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Last updated on the 22 July 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 17 October 1974, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.Â
Matthew Macfadyen was born and raised in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Growing up, he displayed a passion for acting and storytelling, which led him to pursue his dreams in the performing arts. After completing his secondary education, he went on to study Drama at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
Macfadyen’s career took off in the late 1990s when he began landing notable stage roles in productions such as “The Duchess of Malfi” and “Henry IV.” His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of critics and industry professionals alike. In 2002, Macfadyen made his breakthrough on the silver screen with his portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the film adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.” This role catapulted him to international fame and earned him widespread praise.
In addition to his period drama success, Macfadyen has demonstrated his versatility by taking on diverse roles in both film and television. Notable highlights include his portrayal of MI5 agent Tom Quinn in the hit spy drama series “Spooks” (2002-2011), the morally conflicted Sheriff of Nottingham in “Robin Hood” (2006), and his critically acclaimed performance as Detective Inspector Edmund Reid in the Victorian-era crime series “Ripper Street” (2012-2016).
Macfadyen is married to fellow actress Keeley Hawes, whom he met while working on the set of “Spooks.” The couple have two children together.
Suggested viewing
Ripper Street (2012)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
“Ripper Street” is a historical crime drama set in the aftermath of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in Victorian London. The series follows the lives of Detective Inspector Edmund Reid and his team as they investigate a range of crimes in the violent and gritty streets of Whitechapel, dealing with corruption, secrets, and the dark underbelly of the city.
Top cast: Matthew Macfadyen, Adam Rothenberg, MyAnna Buring, Charlene McKenna, Jerome Flynn, David Wilmot, Anna Burnett, Clive Russell, Matthew Lewis.
Stonehouse (2023)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8
“Stonehouse” is a television drama that explores the remarkable story of John Stonehouse, a Labour politician who, through his audacious disappearance, became a global fascination. With the backdrop of Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s government in 1974, this compelling series unveils the complex sequence of events that preceded Stonehouse’s mysterious vanishing, unraveling a web of intrigue and suspense.
Top cast: Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes, Emer Healey, Kevin McNally, Dorothy Atkinson, Archie Barnes.
Death at a Funeral (2007)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3
“Death at a Funeral” is a hilarious comedy that takes place during a chaotic funeral ceremony. As a dysfunctional family gathers to say their final goodbyes, unexpected events unfold, including a case of mistaken identity, blackmail and the accidental consumption of hallucinogenic drugs. The film showcases a series of comedic mishaps and absurd situations that add to the mayhem of the day.
Top cast: Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes, Andy Nyman, Ewen Bremner, Daisy Donovan, Alan Tudyk, Jane Asher, Kris Marshall, Rupert Graves, Peter Dinklage.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8
“Pride & Prejudice” is a timeless romantic drama based on Jane Austen’s classic novel. Set in 19th century England, it follows the story of the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and her stormy relationship with the proud Mr. Darcy. Through misunderstandings, societal pressures and personal growth, they find their way towards love and self-discovery.
Top cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Rosamund Pike, Donald Sutherland, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Tom Hollander.
External link – Pride & Prejudice (2005) at Period Drama Stills
Spooks (2002)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
“Spooks” is a thrilling espionage drama that follows the lives of MI5 agents working in a high-stakes world of intelligence and counter-terrorism. The series delves into their dangerous missions, personal sacrifices, and complex relationships as they journey through a world filled with secrets, betrayal, and constant threats to national security.
Top cast: Peter Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, Nicola Walker, Hugh Simon, Miranda Raison, Rupert Penry-Jones, Anna Chancellor, Hermione Norris, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo.
The Pillars of the Earth (2010)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0
“The Pillars of the Earth” is an eight-part miniseries adapted from Ken Follett’s 1989 novel. Set during the tempestuous period of English history known as “The Anarchy” in the 12th century, it centers around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The series follows the lives of ordinary people as they contend with war, religious strife and power struggles.
Top cast: Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie Redmayne, Hayley Atwell, Rufus Sewell, Sarah Parish, Robert Bathurst, Sam Claflin, David Oakes, Donald Sutherland.
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
Matthew Macfadyen Gallery
