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Last updated on the 31 March 2025 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 8 May 1987, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales.Â
Aneurin Barnard’s first foray into the world of theatre came at the age of eleven when he joined the Bridgend County Youth Theatre. His talent was evident, and he continued to develop his skills throughout his school years at Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari. In 2008, he graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, where he received the prestigious RWCMD Associate Award in 2019.
His professional acting debut came in 2009 with a role in the stage production of “The Caucasian Chalk Circle.” His subsequent appearances on stage, including “Hobson’s Choice,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “West Side Story,” further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Aneurin Barnard made his film debut in 2011 with the romantic drama “Hunky Dory,” gaining recognition for his portrayal of Davey Edwards. The following year, he garnered critical acclaim for his performance as Claude in the psychological thriller “The Truth About Emanuel.”
His breakthrough role came in 2014 when he played Bobby Willis, the husband of iconic singer Cilla Black, in the biographical television drama “Cilla.” The role earned him widespread praise and further propelled his career to new heights.
Aneurin Barnard’s versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse filmography, encompassing such diverse roles in “Thirteen,” “The White Queen,” “Dead in a Week or Your Money Back,” and “The Goldfinch. His most recent notable film appearance was in Christopher Nolan’s epic war drama “Dunkirk,” where he played Gibson, a young soldier caught in the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II.
Beyond his acting achievements, Barnard is also a vocal advocate for Welsh culture and language. He has been involved in various projects to promote the Welsh language and heritage.
In 2017, Aneurin Barnard married fellow actress Lucy Faulks. The couple currently reside in London.
Aneurin Barnard’s journey from a small Welsh valley to international stardom is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for storytelling. His captivating performances and unwavering commitment to his craft have solidified his position as a leading figure in the British and international acting scene.
Suggested viewing
Dead in a Week: Or Your Money Back (2018)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.3
After a series of failed suicide attempts, William, a struggling writer, decides to enlist the services of Leslie, an aging hitman facing retirement. Leslie, desperate to fulfil his quota, agrees to William’s unconventional request: a guaranteed death within a week or a full refund. As William’s life begins to change, he regrets his decision, but Leslie is determined to carry out the contract, leading to a hilarious and darkly comedic clash of wills.
Top cast: Aneurin Barnard, Tom Wilkinson, Freya Mavor, Christopher Eccleston, Marion Bailey, Velibor Topic, Nigel Lindsay, Gethin Anthony, Marcia Warren.
Steeltown Murders (2023)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1
In the steel town of Port Talbot, Wales, the unsolved murders of three young women in the 1970s cast a long shadow over the community. Thirty years later, dedicated detective Paul Bethall reopens the case, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice. Utilising groundbreaking DNA technology, he delves into the cold case, navigating the complexities of the past and the challenges of the present to bring closure to a haunting chapter in the town’s history.
Top cast: Philip Glenister, Steffan RhodriOliver Ryan, Karen Paullada, Aneurin Barnard, Richard Organ, Richard Elfyn, Walter van Dyk, Keith Allen.
War & Peace (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
Amidst the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, the lives of five aristocratic families intertwine, their narratives echoing the grand sweep of history and the intimate struggles of the human heart. Pierre Bezukhov, a man grappling with his identity and purpose, seeks meaning amidst societal upheaval. Natasha Rostova, a beacon of vitality and passion, navigates the complexities of love and loss. Andrei Bolkonsky, a disillusioned aristocrat seeking a higher cause, finds redemption in the face of adversity.
Top cast: Lily James, James Norton, Paul Dano, Gillian Anderson, Olivia Ross, Jessie Buckley, Aneurin Barnard, Rebecca Front, Greta Scacchi, Aisling Loftus, Brian Cox.
The White Queen (2013)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7
Set during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses, “The White Queen” delves into the lives of three powerful women vying for control of the English throne. Elizabeth Woodville, a captivating widow from a noble family, captures the heart of King Edward IV, sparking a fierce rivalry between the Houses of York and Lancaster. With the nation on the brink of civil war, Margaret Beaufort, a cunning and ambitious matriarch, plots to restore her son, Henry Tudor, to the throne.
Amidst the political machinations and battlefield clashes, Anne Neville, a pawn in her father’s power game, traverses a treacherous path for love and influence. As the women’s lives intertwine, their decisions and ambitions shape the course of English history, leaving an indelible mark on the tumultuous era.
Top cast: Rebecca Ferguson, Max Irons, Amanda Hale, Janet McAteer, James Frain, Tom McKay, Faye Marsay, Juliet Aubrey, Aneurin Barnard.
Related to
  
Cilla (2014)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.9
Set in the vibrant music scene of 1960s Liverpool, “Cilla” chronicles the extraordinary rise of Cilla Black, a working-class girl with an undeniable passion for singing. Guided by her supportive husband, Bobby and her visionary manager, Brian Epstein, Cilla traverses the treacherous waters of the entertainment industry, overcoming setbacks to establish herself as a pop icon and a household name.
Top cast: Sheridan Smith, Aneurin Barnard, Ed Stoppard, John Henshaw, Melanie Hill, Ceri Dupree, Tom Dunleavy, Jack Farthing, Kevin Mains, Elliot Cowan.
