British actors born in 1949
Here are 29 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1949:
Ken Follett
Ken Follett (June 5, 1949 Cardiff-) also known as Ken Follet, Bernard L. Ross, Martin Martinsen, Simon Myles, Kenneth Martin Follett or Follett, Ken is a British novelist, author, writer, film producer and actor.
Follett is best known for his historical novels, particularly the Century Trilogy series which includes Fall of Giants, Winter of the World, and Edge of Eternity. His novels have sold over 160 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 30 languages.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Follett worked as a journalist and an advertising executive. He then wrote his first novel, Eye of the Needle, which became an international bestseller and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1979. He has since written many other successful works, including The Pillars of the Earth, A Dangerous Fortune, and The Third Twin.
In addition to his writing career, Follett has also produced and written screenplays for television mini-series adaptations of his novels. He has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2018. He also supports various charitable organizations related to literacy and education.
Read more about Ken Follett on Wikipedia »
Robin Gibb
Robin Gibb (December 22, 1949 Douglas-May 20, 2012 London) also known as ROBIN GIBB, Robin Hugh Gibb, Robin or Robin Hugh Gibb, CBE was a British singer, songwriter, composer, actor, musician, record producer and film score composer. He had four children, Spencer Gibb, Melissa Gibb, Robin-John Gibb and Snow Evelyn Robin Juliet Gibb.
He was best known as a member of the Bee Gees, a band he formed with his brothers, Maurice and Barry Gibb. The group is one of the best-selling bands in history, with hits such as "Stayin' Alive," "How Deep is Your Love," and "Night Fever".
Robin Gibb's solo career also included numerous hit songs and albums, including "Saved by the Bell," "Juliet," and "Like a Fool." In addition to music, Gibb was also an advocate for various charities, including those that supported children's hospitals and research for cancer and leukemia.
Gibb's legacy in music continues to influence generations of musicians across many genres, and he is remembered as a talented and prolific artist who helped shape the sound of popular music in the 20th century.
Read more about Robin Gibb on Wikipedia »
Chris Langham
Chris Langham (April 14, 1949 London-) also known as Christopher Langham or Christopher "Chris" Langham is a British comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer and writer. He has one child, Emily Langham.
Langham is best known for his work on the sketch comedy television show "The Fast Show" in the 1990s. He also wrote and starred in the comedy series "Kiss Me Kate" and co-wrote and starred in the parody show "People Like Us". He has appeared in several films including "The Big Tease" and "Gladiatress". In addition to his comedy work, Langham has also acted in more serious roles such as his portrayal of the Prime Minister in "The Thick of It". He has won several awards for his work including BAFTA awards and an Emmy. However, Langham's career suffered a setback in 2007 when he was found guilty of possessing and making indecent images of children and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
Read more about Chris Langham on Wikipedia »
Antony Sher
Antony Sher (June 14, 1949 Cape Town-) also known as Sir Antony Sher, Anthony Sher, Sir Antony Sher, KBE or Tony Sher is a British novelist, actor, writer, painter and theatre director.
He was born in South Africa and moved to England in the 1960s to pursue a career in acting. Sher is known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he has played many leading roles, including Richard III, Macbeth, and King Lear. He has also acted in numerous films and television shows, including "The History Boys" and "John Carter." In addition to his acting career, Sher is an accomplished writer and painter. He has published several novels and a memoir, and his paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. In 2000, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire for his services to theatre.
Read more about Antony Sher on Wikipedia »
George Harris
George Harris (October 20, 1949 Grenada-) also known as George William Harris or George W. Harris is a British actor.
He is best known for his roles in films such as "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," "Layer Cake," and "The Interpreter." Harris has also acted in numerous television series, including "Casualty" and "Holby City." In addition to his acting career, he is also an accomplished musician, playing the guitar, drums, and bass guitar. Harris has served as a mentor and teacher to young actors, and has conducted workshops and masterclasses in various acting schools around the world. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2020 for his services to drama.
Read more about George Harris on Wikipedia »
Duncan Bannatyne
Duncan Bannatyne (February 2, 1949 Clydebank-) a.k.a. Duncan Walker Bannatyne or Duncan Bannatyne OBE is a British entrepreneur, tv personality, presenter, businessperson, investor and actor.
He is best known as one of the dragons on the BBC program Dragons' Den, where he invested in a range of businesses. Bannatyne grew up in a working-class family but became a self-made millionaire through his fitness clubs and property investment. Outside of business, Bannatyne is a philanthropist and has donated millions to various charities including UNICEF and the Disasters Emergency Committee. In 2016, he was awarded an OBE for his services to charity and entrepreneurship. Bannatyne has also made cameo appearances on TV shows and films such as Hollyoaks and Top Gear.
