Andy Serkis

Last updated on the 27 March 2024 by Evandrus

 

Andy Serkis headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 20 April 1964, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex, England. 

Andy Serkis is an English actor, director, and motion capture performer. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in motion capture, bringing to life iconic characters through his exceptional performances. Serkis has left an indelible mark on the film industry with his unique talent and dedication.

Serkis developed a passion for acting at a young age and attended St Benedict’s School in Ealing, West London. He later studied visual arts at Lancaster University, where he became involved in theatre productions.

Serkis’s career took a significant turn when he was cast as Gollum in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (2001-2003). Through motion capture technology, Serkis brought the complex character to life, earning critical acclaim for his mesmerizing performance. This breakthrough role showcased his ability to convey emotions and physicality through digital characters, opening new doors in the world of film.

Following the success of “The Lord of the Rings,” Serkis continued to push the boundaries of motion capture performance. He portrayed King Kong in the 2005 film of the same name, again collaborating with Peter Jackson.

Serkis’s talent and versatility expanded beyond motion capture as he took on live-action roles as well. He portrayed the villainous Ulysses Klaue in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) and “Black Panther” (2018). His charismatic and menacing portrayal added depth to these popular superhero films.

In addition to his acting career, Serkis has ventured into directing. He made his directorial debut with “Breathe” (2017), a biographical drama that received critical acclaim. He also directed and portrayed the character of Gollum in “The Hobbit” trilogy (2012-2014).

Andy Serkis is married to actress and singer Lorraine Ashbourne, and they have three children together. Serkis is also involved in various charitable endeavors, including supporting organizations that focus on providing aid to children affected by war and poverty.

WINNER|Film: Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema 2020

 

Suggested viewing

 

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010)

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll film poster

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)

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes poster

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)

Einstein and Eddington poster

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.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Andy Serkis, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is a fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. It follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters magical creatures, treacherous foes, and discovers his own courage.

Top cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Andy Serkis.

Burke and Hare (2010)

Burke and Hare poster

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)

Longford

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

“Longford” is a gripping biographical drama that delves into the life of Lord Longford, a British politician known for his controversial advocacy for prisoners’ rights. The film explores his unlikely friendship with notorious child murderer Myra Hindley and the public backlash he faces as he fights for her release, raising profound ethical questions along the way.

Top cast: Jim Broadbent, Lindsay Duncan, Samantha Morton, Andy Serkis, Kate Miles, Alex Blake, Sarah Crowden, Robert Pugh, Anton Rodgers.

King Kong (2005)

King Kong poster

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2

“In the epic adventure film ‘King Kong’, a daring filmmaker named Carl Denham brings a crew to the mysterious Skull Island, where they encounter the colossal and fearsome creature known as Kong. As the crew battles for survival, a bond forms between Kong and Ann Darrow, leading to a climactic battle in New York City.”

Top cast: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Colin Hanks, Andy Serkis, Evan Parke, Jamie Bell.

 

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

Andy Serkis Gallery

 

 

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments