1964, and studied at the Centro de Investigación y Estudios Cinematográficos.

• He made short films from the age of eight, using Planet of the Apes toys and other objects.

• He made about ten short films, however only a few of these have been made available.

• He also wrote four and directed five episodes of the cult series La Hora Marcada, along with other Mexican filmmakers such as Emmanuel Lubezki and Alfonso Cuarón.

• He moved abroad with his family after the kidnapping of his father, he later said that he is in “involuntary exile” from his country.

He has directed a variety of films, such as comic book adaptations to historical fantasy and horror films, two of which (The Devil Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth) were set in the context of the Spanish Civil War and during the Franco Regime.

• He has directed a variety of films, such as comic book adaptations to historical fantasy and horror films, two of which (The Devil Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth) were set in the context of the Spanish Civil War and during the Franco Regime.

• Del Toro views the horror genre as inherently political, explaining, "Much like fairy tales, there are two facets of horror. One is pro-institution, which is the most reprehensible type of fairy tale: Don't wander into the woods, and always obey your parents. The other type of fairy tale is completely anarchic and antiestablishment."

• He enjoys writing novels in addition to directing films. On June 2, 2009, del Toro's first novel, The Strain, was released. It is the first part of an apocalyptic vampire trilogy co-authored by del Toro and Chuck Hogan. The second volume, The Fall, was released on September 21, 2010. The final instalment, The Night Eternal, followed in October 2011.

He is scheduled to direct three films for Universal: Frankinstein; a new adaptation of Slaughterhouse-Five; and Drood, a film based on a Dan Simmons novel published in February 2009.

• He is scheduled to direct three films for Universal: Frankinstein; a new adaptation of Slaughterhouse-Five; and Drood, a film based on a Dan Simmons novel published in February 2009.

• Del Toro is currently working on a film based on the Italian novel, the Adventures of Pinocchio, further emphasising his passion for literature.

• He will also be executive producer to Kung Fu Panda 3, which will be released in 2016.

• Del Toro’s voice has also featured in video games such as Hellboy, The Science of Evil.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

• Hellboy: Blood and Iron (2007)

• Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

• Quantum of Solace-voice role (2008)

• Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

• Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

• Pacific Rim (2013)

• Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

• Crimson Peak (2015).

Been nominated for over 50 awards

• Been nominated for over 50 awards

• Won awards such as Goya Award (2007), BAFTA (2007), and many more.

• He’s also been nominated for awards at the Cannes Film Festival and Hollywood Film Festival.