Read more about Duncan Bannatyne on Wikipedia »
Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards (May 24, 1949 Worcester-) also known as Robert Edwards is a British actor.
Rob Edwards is best known for his roles in various British television series such as "The Bill", "Doctors", and "Holby City". He began his acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in more than 100 television shows and films. Aside from acting, Edwards has also worked as a director for several theater productions. He has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Olivier Award and the Tony Award for his outstanding contributions to the theater. In addition to his acting and directing career, Edwards is also involved in charity work and has supported various causes throughout his career.
Read more about Rob Edwards on Wikipedia »
Nicholas Young
Nicholas Young (June 11, 1949 London-) otherwise known as Nicholas John Young or Nick Young is a British actor and talent agent.
He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his acting career in the late 1960s, appearing in various stage productions and television shows. Some of his notable screen credits include "The Trial of the Moke", "One Foot in the Grave", and "The Bill".
In addition to his acting work, Young has also had a successful career as a talent agent, representing a wide range of actors, writers, and musicians. He has served as the managing director of the Nicholas Young Agency since 1987 and has worked with a number of high-profile clients throughout his career.
Outside of his professional career, Young is known for his philanthropic work and has been involved with various charitable organizations throughout the years. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry, receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Chester in 2018.
Read more about Nicholas Young on Wikipedia »
Nayef Rashed
Nayef Rashed (February 5, 1949-) otherwise known as Adam Hussein is a British actor.
He was born in Aden, Yemen and moved to Britain when he was young. Rashed began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. He is best known for his roles in "The Devil's Double" (2011) and "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005).
Rashed has also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to various video games and animated films. In addition to his acting career, he is a published author and poet, with several books to his name. Rashed has used his platform to advocate for greater representation of Middle Eastern actors in Western media.
Read more about Nayef Rashed on Wikipedia »
John McArdle
John McArdle (August 16, 1949 Liverpool-) a.k.a. John McCardle is a British actor.
He is best known for his portrayal of Billy Corkhill on the British soap opera Brookside from 1985-1990. McArdle has also made appearances in other popular British television shows such as The Bill, Taggart, and Coronation Street. In addition to his work on screen, McArdle has also appeared in numerous stage productions, including the West End production of Les Misérables. McArdle is married to actress Stephanie Cole, with whom he has worked on several occasions.
Read more about John McArdle on Wikipedia »
David Neilson
David Neilson (March 13, 1949 Loughborough-) also known as David Nielson is a British actor.
He is best known for his role as the lovable cafe owner Roy Cropper in the long-running British soap opera, Coronation Street. Neilson began his acting career in the 1970s, working on stage productions throughout the United Kingdom. He also appeared in television shows such as Z-Cars, The Bill, Emmerdale, and Heartbeat before landing his role on Coronation Street in 1995. In addition to his work on the soap, Neilson has appeared in several other British television series and films, as well as on stage. He is respected in the acting community for his versatility and the depth of his performances. Neilson has been nominated for several British Soap Awards for his portrayal of Roy Cropper and has won numerous accolades for his contributions to British television and theater.
Read more about David Neilson on Wikipedia »
Jim Broadbent
Jim Broadbent (May 24, 1949 Holton cum Beckering-) also known as James Broadbent, James "Jim" Broadbent or Jim is a British actor, voice actor and screenwriter.
He was born in Lincolnshire, England and attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Broadbent has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1970s and has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. Some of his most notable roles include Professor Slughorn in the Harry Potter film series, Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge!, and Denis Thatcher in The Iron Lady. He has won numerous awards for his acting, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Iris. In addition to his acting career, Broadbent has also worked as a screenwriter, co-writing the film screenplay for the comedy-mystery film, The Go-Between. Throughout his career, he has become known for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance.
Read more about Jim Broadbent on Wikipedia »
Robert Lindsay
Robert Lindsay (December 13, 1949 Ilkeston-) also known as Robert Lindsay Stevenson or Lindsay, Robert is a British presenter, singer and actor. He has four children, Sydney Laura Stevenson, James Lindsay Stevenson, Samuel Lindsay Stevenson and John Lindsay Stevenson.
