British actors born in 1956
Here are 28 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1956:
Angus Deayton
Angus Deayton (January 6, 1956 Surrey-) a.k.a. Gordon Angus Deayton or Perkins is a British presenter, musician, comedian, actor and screenwriter. He has one child, Isaac Deayton.
Angus Deayton began his career as a stand-up comedian and was a regular performer at the Comedy Store in London. He rose to fame as the host of the topical news quiz show "Have I Got News for You" from 1990 to 2002, bringing his sharp wit and dry humor to the show's format. He also hosted the satirical comedy panel show "Mock the Week" and appeared in several popular TV shows, including "One Foot in the Grave", "Absolutely Fabulous", and "Blackadder".
Deayton has also acted in films, including "Savage Hearts" and "Relative Values". In addition to his work on television and in film, he has served as a radio host and is an accomplished musician who has released several albums as part of his band, the Angus Deayton Trio.
Despite his successes, Deayton's career was thrown into turmoil in 2002 when he was fired from "Have I Got News for You" following a series of scandals in the British tabloid press. However, he has continued to work in entertainment, hosting and appearing on various TV shows and performing as a comedian.
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Richard Curtis
Richard Curtis (November 8, 1956 Wellington-) also known as Richard Whalley Anthony Curtis, Richard Curtis CBE or Richard Whalley Anthony Curtis, CBE is a British screenwriter, actor, television producer, film director, film producer and record producer. He has four children, Scarlett Rachel Anne Curtis, Jake Barnard Curtis, Charlie Curtis and Spike Curtis.
Curtis' writing career began in the 1980s with the British TV shows "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Blackadder." He went on to write and produce several successful British films including "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill," and "Bridget Jones's Diary." In addition to his film work, Curtis has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including co-founding Comic Relief and Red Nose Day, which have raised millions of pounds for charity. Curtis has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with numerous awards, including a BAFTA for his work in television and a Humanitas Prize for his film "War Horse." In 2019, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to British film and charity.
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Tim McInnerny
Tim McInnerny (September 18, 1956 Cheadle Hulme-) also known as Tim McInnery, Mr. Tim McInnerny or Timothy L. McInnerny is a British actor and voice actor.
He is best known for his roles in the popular British comedy series Blackadder, where he played the characters Lord Percy Percy and Captain Kevin Darling. He has also starred in various other television shows and films, including Notting Hill, Spooks, and Game of Thrones.
Throughout his career, McInnerny has received critical acclaim for his performances, earning multiple award nominations for his work in films such as Notting Hill and as a stage actor in the West End. In addition to his acting work, he has also provided his voice to a variety of video games and animated films, including Chicken Run and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
McInnerny was born in England and attended school in Germany and Scotland before studying at both Oxford and Cambridge universities. He began his career in theater and gradually transitioned into television and film. McInerny has been actively involved in numerous charitable causes over the years, particularly those related to animal welfare and conservation.
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Matthew Garber
Matthew Garber (March 25, 1956 Stepney-June 13, 1977 Hampstead) also known as Matthew Adam Garber was a British actor.
He is best known for his role as Michael Banks in the Disney film "Mary Poppins" (1964), where he starred alongside Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Garber also appeared in the film "The Three Lives of Thomasina" (1963) and the television show "The Winter's Tale" (1967). After his acting career, Garber studied at the University of Westminster and eventually became a surveyor. Tragically, he passed away at the young age of 21 due to pancreatitis.
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Julian Richings
Julian Richings (September 8, 1956 Oxford-) a.k.a. Julian M. Richings or 줄리안 리칭스 is a British actor, voice actor and teacher.
He is best known for his roles in horror films, including "Cube" and "Wrong Turn," as well as in the popular TV series "Supernatural." His distinctive looks and deep, gravelly voice have made him a sought-after character actor in both Canada and the United States. Richings has also worked extensively on stage, both as an actor and a director. He is a founding member of the Toronto-based theatre company Necessary Angel and has taught acting at several Canadian institutions, including the National Theatre School of Canada. In addition to his acting work, Richings is also an accomplished visual artist and illustrator.
