Early life
Sands was born in Otley, Yorkshire, England as one of 5 siblings. When he was three, his father abandoned the family. Sands studied at the Forum Theatre Company and the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he met his first wife.
Career
Sands began his film career appearing in supporting roles, including parts in the 1984 films Oxford Blues and The Killing Fields. He was cast as the romantic lead in the 1986 film A Room with a View, the success of which prompted Sands to move to Hollywood in 1987 and pursue an American film career. He has since appeared in a variety of low-tier and higher-budget films, including the title role in the 1991 cult film, Warlock, and parts in films such as Arachnophobia, Boxing Helena and Leaving Las Vegas. He also appeared in the 2006 season of the television series 24.
Private life
Sands has been married twice, to journalist Sarah Sands (whom he divorced in 1987), and in 1990 to writer Evgenia Citkowitz, with whom he lives in Los Angeles. He has a son, Henry (born in 1985), from his first marriage, and two daughters from his second marriage.
Selected filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Other notes |
| 1993 | Warlock: The Armageddon | Warlock | |
| 1993 | Boxing Helena | Doctor Nick Cavanaugh | |
| 1991 | Warlock | Warlock | |
| 1986 | A Room with a View | In Florence - George Emerson |
Interviews
- The Guardian interview (August 19, 2000)