Robert Lindsay is best known for his work on stage, television and in film. He started his acting career in the theatre, where he made his debut in Alan Ayckbourn's production of "Relatively Speaking". He then went on to star in several West End productions, including "Me and My Girl" and "Oliver!", for which he won an Olivier Award.
On television, Lindsay is well-known for his portrayal of Wolfie Smith in the sitcom "Citizen Smith" and Ben Harper in "My Family". He has also appeared in many other shows such as "GBH", "Hornblower" and "The Trial of Tony Blair". In film, he starred as Captain Hook in the 1991 film "Hook" and as Bertie Wooster in "Jeeves and Wooster", among others.
Besides acting, Lindsay has also released two albums and has performed in many musical theatre productions. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2003 New Year Honours for services to drama.
Read more about Robert Lindsay on Wikipedia »
Simon Callow
Simon Callow (June 15, 1949 Streatham-) a.k.a. Simon Callow CBE, Simon Phillip Hugh Callow, Simon Phillip Hugh Callow, CBE or Owen Windhoek is a British actor, theatre director, writer, musician, author, film director, voice actor and screenwriter.
Callow is best known for his iconic roles in films such as "A Room with a View" (1985), "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994), and "Shakespeare in Love" (1998). He also directed the film "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe" (1991). In addition to his work in film, Callow has an extensive career on stage, having performed in numerous productions including "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Mystery of Charles Dickens," which he also wrote. He has won several awards for his work, including a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway production of "The Woman in White" (2006). Callow is also a prolific writer, having published several biographies and memoirs, including his acclaimed book "Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World." He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1999 for his contributions to the arts.
Read more about Simon Callow on Wikipedia »
Benny Young
Benny Young (August 14, 1949 Glasgow-) otherwise known as Robert Young or Robert "Benny" Young is a British actor.
Benny Young started his acting career in the 1970s and gained prominence for his appearances in various TV series and films. He has appeared in popular television shows such as Doctor Who, The Sweeney, and Inspector Morse. In addition to his television work, he has also made several appearances on stage and in films.
Young has also worked as a voice artist, lending his voice to several video games, including the popular Grand Theft Auto series. He has also provided his voice for animated television shows, such as The Adventures of Paddington Bear and Watership Down.
Throughout his career, Young has been known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters on screen.
Read more about Benny Young on Wikipedia »
Nigel Bennett
Nigel Bennett (November 19, 1949 Wolverhampton-) also known as Nigel Bennet is a British actor, writer and artistic director. He has four children, Michael Bennett, Matthew Bennett, Hannah Bennett and Sam Bennett.
Nigel Bennett is best known for his portrayal of the villainous character "LaCroix" in the TV series "Forever Knight." He has also made notable appearances in other TV shows such as "Lexx," "Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal," and "Da Vinci's Inquest." Along with his acting career, Bennett has also written stage plays and was the artistic director of the "Red Barn Theatre" in Ontario, Canada. In 1999, he was awarded the "Earle Grey Award" at the Gemini Awards in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Canadian TV. Off-screen, Bennett is also known for his activism work and has supported various causes pertaining to environmentalism and social justice.
Read more about Nigel Bennett on Wikipedia »
John Duigan
John Duigan (June 19, 1949 Hartley Wintney-) also known as John Lawless Duigan is a British film director, screenwriter, actor and film producer.
He is best known for his work on several Australian films, including "The Year My Voice Broke" and "Flirting". In the early stages of his career, Duigan worked as an actor, making appearances in notable Australian television shows such as "Homicide" and "Division 4". He later transitioned to the role of a director, and has directed several films and TV projects throughout his career.
In addition to his work in film, Duigan is also a published author. His debut novel, "The Lawnmower Man", was published in 1975 and was later adapted into a film of the same name in 1992.
Duigan has received several awards and nominations for his work in film, including the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Director for "The Year My Voice Broke" in 1987. He has also served as a mentor to several up-and-coming Australian filmmakers, helping to shape the landscape of Australian cinema over the course of his career.
Read more about John Duigan on Wikipedia »
Nicholas Woodeson
Nicholas Woodeson (November 30, 1949 Sudan-) also known as Nick Woodeson is a British actor.
He was born in Sudan to an English father and Belgian mother. He was raised in both Belgium and the UK. Woodeson trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his career as a stage actor. He has appeared in numerous productions in London's West End and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Woodeson has also appeared in many films and television series, including "The Queen," "Skyfall," "The Crown," and "Rome." He is known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a wide range of characters. In addition to his work in acting, Woodeson is also an accomplished voice actor with credits in multiple audio books and video games.
