Colin Firth now has dual British-Italian citizenship

Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, who was born in England, now has dual British-Italian citizenship.

The BBC quoted the 57-year-old screen icon as saying he made the decision because he has been connected to Italy "for more than two decades now."

The King's Speech, Bridget Jones's Diary and Pride & Prejudice star is married to Italian film producer Livia Giuggioli, who gave birth to their two sons in Italy.

"I was married there and had two children born in Rome," Firth said, adding Giuggioli has applied for a British passport, while his children already have dual citizenship.

"We never really thought much about our different passports," Firth explained. "But now, with some of the uncertainty around, we thought it sensible that we should all get the same."

"My wife and I are both extremely proud of our own countries. We feel that we've made a gift of that to each other," ITV News reported Firth said in a statement. "I will always be extremely British [you only have to look at or listen to me.] Britain is our home and we love it here."

The Italian interior ministry confirmed to the BBC that Firth had been granted dual citizenship.

"The very famous actor, who won an Oscar for the film The King's Speech, is married to a citizen from our country and has often declared his love for our land," the ministry said.

Firth can now be seen in the film Kingsman: The Golden Circle.