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Oliver Skeete
Oliver Skeete (March 26, 1956 Speightstown-) is a British actor.
Oliver Skeete was born in Speightstown, Barbados and moved to the UK as a young child. He began his acting career in the late 1970s, and quickly gained recognition for his skills as a character actor. Skeete has appeared in a number of popular British TV shows, including "Doctor Who", "EastEnders", and "The Bill". He has also appeared in several films, including "My Beautiful Laundrette" and "A Room with a View". In addition to his work as an actor, Skeete has also been involved in directing and writing for both theatre and television. Despite his success, he has remained relatively private about his personal life.
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John Michie
John Michie (October 25, 1956 Myanmar-) is a British actor. He has three children, Daisy Michie, Sam Michie and Louella Michie.
John Michie was born in Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar) to Scottish parents. His family moved to Scotland when he was six years old, and he grew up in Edinburgh. Before pursuing a career in acting, Michie worked as a decorator and a lifeguard.
Michie got his start in acting in the early 1980s, appearing in a number of British television shows and films. He is perhaps best known for his role as DI Robbie Ross in the long-running ITV drama "Taggart". He has also had recurring roles in shows such as "Coronation Street", "Holby City", and "Casualty".
In addition to his work in television, Michie has also appeared in several films, including "Papillon" (2018) and "The 51st State" (2001).
Michie's personal life has not been without tragedy. In 2017, his daughter, Louella Michie, died tragically at the Bestival music festival. Michie has since become an advocate for drug safety, speaking out about the need for harm reduction policies and drug education.
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Tom Watt
Tom Watt (February 14, 1956 Wanstead-) also known as Thomas Erickson Watt or Thomas Erickson "Tom" Watt is a British actor, disc jockey and journalist.
He is best known for his role as Lofty Holloway in the popular British soap opera EastEnders. Prior to his acting career, Watt worked as a journalist for the magazine Smash Hits and also as a disc jockey for the pirate radio station Radio Veronica. Aside from his acting career, he has written several books, including the biographies of soccer legends David Beckham and Gary Lineker. He has also worked as a football commentator for BBC Radio and co-hosted a podcast called "The Game's Gone" with fellow EastEnders actor Michael Greco. In addition to his entertainment career, Watt is also a licensed pilot and flies his own vintage 1943 Piper Cub plane.
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Stephen Dillane
Stephen Dillane (November 30, 1956 Kensington-) also known as Stephen Dillon, Stephen J. Dillane or Stephen Delaney is a British actor. He has two children, Frank Dillane and Seamus Dillane.
Dillane trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School before embarking on a successful career in both theatre and film. He starred in the HBO series "Game of Thrones" as Stannis Baratheon and has also appeared in films such as "The Hours," "Spy Game," and "Welcome to Sarajevo." In 2000, he won a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway production of Tom Stoppard's play "The Real Thing." He is known for his ability to convey complex emotions with subtle and understated performances.
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Sean Mathias
Sean Mathias (March 14, 1956 Swansea-) a.k.a. Sean Gerard Mathias is a British actor, screenwriter, theatre director, film director, businessperson, writer and playwright.
He is best known for his work in theatre, having directed productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and on Broadway. Some of his notable productions include "Waiting for Godot" starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, "The Elephant Man" with Bradley Cooper, and "No Man's Land" with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. In addition to his career in theatre, he has also directed several films, including "Bent" and "The Lost Language of Cranes", and has worked as a screenwriter on projects such as the miniseries "Les Misérables". Mathias has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Laurence Olivier Award and the Drama Desk Award. He is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his career.
