British star Colin Firth becomes Italian citizen following Brexit decision

In this Monday, May 16, 2016 file photo, actor Colin Firth poses for photographers upon arrival at the screening of the film Loving at the 69th international film festival, Cannes, southern France. British actor Colin Firth says he has taken Italian citizenship as a "sensible" move amid global political uncertainty. (AP)

British actor Colin Firth says he has taken Italian citizenship as a "sensible" move amid global political uncertainty.

Firth, who is married to environmentalist Livia Giuggioli, says he has become a dual U.K.-Italian citizen, and his wife is applying for British nationality. Their two sons already have dual citizenship.

In a statement Saturday, the 57-year-old Firth said he and his wife had never thought much about their different passports, "but now, with some of the uncertainty around, we thought it sensible that we should all get the same."

Firth has been quoted as calling Brexit a disaster.

The actor, who has played Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice" and King George VI in "The King's Speech," said he "will always be extremely British" but also has "a passionate love of Italy."