Hugh Bonneville

Last updated on the 19 April 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 10 November 1963, Paddington, London, England. 

Hugh Bonneville attended Sherborne School and later studied theology at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. However, he left his studies to pursue a career in acting.

Bonneville started his acting career in the 1980s, appearing in various stage productions. He made his television debut in 1990 in the series “Chancer.” He then appeared in several other television shows, including “The Bill,” “Silent Witness,” and “Mansfield Park.”

Bonneville’s breakthrough role came in 2001 when he played Bernie in the film “Iris.” He received critical acclaim for his performance and was nominated for a BAFTA Award. He then appeared in several other films, including “Notting Hill,” “The Monuments Men,” and “Paddington.”

In 2010, Bonneville landed the role of Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the hit television series “Downton Abbey.” The show was a massive success, and Bonneville’s performance was praised by critics and audiences alike. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in the show.

Bonneville has also appeared in several stage productions, including “The School for Scandal” and “The Hypochondriac.” He has also done voice work for various animated films, including “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” and “The Queen’s Corgi.”

In addition to his acting career, Bonneville is also involved in various charitable organisations. He is a patron of several charities, including WaterAid and the National Youth Theatre.

Bonneville was married to Lulu Evans and they have a son and a daughter together. He is known for his wit and humour and his love for cricket.

Suggested viewing

Douglas Is Cancelled (2024)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0

A seasoned news anchor’s world implodes when a misinterpreted comment at a wedding is weaponised on social media. Branded a sexist, he faces a firestorm of public condemnation, forcing him to confront the consequences of his words while facing a rapidly changing landscape of cancel culture and personal accountability.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Karen Gillan, Alex Kingston, Nick Mohammed, Ben Miles, Madeleine Power, Simon Russell Beale, Joe Wilkinson, Patrick Baladi.

Twenty Twelve (2011)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.7

“Twenty Twelve” is a mockumentary comedy series that parodies the organisation of the 2012 London Olympics. It follows the fictional Olympic Deliverance Commission as they face a series of comical challenges in their attempt to plan and execute the games. The show satirises bureaucracy, incompetence and the absurdities of event management, providing a humorous behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the sporting event.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Olivia Colman, Jessica Hynes, Amelia Bullmore, Karl Theobald, Vincent Franklin, David Tennant, Alex Beckett, Morven Christie.

W1A (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

“W1A” is a mockumentary comedy series that takes a humorous look at the inner workings of the BBC, Britain’s national broadcaster. Set in the fictional W1A office, the show follows the bumbling and absurd endeavours of the BBC staff as they navigate bureaucracy, egos and corporate jargon, all while attempting to keep the organisation running smoothly.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Monica Dolan, Sarah Parish, Jason Watkins, David Westhead, Jessica Hynes, Hugh Skinner, Nina Sosanya, Jonathan Bailey.

Paddington (2014)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.3

“Paddington” tells the heartwarming tale of a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a new home. Taken in by the kind-hearted Brown family, Paddington faces various escapades and adventures while trying to adapt to city life. With his infectious charm and love for marmalade, Paddington brings joy and laughter to those around him, ultimately teaching the importance of acceptance and kindness.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Ben Wishaw, Sally Hawkins, Samuel Joslin, Madeleine Harris, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi.

From Time to Time (2009)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.7

As World War II draws to a close, 13-year-old Tolly finds himself sent to his eccentric grandmother’s grand estate, Green Knowe. While exploring the house’s labyrinthine corridors, he stumbles upon an extraordinary ability: the power to travel through time, encountering his ancestors and unearthing long-buried family secrets.

Top cast: Alex Etel, Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Eliza Bennett, Carice van Houten, Dominic West, Timothy Spall, Pauline Collins, Kwayedza Kureya, Harriet Walter, Rachel Bell, Christopher Villiers.

Downton Abbey (2010)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.7

“Downton Abbey,” a beloved period drama, unfolds the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants in early 20th-century England. Set against the backdrop of social and historical events, the series explores the interplay between the upstairs and downstairs worlds, delving into love, loss, scandal and the complexities of class and tradition.

Top cast: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle.

Similar to

I Came By (2022)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.2

In this gripping tale, a defiant and talented graffiti artist, known for defacing the opulent residences of the wealthy elite, stumbles upon a startling revelation that sets him on a perilous path. As he unravels the truth, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue, putting not only his own life at risk but also the lives of those he holds dear.

Top cast: George Mackay, Hugh Bonneville, Percelle Scott, Kelly Macdonald, Varada Sethu, Franc Ashman, Anthony Calf, Marilyn Nnadebe, Antonio Aakeel.

Viceroy’s House (2016)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.7

“Viceroy’s House” is a historical drama set during the partition of India in 1947. The film depicts the final days of British rule in India and follows Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, as he oversees the transition to independence. Amidst political turmoil and personal struggles, the story explores the human impact of this pivotal moment in history.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Michael Gambon, Manish Dayal, Huma Qureshi, David Hayman, Simon Callow, Om Puri, Lily Travers.

The Gold (2023)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

Based on the real-life events of the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery, The Gold follows the aftermath of the spectacular heist where six armed men stole £26 million worth of gold bullion. The series examines the intricate world of organised crime, money laundering and the power struggle that ensued as the robbers sought to outsmart the authorities and profit from their ill-gotten gains. Amidst the chaos, a determined detective and an ambitious gold dealer race against time to uncover the truth and bring the criminals to justice.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Jack Lowden, Dominic Cooper, Charlotte Spencer, Sean Harris, Tom Cullen, Stefanie Martini.

Full filmography @ Wikipedia