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Jim Piddock
Jim Piddock (April 8, 1956 Rochester-) a.k.a. James Anthony Piddock, James Piddock, James Anthony "Jim" Piddock or Jim is a British screenwriter, actor, television producer, voice actor and film producer. His child is called Alexandra Piddock.
Jim Piddock was born and raised in Rochester, England. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before beginning his career in the entertainment industry. Piddock has worked on a variety of projects, including television shows and films, and is known for his work as a screenwriter, actor, television producer, voice actor and film producer. He has written and produced for shows such as "Tracey Takes On...", "The Larry Sanders Show," and "Divorce." As an actor, he has appeared in movies like "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and "Best in Show," and TV series like "The West Wing" and "Veep." Piddock is also a prolific voice actor, lending his talents to animated shows like "The Lion Guard" and "Mickey and the Roadster Racers." In his personal life, he is the father of one child, a daughter named Alexandra Piddock.
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Peter Chelsom
Peter Chelsom (April 20, 1956 Blackpool-) is a British film director, actor, screenwriter and film producer.
Chelsom started his career in acting, but soon moved to writing and directing. He gained early recognition for his work on the TV series "Raffles" (1977), before moving on to write and direct his first feature film "Treacle" (1988). Chelsom has since directed a number of successful films, including "Funny Bones" (1995), "The Mighty" (1998), "Hannah Montana: The Movie" (2009) and "Hector and the Search for Happiness" (2014). He has also worked as a producer on a number of independent films, and has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Chelsom is known for his ability to combine humor and drama in his films, and for his strong visual style.
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Kevin McNally
Kevin McNally (April 27, 1956 Bristol-) also known as Kevin R McNally, Kevin R. McNally, Kevin Mcnally or Kevin Robert McNally is a British actor, film score composer and musician. He has two children, David McNally and Rachel McNally.
McNally is perhaps best known for his role as Joshamee Gibbs in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, appearing in all five instalments of the franchise. He has also appeared in a number of other notable film and television productions, including Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, and Designated Survivor. In addition to his acting career, McNally has also composed film scores for a number of projects, including the film The Broken, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008. McNally began his career on stage, studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London before transitioning to film and television work.
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James Coombes
James Coombes (October 8, 1956 Newport, Wales-) is a British actor. He has one child, Josh Coombes.
James Coombes started his career in the arts as a drama teacher, and eventually ventured into acting where he found success on stage, television, and in films. He starred in several BBC TV series, including "EastEnders," "Casualty," "Holby City," and "Coronation Street," and he has appeared in feature films such as "The 51st State" and "Basic Instinct 2." Coombes has also made numerous stage appearances, both in London's West End and regional theaters across the UK. In addition to acting, he has directed theatrical productions, and served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the London-based theatre company Tamasha.
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Matthew Jacobs
Matthew Jacobs (July 1, 1956 London-) is a British actor, screenwriter, film director and film producer.
He is best known for his work on the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who, for which he wrote several episodes during the 1980s and 1990s. Jacobs also wrote and directed the 1996 Doctor Who television movie, which was the first official Doctor Who production in seven years. In addition to his work on Doctor Who, Jacobs has also written and directed a number of films, including the critically acclaimed biopic The Chester Story, which was based on the life of American photojournalist W. Eugene Smith. Throughout his career, Jacobs has received numerous awards and nominations for his work in film and television.
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Jonathan Owen
Jonathan Owen (May 18, 1956 Hockley-) is a British actor.
He is best known for his role as Dr. Mike Barratt in the long-running BBC medical drama "Casualty". Owen also appeared in various other British television dramas such as "Brookside", "Holby City", "The Bill", and "Doctors". Apart from his work in television, he has also appeared in numerous stage productions, including the West End production of "Avenue Q" and "The Rocky Horror Show". In addition, he has lent his voice to several video games, such as "The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings" and "Dragon Age: Origins". Outside of acting, Owen is a patron of the charity "Off The Record Bristol", which provides mental health support to young people in the South West of England.
