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Last updated on the 9 August 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 1946, Annfield Plain, County Durham, England.
Alun Armstrong grew up in a working-class family. His father worked in a coal mine and both his parents were active members of the Methodist church, serving as lay preachers. Armstrong’s early life was marked by the influence of his parents’ strong work ethic and religious values. He attended Annfield Plain Junior School and later Consett Grammar School, where a teacher inspired him to pursue acting. His first taste of acting came when he played Petruchio in a school production of “The Taming of the Shrew”.
Armstrong’s educational journey was not straightforward. After his initial foray into acting at school, he joined the National Youth Theatre summer school in 1964. However, his background and northern accent made him feel out of place. He auditioned for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) but was not accepted. Instead, he decided to study fine art at Newcastle University. Unfortunately, he found the course pretentious and felt that he did not fit in, leading to his departure after two years. Armstrong then took on various jobs, including working as a bricklayer and a gravedigger before deciding to give acting another try.
Alun Armstrong’s career began in the early 1970s, and he quickly established himself as a versatile character actor. He made his screen debut in the British crime film “Get Carter” (1971), which was a commercial success.
Over the years, Armstrong has appeared in numerous films, including “A Bridge Too Far” (1977), “The Duellists” (1977), and “Krull” (1983). His first lead role came in the 1987 film “Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire,” where he played the titular vampire. Alun Armstrong is also known for his work in television, most notably his role as the eccentric ex-detective Brian Lane in the long-running series “New Tricks” (2003-2015). He has also appeared in several Charles Dickens adaptations and the legal drama series “Garrow’s Law”.
In addition to his film and television work, Armstrong is an accomplished stage actor. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company for nine years, during which time he performed a variety of roles. He was the first actor to play the character of Thénardier in the London stage version of “Les Misérables” and received an Olivier Award for his portrayal of the main character in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
Alun Armstrong has been married to Sue Bairstow since 1977 and the couple have three sons: Tom, Joe and Dan. Joe Armstrong has followed in his father’s footsteps and become an actor. The father and son have acted together, portraying the same character at different ages in the 2010 BBC drama “A Passionate Woman.” They also appeared together in the 2012 BBC adaptation of “Henry IV,” playing the roles of Northumberland and his son Hotspur, respectively. Armstrong’s family life has been a source of stability and support throughout his career.
In summary, Alun Armstrong’s journey from a coal miner’s son in County Durham to a celebrated actor is a testament to his talent, perseverance and dedication. His diverse body of work across film, television and stage has earned him a place among the most respected actors of his generation.
Suggested viewing
The Life and Adventures of
Nicholas Nickleby (1982)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.1
In “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” , a young man shoulders the responsibility of supporting his mother and sister after his father’s demise. The series unfolds against a backdrop of social consciousness, blending Dickensian realism with theatrical spectacle and heartfelt messages about the need for reform.
Top cast: Roger Rees, Alun Armstrong, John Woodvine, David Threlfall, Ian McNeice, Suzanne Bertish, Lucy Gutteridge, Bob Peck, Janet Dale.
More Dickens
New Tricks (2013)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.0
A motley crew of retired police officers, known as the Cold Case Squad, are called upon to reopen cold cases that have baffled the authorities for years. With their sharp minds, extensive experience, and unorthodox methods, they delve into the depths of these unsolved mysteries, challenging conventional thinking and uncovering long-hidden evidence. Their dedication to justice and camaraderie make them an unstoppable force in the pursuit of truth.
Top cast: Alun Armstrong, Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Tamzin Outhwaite, Denis Lawson, Anthony Calf, Susan Jameson, James Bolam, Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Prime Suspect 1973 (2017)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5
In the male-dominated world of 1973 London, young Jane Tennison, a determined policewoman, faces relentless sexism as she embarks on her career in the Metropolitan Police. Despite the daunting challenges, she proves her mettle when assigned to investigate the murder of a young runaway, Julie-Ann Collins. With her sharp intellect and determination, Tennison navigates the complexities of the investigation, challenging ingrained prejudices and ultimately bringing the perpetrator to justice.
Top cast: Stefanie Martini, Sam Reid, Blake Harrison, Alun Armstrong, Jessica Gunning, Jordan Long, Geraldine Somerville, Nicholas Sidi, Ruth Sheen, Tom Brooke.
Out of Innocence (2016)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5
In this harrowing drama, Sarah Flynn, a young woman from a small Irish town, finds herself embroiled in a web of suspicion and tragedy when her baby is found dead. Under intense psychological pressure from the police, Sarah, confused and scared, confesses to a crime she did not commit. As the truth slowly unravels, Sarah’s unwavering innocence is put to the test, challenging the very foundations of justice and sparking a desperate fight for her freedom.
Top cast: Fiona Shaw, Alun Armstrong, Ruth McCabe, Patsy Kerrigan, Judith Roddy, Frances Flynn, Sarah Greene, Seamus O’Neill.
Breeders (2020)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
Breeders is a darkly comedic series that offers a brutally honest portrayal of parenthood. It follows a couple facing the challenges of raising young children while grappling with the strains it places on their relationship and personal identities. With raw humour and unflinching realism, the show explores the complexities of family life, revealing the often-overlooked struggles and sacrifices made by parents.
Top cast: Martin Freeman, Daisy Haggard, Alun Armstrong, George Wakeman, Jayda Eyles, Michael McKean, Stella Gonet, Joanna Bacon.