Read more about Nicholas Woodeson on Wikipedia »
Mike Gwilym
Mike Gwilym (March 5, 1949 Neath-) a.k.a. Michael Gwilym is a British actor.
He graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and began his career on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Gwilym has appeared in numerous TV shows and films throughout his career, including "Nicholas Nickleby," "Torchwood," "Doctor Who," and "Game of Thrones." He is also known for his role as Sir Henry Baskerville in the 1983 TV adaptation of "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Aside from acting, Gwilym is also a talented musician, playing guitar and singing in a band called "The Flying Pickets." He has also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to numerous video games and animated series.
Read more about Mike Gwilym on Wikipedia »
Dave Thomas
Dave Thomas (May 20, 1949 St. Catharines-) also known as David "Dave" Thomas, David Thomas, David William Thomas or Dave 'Canadian' Thomas is a British actor, screenwriter, television producer, comedian, film producer and voice actor. He has four children, Emily Thomas, John Thomas, Charlie Thomas and Harrison Thomas.
Dave Thomas is best known for his work as a cast member and writer on the sketch comedy series "SCTV," which aired from 1976 to 1984. He also co-starred in the film "Strange Brew" (1983) alongside Rick Moranis, which he also co-wrote and co-directed. In addition, Thomas has provided his voice for numerous animated television shows and feature films, including "The Simpsons," "Batman: The Animated Series," and "Brother Bear." He has won multiple Emmy Awards for his work in television production, and was inducted into the Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame in 1998. Off-screen, Thomas is an advocate for adoption and co-founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which helps find homes for children in foster care.
Read more about Dave Thomas on Wikipedia »
Kevin Lloyd
Kevin Lloyd (March 28, 1949 Derby-May 2, 1998 Burton-upon-Trent) also known as Kevin Reardon Lloyd was a British actor. He had two children, James Lloyd and Poppy Lloyd.
Kevin Lloyd is best known for his portrayal of Tosh Lines in the long-running British police procedural drama series, The Bill. He played the character from the show's inception in 1984 until 1998. Lloyd had a successful career in theater, appearing in several productions in the 1970s and 1980s. He also appeared in a number of other television shows, including Casualty and Doctor Who. He sadly passed away at the age of 49 due to a ruptured blood vessel in his stomach.
Read more about Kevin Lloyd on Wikipedia »
Julian Fellowes
Julian Fellowes (August 17, 1949 Cairo-) also known as Julian Alexander Fellowes, Julian Alexander Kitchener-Fellowes, Lord Fellowes of West Stafford, The Right Honourable The Lord Fellowes of West Stafford DL, Lord Fellowes or Rebecca Greville is a British novelist, screenwriter, actor, film director, film producer, television director, television producer and writer. He has one child, Peregrine Kitchener-Fellowes.
Julian Fellowes was born in Cairo, Egypt and later moved to England as a child. He attended Ampleforth College and later studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Fellowes began his career in acting, appearing in several stage productions and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s. It was his work as a screenwriter, however, that gained him widespread recognition.
Fellowes is best known for creating and writing the acclaimed British television series, Downton Abbey, which aired from 2010 to 2015. The historical drama garnered numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, and made Fellowes a household name. He also wrote and directed the 2009 film, The Young Victoria, which was based on the early life of Queen Victoria.
In addition to his work in film and television, Fellowes is an accomplished novelist. He has written several best-selling novels, including Snobs, Past Imperfect, and Belgravia. Throughout his career, Fellowes has garnered numerous accolades for his work, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the 2001 film, Gosford Park, and a Fellowship from the Royal Society of Literature.
Fellowes has also been active in politics and was appointed a Conservative member of the House of Lords in 2011. He is known for his conservative views and has been a vocal supporter of Brexit. In 2020, he received criticism for his controversial comments on the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry.
Read more about Julian Fellowes on Wikipedia »
Bill Nighy
Bill Nighy (December 12, 1949 Caterham-) otherwise known as William Francis Nighy, William Francis Nigh, William Francis "Bill" Nighy, Bill or Billy Mack is a British actor, voice actor, film score composer and musician. He has one child, Mary Nighy.
Starting his career in the 1970s, Nighy gained popularity in the UK with his performances in the television series "Agony" and "The Men's Room." He later went on to appear in numerous films including "Love Actually," "Pirates of the Caribbean" series, "Underworld" series, and "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" series. Nighy has won several awards for his performances, including a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Love Actually" and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in "Blue/Orange" on stage. In addition to his acting career, Nighy is also a talented musician and has released an album titled "Still Crazy" and collaborated on the soundtrack for "Love Actually."