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Owen Brenman
Owen Brenman (December 17, 1956 Ealing-) is a British actor.
He is best known for his role as Dr Heston Carter in the BBC drama series, "Doctors". Brenman trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has over 30 years of experience in film, television and theatre. His other notable TV appearances include "Casualty", "Holby City", "Law & Order: UK", and "Doctor Who". In addition to his on-screen work, Brenman has also directed numerous theatre productions in London and around the UK. He is married to actress Harriet Walter and they have a daughter together.
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Christopher Good
Christopher Good (May 12, 1956-) is a British actor.
His career in acting began in the late 1970s when he appeared in minor roles on television. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Edwin in the television series "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" in 1982. Good has also appeared in popular television series such as "Doctor Who," "Midsomer Murders," and "Agatha Christie's Poirot." In addition to his television work, he has also acted in stage productions, including performances in London's West End. He is known for his versatility as an actor and has played a variety of characters throughout his career. Good has also worked as a voice actor and has lent his voice to several audiobooks and animated series.
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Joe Penny
Joe Penny (June 24, 1956 London-) also known as Joseph Edward Penny Jr. is a British actor.
He is best known for his roles in popular TV series such as "Riptide", "Jake and the Fatman" and "The Gangster Chronicles". Penny began his acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in TV movies and shows, before landing his breakthrough role as Nick Ryder in "Riptide" in the early 1980s. He went on to star in several TV series and movies throughout the 80s and 90s, consistently earning critical acclaim for his performances. In recent years, Penny has continued to act in both TV and film, with notable appearances in the series "Cold Case" and the movie "Jane Doe: The Lost Child". Aside from acting, Joe Penny is also known for his love for sports, particularly swimming and basketball.
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Jim Holt
Jim Holt (January 15, 1956 Liverpool-) also known as James David Holt is a British actor and magician. His child is called Hannah Holt.
Jim Holt started his career in the entertainment industry as a magician, performing in various venues around the world. He later transitioned to acting and became known for his roles in popular British TV shows and movies like "Doctor Who," "EastEnders," and "The Full Monty." He has also appeared in several stage productions, including the critically acclaimed "The Birthday Party" and "Endgame." In addition to his acting career, Holt is also an accomplished writer, having penned articles for publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He has also authored several books, including the bestseller "Why Does the World Exist?" Holt has been praised for his ability to make complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience.
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Timothy M. Rose
Timothy M. Rose (July 17, 1956 Glasgow-) also known as Timothy Rose or Tim Rose is a British actor and puppeteer.
He is best known for his work as a puppeteer in major Hollywood films, such as Star Wars and The Dark Crystal, where he was responsible for bringing to life iconic characters like Admiral Ackbar and Salacious B. Crumb.
Before his career in puppeteering, Rose worked as an actor in London's West End theatre district and also appeared in several British television shows. He eventually transitioned into puppetry, which led him to working on major films with the Jim Henson Company.
In addition to his work in film, Rose has also written and produced his own projects, including a TV pilot for a science fiction series called The Sky Below. He continues to be an active participant in the sci-fi and puppetry communities and frequently attends conventions and events.
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Richard Blade
Richard Blade (May 23, 1956 England-) also known as Richard Sheppard, The Voice, The Young Dick Sheppard or Blade Runner is a British actor, disc jockey, television producer, television director and screenwriter.
Blade began his career as a DJ in the early 1980s in Los Angeles, California. He quickly gained popularity and became a well-known radio personality. He later expanded his career into television, hosting numerous television shows and producing various music specials. Blade has also acted in several television shows and movies, such as "The Hunger" and "Return of the Living Dead III." In addition to his entertainment career, Blade is also an author, having written multiple books on music and his experiences in the industry. He remains a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
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Paul Ross
Paul Ross (April 1, 1956 Leytonstone-) is a British presenter, journalist, media personality, actor, film editor, film producer, television editor and television producer.
