Mini Biography

Born: 7 December 1943, Warrington, Lancashire, England. 

Sue Johnston, a name synonymous with British television, was born Susan Pammenter in the heartland of England. Growing up in a working-class environment, she developed a keen sense of humour and a deep connection to ordinary people that would later define her acting career. Her formative years were marked by a spirit of resilience and a determination to explore the world beyond her hometown.

A spark ignited within Johnston when she discovered the world of drama. This led her to pursue formal training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 6 May 1913, Kensington, London, England. 

Born James Lablache Stewart, the future matinee idol Stewart Granger initially charted a course far from the silver screen. Destined for a life in medicine according to his family, young James attended Epsom College. However, the call of the stage proved too strong. He abandoned his pre-med studies and enrolled at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and adopting his soon-to-be-famous stage name.

Stewart Granger’s career began humbly, with bit parts on the London stage in the mid-1930s. His charm and good looks eventually landed him roles with prestigious repertory … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 9 January 1939, Chelsea, London, England. 

Susannah York’s early life was split between London and rural Scotland after her parents’ divorce and this instilled in her a quiet determination. This resolve propelled her towards the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where she graduated in 1958, winning the Ronson Award for most promising student.

Susannah York’s career began in the early 1960s, and she was initially cast in roles that capitalised on her striking good looks – the blonde ingénue. Films like “Tunes of Glory” (1960) showcased her beauty, but York possessed a depth … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 15 October 1965, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England. 

Stephen Tompkinson, inspired by his grandfather, a man Tompkinson describes as a “comic genius”, found himself drawn to the world of acting. This passion led him to the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he rubbed shoulders with future stars like James Nesbitt and Rufus Sewell. Graduating in 1988, Tompkinson hit the ground running.

Even before his final year at drama school, Tompkinson’s talent was recognised. He won the 1987 Carleton Hobbs Bursary, securing him a coveted spot as a member of the BBC’s Radio … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 3 July 1949, Manila, Philippines. 

Susan Penhaligon was born in Manila to an engineer father working for Shell Oil, however, a family upheaval at age six saw her return to England, settling in St Ives and Falmouth. It was here, amidst the dramatic Cornish coastline, that Penhaligon’s adventurous spirit blossomed.

Education offered an outlet for her creativity. At boarding school in Bristol, her theatrical ambitions were nurtured. This passion led her to the prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. While still a student, Penhaligon landed her first film role in Dylan Thomas’ poetic … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 26 July 1950, Surbiton, Surrey, England. 

Susan George began her life in the spotlight early, by the age of four, she was already acting. Her training began at the Stage School, followed by the Corona Theatre School.

Susan George’s career took off in the late 1960s, and two of her notable early appearances showcase her emerging talent and versatility.

The Strange Affair (1968) marked a significant turning point for the young actress. Here, she played Frederika “Fred” March, a teenager caught in a tense situation with a manipulative older man. The film explores themes of power dynamics … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 19 August 1984, Guildford, Surrey, England. 

Simon Bird, the third of four children to academic parents, his early life was steeped in intellectual pursuits. He excelled at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, showcasing a talent for music as a violinist in school orchestras.

Simon Bird’s academic prowess continued at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he studied English Literature. There, he discovered a new passion – comedy. He joined the prestigious Cambridge Footlights, a breeding ground for comedic talent, and served as its president in 2006. Here, he developed his comedic skills alongside fellow Footlights member and future … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 12 May 1937, Kensington, London, England. 

Susan Hampshire was born to George Kenneth Hampshire and June (née Pavey) and comes from Irish ancestry. She is the youngest of five siblings, with three sisters and one brother. Her mother, a teacher, and her father, a director at Imperial Chemical Industries, were unofficially separated, as he was seldom home.

As a child, she faced developmental challenges, struggling with spelling until age nine and reading until age 12. At 30 she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Despite these difficulties, her mother established a school in London in 1928, known today … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 27 November 1961, Kensington, London, England. 

Samantha Bond’s journey into the arts was almost predestined, being the daughter of actor Philip Bond and TV producer Pat Sandys. Growing up in a home steeped in the performing arts, Samantha developed a passion for acting early on. She attended the Godolphin and Latymer School, followed by rigorous training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which set the stage for her distinguished career.

Samantha Bond’s professional debut was as auspicious as it was challenging; at the age of 21, she appeared in the original stage production of “Daisy Pulls … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 8 July 1973, Manchester, England.

Sally Lindsay is an English actress and television presenter who has appeared in various TV shows, such as Coronation Street, Mount Pleasant, and The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

Sally Lindsay’s first television appearance was at the age of seven on Top of the Pops when her school choir, the St Winifred’s School Choir, released There’s No One Quite Like Grandma, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1980. She attended St. Winifred’s Primary School and St Anne’s RC High School in Stockport. She studied English at the University of Hull … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 27 June 1936, Forest Gate, Essex, England. 

Shirley Anne Field was an English actress who performed on stage, film and television since 1955, prominent during the British New Wave.

