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Last updated on the 15 June 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 20 April 1964, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex, England.
Andy Serkis, born Andrew Clement Serkis grew up in a culturally rich household. His father, an Iraqi-Armenian gynaecologist and his mother, an English teacher who worked with disabled children, instilled in him a deep appreciation for both science and the arts.
Andy Serkis spent a portion of his youth in the Middle East, an experience that expanded his perspective and went on to shape his artistic endeavours.
He attended St Benedict’s School in Ealing before enrolling at Lancaster University, where he studied visual arts and theatre. Initially drawn to illustration, Serkis discovered a passion for performance through university theatre productions.
Andy Serkis’s early performances on stage, such as his solo rendition of Raymond Briggs’ “The Tin-Pot Foreign General and the Old Iron Woman”, signalled the start of a career defined by his enduring passion for narrative.
Serkis’s career took a transformative turn with his groundbreaking portrayal of Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. His pioneering work in motion capture acting redefined the boundaries of performance, blending physicality with digital artistry.
Andy Serkis consistently broadened the scope of his work through diverse roles, notably portraying “King Kong”, “Caesar” in the “Planet of the Apes” film series, and “Supreme Leader Snoke” in “Star Wars”. His creative contributions extend beyond acting, as he’s also directed films such as “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”, “Breathe” and “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle”.
Off-screen, Serkis is a devoted family man. In 2002, he took actress Lorraine Ashbourne as his wife. They have three children, two of which are also actors, Louis Ashbourne Serkis and Ruby Ashbourne Serkis.
He also co-founded The Imaginarium Studios, a hub for performance capture innovation. Through his work, Serkis has not only revolutionised modern cinema but also carved out a legacy as one of the most inventive and influential figures in contemporary storytelling.
WINNER | Film: Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema (2020)
Suggested viewing
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.5
“Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” is a biographical film that tells the story of Ian Dury, a British rock musician and songwriter who defied the odds while battling physical disabilities. The film explores his rise to fame, personal struggles and the enduring impact of his music on the punk rock movement.
Top cast: Andy Serkis, Olivia Williams, Ray Winstone, Naomie Harris, Noel Clarke, Toby Jones, Mackenzie Crook, Bill Milner.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is a sci-fi action film set in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows the conflict between a growing society of intelligent apes led by Caesar and a group of human survivors. Tensions rise, leading to an epic battle that will determine the fate of both species.
Top cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirk Acevedo, Judy Greer.
Einstein and Eddington (2008)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3
“Einstein and Eddington” is a historical drama released in set during World War I. It portrays the unlikely friendship between Albert Einstein and Arthur Eddington. Together, they challenge established scientific beliefs, face personal struggles and ultimately contribute to the validation of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
Top cast: David Tennant, Andy Serkis, Rebecca Hall, Jim Broadbent, Jodhi May, Lucy Cohu, Richard McCabe, Donald Sumpter.
Burke and Hare (2010)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.1
“Burke and Hare” is a dark comedy based on true events from the 19th century, it follows the misadventures of William Burke and William Hare, who resort to murder to supply bodies for medical research. Their lucrative and sinister business takes unexpected turns, leading to chaos and consequences.
Top cast: Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Curry, Jessica Hynes, Bill Bailey, Hugh Bonneville.
Longford (2006)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5
“Longford” is a powerful biographical drama exploring the life of British politician Lord Longford, renowned for his challenging stance on prisoners’ rights. The film unearths his surprising connection with infamous child murderer Myra Hindley and the public fury ignited by his efforts to secure her release, ultimately posing profound questions about redemption, forgiveness and the limits of advocacy.
Top cast: Jim Broadbent, Lindsay Duncan, Samantha Morton, Andy Serkis, Kate Miles, Alex Blake, Sarah Crowden, Robert Pugh, Anton Rodgers.