Read more about Bill Nighy on Wikipedia »
Ian Charleson
Ian Charleson (August 11, 1949 Edinburgh-January 6, 1990 London) was a British actor and singer.
He studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama before beginning his stage career with the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. Charleson gained critical acclaim for his performances in numerous theatrical productions in both London's West End and on Broadway. He was perhaps most well-known for his role as Eric Liddell in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, for which he received a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Aside from his acting career, Charleson was also a trained singer and sang in many productions throughout his career. He was openly gay and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in his personal life. Charleson's promising career was cut short when he died of AIDS-related complications in 1990 at the age of 40. The Ian Charleson Awards, created in his honor, recognize outstanding performances by young actors in classical theater roles.
Read more about Ian Charleson on Wikipedia »
Ian Gelder
Ian Gelder (June 3, 1949 England-) is a British actor.
He trained at the Drama Centre in London and has since appeared in numerous stage productions. Gelder is best known for his roles on television, including Mr. Dekker in Torchwood, Ser Denys Mallister in Game of Thrones, and Kynes in the sci-fi series Foundation. He has also appeared in films such as Kenneth Branagh's Henry V and Death Machine. Gelder is a regular voiceover artist and has lent his voice to audio dramas, commercials, and documentaries. He has been nominated for several awards for his work in theatre, including an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Read more about Ian Gelder on Wikipedia »
Nigel Harris
Nigel Harris (August 30, 1949 Grahamstown-) is a British actor.
He is best known for his work on the stage, particularly for his performances in Shakespearean plays. Harris trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and started his career in the 1970s with roles in various British television shows. He made his stage debut in 1975 and went on to become a prominent stage actor, performing in productions of plays by authors such as Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard. Harris has also appeared in several films, including "The Remains of the Day" (1993) and "The End of the Affair" (1999), and has worked extensively in radio drama. In recognition of his contributions to British theater, Harris was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2011.
Read more about Nigel Harris on Wikipedia »
Nigel Lythgoe
Nigel Lythgoe (July 9, 1949 Wirral Peninsula-) a.k.a. Nasty Nigel is a British choreographer, television producer, television director, screenwriter, film director, film producer, actor, dancer and tv personality. He has two children, Simon Lythgoe and Kris Lythgoe.
Lythgoe began his career in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer and choreographer. He has choreographed for popular shows like "The Young Generation" and "The Benny Hill Show." In the 1980s, he began his work as a television producer and director, and has worked on many popular shows, including "American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Popstars."
Lythgoe is known for his advocacy for dance education and has served as the CEO of the American Institute of Dance/Choreography. He has also created the Dizzy Feet Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to support dance education and increase access to dance programs for all students.
In addition to his work on television, Lythgoe has also worked in film, producing and directing movies like "Nativity!" and "Breaking Brooklyn." He has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with several awards, including the International Emmy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Read more about Nigel Lythgoe on Wikipedia »
Paul Dickenson
Paul Dickenson (December 4, 1949 North Shields-) is a British actor.
He is best known for his work on stage, particularly in Shakespearean productions, having performed in numerous plays for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Dickenson has also had a successful career in television and film, with appearances in popular shows such as "Doctor Who" and "Midsomer Murders," as well as films including "Chariots of Fire" and "The Remains of the Day." In addition to his acting work, he has also directed several productions and has taught at drama schools in the UK.
Read more about Paul Dickenson on Wikipedia »
Andrew Neil
Andrew Neil (May 21, 1949 Paisley-) also known as Andrew Ferguson Neil is a British journalist, politician, presenter, author, editor, actor and television presenter.
He was educated at the University of Glasgow and began his career as a journalist for The Economist. Later, he worked for the Sunday Times and became the editor of The Sunday Times in 1983. He played a key role in the newspaper's modernization and made it one of the most successful newspapers in Britain.
In the 1990s, Neil moved into television journalism, presenting BBC's political programs such as "The Daily Politics" and "This Week". He is also known for his interviews with prominent figures, including current British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former US President Bill Clinton.
Aside from his career in journalism, Neil had a brief stint in politics as a Conservative Party member of the UK Parliament from 1983 to 1992. He has also authored several books, including biographies of prominent figures such as Rupert Murdoch and Nigel Farage.
With his vast experience in media and politics, Neil has become a highly respected and influential figure in the UK media landscape.
Read more about Andrew Neil on Wikipedia »