Shirley Anne Field was born as Shirley Broomfield in Forest Gate, London and was partly raised in a children’s home after being abandoned by her parents. She was evacuated to Bolton during the war, where she was fostered by two families. She returned to London at the age of 15 and trained as a typist while attending school. She also enrolled in a modelling course and became a … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 19 June 1966, Hammersmith, London, England. 

Samuel West is an actor, theatre director and narrator, who has worked in theatre, film, television and radio. He is known for playing historical British figures in movies and television, such as King George VI, Sir Anthony Eden and Anthony Blunt. He is also the son of actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales, and the grandson of actor Lockwood West.

Samuel West attended Alleyn’s School and Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where he studied English literature and was president of the Experimental Theatre Club. He made his London stage debut in … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 6 October 1990, Bristol, England. 

Born in Bristol, Stefanie Martini’s journey began in the heart of her hometown, where she participated in local youth plays and developed her skills at Winscombe Youth Theatre. Martini’s passion for acting led her to undertake a two-week induction at the prestigious National Youth Theatre, further fueling her desire to pursue a career in the performing arts.

Despite her initial interest in illustration, Stefanie Martini’s teacher recognized her potential as an actress and encouraged her to pursue her true calling. After completing her A-levels at Churchill Academy and Sixth Form, Martini enrolled … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 6 March 1980, Liverpool, England. 

Shaun Evans was raised in Liverpool within an Irish family. His father worked as a taxi driver while his mother held a job at a hospital.

Evans received a scholarship to St Edward’s College in Liverpool’s West Derby suburb, where he actively participated in school productions. After completing a course at the National Youth Theatre in London, he relocated to the city at around 18 years old to pursue his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

After completing his education, Evans began his career in the entertainment industry. He … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 27 April 1966, Oldham, Lancashire, England. 

During her formative years, Siobhan Finneran developed a keen interest in acting and pursued her dreams by enrolling in drama school. She developed her skills at the Oldham Theatre Workshop, where she gained invaluable experience and nurtured her talent. Finneran’s dedication and commitment to her craft laid a strong foundation for her future success.

Following her education, Siobhan Finneran embarked on a career that would eventually lead her to become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. She began her acting journey with appearances in various theatre productions, showcasing her versatility … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 13 May 1977, Nottingham, England. 

Born to Pamela (née Mallek) and Peter Morton, Samantha Morton is the third offspring and has Polish/Irish heritage. Following her parents’ 1979 divorce, she gained six half-siblings through subsequent relationships. At eight years old, she became a ward of court due to her parents’ inability to provide care. Both her father, an abusive alcoholic and her mother, entangled in a violent relationship with her second husband, contributed to her inability to live with them again.

For the following nine years, she experienced a series of placements in foster care and children’s homes. … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 7 March 1994, Woodford, Greater Manchester, England.  

Best known for her role as Brianna Fraser in the Starz drama series “Outlander”, Sophie Skelton has proven herself to be a rising star in the world of acting.

After completing her primary and secondary education, Skelton enrolled at the University of Chichester to study acting.

Sophie Skelton’s breakthrough came when she landed the role of Brianna Fraser in the hit Starz drama series “Outlander”. Her portrayal of Brianna, the strong-willed and independent daughter of lead characters Claire and Jamie Fraser, quickly earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 1954, Leeds, Yorkshire, England.

Steve Delaney is a renowned English comedian and character actor celebrated for his creation of the fictional comedy character Count Arthur Strong. Hailing from Leeds, Delaney’s upbringing as the son of a foundryman shaped his early years. He departed from traditional schooling to work on a market stall while simultaneously exploring his passion for amateur dramatics. As his interest in the performing arts grew, Delaney pursued theatre classes and attended art college before embarking on a career as an assistant stage manager at the Grand Theatre and Leeds Playhouse in his hometown. Later, … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 27 June 1986, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. 

Growing up with a passion for acting, Sam Claflin pursued his dreams by studying performing arts at Norwich City College.

After completing his education, he embarked on his professional journey and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. One of Claflin’s breakout roles came in 2011 when he portrayed Philip Swift in the highly successful movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” which catapulted him into the international spotlight.

However, it was his portrayal of Finnick Odair in “The Hunger Games” series that solidified Claflin as a prominent figure in … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 10 October 1964, Oldham, Lancashire, England. 

Sarah Lancashire found her fascination with storytelling and performance early on. Inspired by the theatrical productions staged at her local Oldham College, she embarked on a formal education at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating in 1986.

Sarah Lancashire’s professional acting career took off in 1991 when she joined the cast of the iconic British soap opera “Coronation Street,” portraying the sassy and ambitious Raquel Watts. Her portrayal of Raquel earned her critical acclaim and cemented her position as a rising star in the industry.

Unwilling to be … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: May 15, 1990, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England.

Sophie Cookson was raised in Sussex and later Suffolk, her early life was steeped in the arts, particularly singing and musical theatre. She attended Woodbridge School where her passion for performance began to take shape.

Despite initially pursuing art history and Arabic at the University of Edinburgh, Cookson’s calling for acting led her to drop out and enroll at the Oxford School of Drama. After three years of rigorous training, she graduated in 2013, poised to embark on a promising acting career.

Sophie Cookson’s breakthrough came while she was … Read more