He is best known for his work as a presenter on various television and radio programs in the UK, including "Good Morning Britain", "The Big Breakfast", and "The Daily Show". In addition to his presenting work, Ross has also acted in several films and television shows, including "EastEnders" and "The Bill". He has produced and edited numerous documentaries and reality shows, and has been recognized for his work with several industry awards, including a BAFTA for his documentary "Witness to 9/11". Ross is known for his charismatic personality and engaging interviewing style, and continues to be a prominent figure in the world of British media.
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Robert Gwilym
Robert Gwilym (December 2, 1956 Neath-) also known as Bob Gwilym is a British actor.
He has appeared in numerous stage productions, television series, and films over a career spanning several decades. Gwilym is best known for his roles in the television series "Casualty" and "The Bill" and the films "The Bounty" and "Les Misérables." He has also performed in many stage productions including "Macbeth" and "The Tempest" at the Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition to his acting career, Gwilym has also worked as a voice-over artist and a drama coach.
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Jonathan Linsley
Jonathan Linsley (January 17, 1956 Bradford-) is a British actor.
He is best known for his role as the terrifying guard, "Godber" in the classic British sitcom "Porridge". Linsley has appeared in numerous films, television series, and theater productions throughout his career. In addition to his acting career, he is also a skilled painter and has exhibited his works in galleries across the UK. Linsley has been praised for his ability to transform himself into a range of characters, with his menacing portrayal of "Godber" becoming an iconic part of British popular culture. Despite his success, Linsley remains a modest and grounded person who is respected by his colleagues in the industry.
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Jonathan Coleman
Jonathan Coleman (February 29, 1956 London-) a.k.a. Jono, Johnathan Coleman or Jono Coleman is a British actor, radio personality and writer.
Coleman first became known as a presenter on UK children's television program "The Saturday Show" in the 1980s. He later hosted his own chat show, "The Jono's New Show," before moving to Australia in 1990.
In Australia, he became a popular radio host with programs like "The Jono and Dano Show" and "The Jonathan Coleman Experience" on various FM stations. He was also a regular guest on TV shows like "Hey Hey It's Saturday" and "Good Morning Australia."
Aside from his media work, Coleman also appeared in films such as "Witches of Eastwick" and "Love and Other Catastrophes," as well as stage productions like "The Rocky Horror Show."
In recent years, Coleman has battled a number of health issues, including prostate cancer and kidney failure, but continues to work in the media industry as a radio host and commentator.
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Philip Franks
Philip Franks (February 2, 1956 London-) also known as Philip Acford Franks is a British actor and theatre director.
He is best known for his role as Sgt Raymond Craddock in the TV series "Heartbeat" and for playing the role of Charley in the original West End production of the musical "The Fantasticks". Franks began his acting career in the late 1970s with roles in the TV series "The Bill" and "Minder". He has also appeared in numerous stage productions including "The Government Inspector", "Same Time, Next Year", and "Ring Round The Moon". In addition to his acting work, Franks has also directed several productions, including the West End production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" in 2008.
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Rory McGrath
Rory McGrath (March 17, 1956 Redruth-) also known as Patrick Rory McGrath is a British comedian, actor and screenwriter.
He is best known for his work as a team captain on the popular BBC comedy panel show, "They Think It's All Over," which aired from 1995 to 2006. McGrath also co-wrote and starred in the Channel 4 sitcom, "Chelmsford 123," and has appeared in a number of other television shows and films, including "Cornwell Estate," "BBC World Service: News Hour," and "Three Men in a Boat." Outside of television and film, McGrath has written a number of books, including "The Legend of Gavin Tanner" and "Bearded Tit: Confessions of a Birdwatcher." He is also an avid birdwatcher and has presented documentaries on the topic. In recent years, McGrath has faced legal troubles, including charges of stalking and harassment, for which he was sentenced to ten weeks in prison in 2020.
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