Last updated on the 31 March 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born:14 July 1974, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.

David Mitchell is a celebrated comedian, actor and writer. His parents, Ian and Kathryn Mitchell, were hotel managers who later transitioned to lecturing in hotel management. This change allowed them to spend more time with their son. Mitchell grew up in Oxford, where he attended Napier House Primary School and New College School. His early years were marked by a keen interest in storytelling and humour, which would later define his career.

Mitchell pursued higher education at Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he studied history. It was during his time at Cambridge that he joined the prestigious Footlights comedy troupe, a stepping stone for many British comedians. Here, he met Robert Webb, with whom he would form a long-lasting comedic partnership.

The duo gained fame with their Channel 4 sitcom “Peep Show”, where Mitchell portrayed the socially awkward Mark Corrigan. The show earned critical acclaim and won Mitchell a British Academy Television Award for Best Comedy Performance in 2009. Beyond “Peep Show”, Mitchell and Webb collaborated on sketch shows like “That Mitchell and Webb Look” and the film “Magicians”. Mitchell also starred in the historical comedy “Upstart Crow”, playing William Shakespeare, and has been a team captain on the popular panel show “Would I Lie to You?”.

In September 2024, Mitchell starred in the BBC series “Ludwig” a detective dramedy and it quickly became a hit, earning a forthcoming second season.

In his personal life, Mitchell married writer and television presenter Victoria Coren in 2012. The couple have two children and share a love for intellectual pursuits and humour. Mitchell has also authored books, including his memoir “Back Story”, which offers insights into his life and career. Known for his sharp wit and observational humour, Mitchell remains a prominent figure in British comedy and television.

WINNER | Television: Comedy Programme for That Mitchell And Webb Look (2007)  | Television: Comedy Performance for Peep Show (2009)

Suggested viewing

Ludwig (2024)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

When DCI James Taylor vanishes, his identical twin, puzzle setter John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, is thrust into a world far removed from his quiet existence. Persuaded by his sister-in-law Lucy, John reluctantly steps into James’s role at the Cambridge Police Authority, facing the challenges of a detective’s life while uncovering clues to his brother’s mysterious disappearance.

Top cast: David Mitchell, Anna Maxwell Martin, Dipo Ola, Izuka Hoyle, Gerran Howell, Sophie Willan, Dorothy Atkinson, Ralph Ineson.

Would I Lie to You? (2007)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

Would I Lie to You? (often abbreviated as WILTY) is a popular British comedy panel show that first aired on the BBC in 2007. The concept is simple but hilarious: the show features two teams, each with a captain and celebrity guests, who take turns making statements or telling stories. The twist? Some of these statements are entirely true, while others are complete fabrications. The opposing team must ask probing (and often very funny) questions to determine whether they’re hearing the truth or a lie.

Top cast: David Mitchell, Lee Mack, Rob Brydon and guests.

Peep Show (2003)

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.7

“Peep Show” is a sitcom that follows the lives of two socially awkward flatmates, Mark and Jeremy. Through a unique first-person perspective, the series delves into their hilarious and often cringe-worthy misadventures as they navigate relationships, careers and the absurdities of everyday life. Comedy and awkwardness ensue.

Top cast: David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Olivia Colman, Matt King, Jim Howick, Paterson Joseph, Sophie Winkleman, Neil Fitzmaurice, Isy Suttie.

Outsiders (2021)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.6

Under the watchful eye of David Mitchell, unlikely celebrity duos ditch the red carpets for mud-splattered adventures in “Outsiders.” From foraging for food to battling the elements, these city slickers test their mettle in funny and often disastrous attempts to prove their survival chops. Expect campfire confessions, competitive meltdowns and a healthy dose of humour, all served with a side of wilderness woes.

Top cast: David Mitchell and guests.

That Mitchell and Webb Look (2006)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0

Two comedians, one exasperated and the other, ever-so-slightly odd, delve into absurd sketches. From pretentious game shows to time-traveling priests, their world is full of deadpan humour and awkward encounters. Expect singing robots, overly competitive dancers and plenty of existential questions, all delivered with a dry wit that leaves you both laughing and pondering life’s absurdities.

Top cast: David Mitchell and Robert Webb.

Ambassadors (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

“Ambassadors” is a British comedy-drama series that revolves around the lives of two British diplomats, Keith and Neil, stationed in the fictional country of Tazbekistan. The show humorously explores their attempts to traverse cultural differences, political challenges and personal dilemmas while representing their country abroad. Diplomatic mishaps and comedic encounters abound.

Top cast: David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Susan Lynch, Amara Karan, Oliver Dimsdale, Shivani Ghai, Keeley Hawes, Natalia Tena, Matthew Macfadyen.

Upstart Crow (2016)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

“Upstart Crow” is a British sitcom that humorously imagines the life of renowned playwright William Shakespeare. Set in the 16th century, the show follows Shakespeare’s struggles and triumphs as he faces the challenges of writing, dealing with eccentric characters and balancing his personal life. Wit and hilarity ensue in this Shakespearean comedy.

Top cast: David Mitchell, Liza Tarbuck, Paula Wilcox, Harry Enfield, Helen Monks, Mark Heap, Gemma Whelan, Steve Speirs, Dominic Coleman.

Full filmography @ Wikipedia