Gruffudd started his acting career at the age of 13 in a Welsh television film, "Austin" (1986), and later moved on to the Welsh language soap opera "Pobol y Cwm" ("People of the Valley") from 1987 to 1994. He also played football with the "Pobol y Cwm" football team "Cwmderi FC" alongside co-stars Hywel Emrys, Gwyn Elfyn and Ieuan Rhys. During this time, he was also active on stage, in school performances, and in the 1991 Urdd Eisteddfod production of "Cwlwm".