Destined to be a priest, it wasn't until the local clergy discouraged Danny Boyle from seminary school that his true calling was discovered. "I don't know if he was trying to save me or the priesthood."(Boyle) Born to an Irish catholic family in Manchester England on Oct. 20, 1956 Boyle was encouraged to indulge his imagination, which he did through cinema. By Danny's 18th birthday he had set his sights on becoming a director and went on to complete his secondary school at Thornleigh Salesian College. Boyle later attended the University of Whales for a short time until, without a degree, he left to follow a career in theater. Starting out in the Joint Stock Theatre Company as a director, he later advanced his career as the Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre in London where he oversaw several acclaimed shows. Then in 1985 Boyle was awarded the position of Deputy Director of the Royal Court Theatre where he served until 1987 when he began directing shows for television.

"Danny Boyle." Askmen. Web. 5 May 2010. http://www.askmen.com/celebs/men/entertainment_250/272_danny_boyle.html