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Last updated on the 6 July 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: August 27, 1969, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England.
Reeson Wayne Shearsmith, better known as Reece Shearsmith, is an English actor, writer, and comedian who has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy with his unique blend of dark humour and satirical wit. Shearsmith’s early life was steeped in the vibrant theatre scene of his hometown.
His passion for acting led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (hons) degree in Theatre Arts at Bretton Hall Drama College. It was during his time at Bretton Hall that he met fellow comedian Steve Pemberton, with whom he would forge a lifelong creative partnership.
Shearsmith’s career took off in the late 1990s with the formation of “The League of Gentlemen”, a comedy quartet that included Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson. Their dark, absurdist humour, set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey, resonated with audiences and critics alike. The League of Gentlemen’s television series, which aired from 1999 to 2002, won numerous awards and cemented Shearsmith’s status as a comedic genius.
Beyond The League of Gentlemen, Shearsmith has demonstrated his versatility across various genres. He has written and starred in the critically acclaimed horror comedies “Psychoville” and “Inside No. 9,” showcasing his ability to blend humour with suspense and psychological depth. He has also appeared in numerous films, including “The Big Fat Quiz of the Year,” “Shaun of the Dead,” and “The World’s End.”
He is married to Jane Shearsmith, with whom he has two children.
WINNER|Television: New Media for Psychoville (2012) | Television Craft: Writer – Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2018) | Television: Scripted Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2021)
Suggested viewing
Inside No. 9 (2014)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5
Inside No. 9 is a British anthology series known for its dark humour, chilling twists, and unpredictable narratives. Each episode unfolds within a different setting marked by the number nine, whether it’s a grand manor or a humble flat. The series showcases the versatility of its creators, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, who masterfully blend genres, from comedy and horror to psychological thrillers.
Top cast: Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.
The League of Gentlemen (1999)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4
Set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey, The League of Gentlemen is a dark and surreal comedy series that follows the bizarre antics of a cast of peculiar characters played by the show’s creators, Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith and Jeremy Dyson. From a transvestite taxi driver to a shopkeeping duo with xenophobic tendencies, the series explores the eccentricities of small-town life with a blend of dark humour, grotesque imagery and satirical wit.
Top cast: Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, Jeremy Dyson, Paul Hays-Marshall, Rosy Deacon, Michael Gallagher.
The Widower (2014)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3
Based on the true story of convicted murderer Malcolm Webster, “The Widower” delves into the chilling tale of a seemingly mild-mannered nurse who manipulates and deceives women for financial gain, leaving a trail of tragedy in his wake. This gripping three-part drama exposes the depths of human darkness and the lengths to which individuals will go to mask their sinister intentions.
Top cast: Reece Shearsmith, Sheridan Smith, John Hannah, Kate Fleetwood, Alex Ferns, Archie Panjabi, Paul Blair, Leanne Best, Sylvestra Le Touzel.
Psychoville (2009)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2
Psychoville is a darkly comedic and suspenseful television series that centers on a group of seemingly unconnected individuals, each haunted by their own dark pasts. When each receives a cryptic note bearing the ominous message “I know what you did,” their lives are thrown into chaos as they desperately try to unravel the mystery behind the notes and confront their hidden demons.
Top cast: Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Dawn French, Eileen Atkins, Daniel Kaluuya, Imelda Staunton, Adrian Scarborough, Jason Tompkins.
Chasing Shadows (2014)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
Chasing Shadows is an ITV crime drama series that follows the troubled Detective Sergeant Sean Stone, as he investigates a series of seemingly unconnected missing persons cases. Haunted by his own personal struggles, Stone grapples with his own demons while delving into the dark underbelly of society to uncover the truth behind the disappearances.
Top cast: Reece Shearsmith, Alex Kingston, Noel Clarke, Don Warrington, Sharon Small, Amara Karan, Celyn Jones, Fraser James.
