Last updated on the 31 July 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 18 June 1986, Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland.

Richard Madden, grew up in a modest household, his mother worked as a primary school teacher and his father was a firefighter. Madden was raised alongside his two sisters in a supportive environment. Despite his seemingly confident on-screen presence, Madden was a shy child who struggled with body insecurities and bullying during his school years.

To overcome his shyness, Madden joined the PACE Youth Theatre at the age of 11. This decision marked the beginning of his acting journey. His first role came shortly after, when he was cast as young Andy in the film adaptation of Iain Banks’ novel “Complicity” in 2000. He also played the lead role of Sebastian in the children’s television series “Barmy Aunt Boomerang” from 1999 to 2000.

Richard Madden attended Castlehead High School before pursuing higher education at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, formerly known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, in Glasgow. He graduated in 2007. During his time at the conservatoire, Madden worked with The Arches and the Glasgow Repertory Company, and he performed in Franz Xaver Kroetz’s play “Tom Fool” at the Citizens Theatre. His performance in “Tom Fool” received positive reviews and led to a transfer to London, where he was spotted by a team from Shakespeare’s Globe.

Madden’s breakthrough role came in 2011 when he was cast as Robb Stark in the HBO fantasy drama series “Game of Thrones.” His portrayal of the noble and tragic character earned him international recognition and acclaim. Following his success on “Game of Thrones,” Madden continued to build his career with notable roles in both film and television. He played Prince Kit in the 2015 romantic fantasy film “Cinderella” and Italian banker Cosimo de’ Medici in the first season of the historical fiction series “Medici” in 2016.

In 2018, Madden starred as Sergeant David Budd in the BBC thriller series “Bodyguard,” a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama. Madden also appeared in the biopic “Rocketman” as music manager John Reid and in the war film “1917” as a soldier. More recently, he starred as Ikaris in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film “Eternals” in 2021 and as a spy in the action thriller series “Citadel” in 2023.

Despite his busy career, Madden has managed to keep his personal life relatively private. He has been linked to several high-profile relationships, including with actresses Jenna Coleman and Ellie Bamber. Madden’s dedication to his craft and his ability to portray a wide range of characters have made him one of the most respected actors of his generation. His journey from a shy, bullied child to an internationally acclaimed actor is a testament to his resilience and talent.

Suggested viewing

Bodyguard (2018)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.1

David Budd, a troubled war veteran turned police sergeant, is tasked with guarding the controversial Home Secretary Julia Montague. As David tackles the treacherous world of political intrigue and assassination plots, he becomes increasingly conflicted about his role and his personal beliefs.

Top cast: Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Sophie Rundle, Gina McKee, Pippa Haywood, Stuart Bowman, Paul Ready, Ash Tandon, Nina Toussaint-White.

Medici: Masters of Florence (2016)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.9

Set in Renaissance Florence, Medici: Masters of Florence chronicles the rise of the Medici family, from their humble origins as bankers to their emergence as one of the most influential families in Europe. The series follows Cosimo de’ Medici, a shrewd and ambitious leader who traverses the treacherous world of Florentine politics, while also patronising the arts and sciences.

Top cast: Richard Madden, Sarah Parish, Daniel Sharman, Synnøve Karlsen, Alessandra Mastronardi, Sebastian de Souza, Raoul Bova, Annabel Scholey, David Brandon, Bradley James.

Rocketman (2019)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3

From a shy and timid boy, Reginald Dwight, to becoming the iconic Elton John, Rocketman narrates the life and career of Sir Elton John. It depicts his struggles with addiction, self-acceptance and his complex relationship with his manager, John Reid, through a musical journey filled with hits and flamboyant stage performances.

Top cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett, Matthew Illesley, Kit Connor.

Game of Thrones (2011)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.2

In the fictional world of Westeros, nine noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne, while an ancient enemy returns after millennia to threaten the existence of living men. The series follows the intertwined stories of characters from different factions as they face political upheaval, dark magic and deadly rivalries.

Top cast: Emilia Clarke, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Conleth Hill, Alfie Allen, Richard Madden, Mark Addy,

Cinderella (2015)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9

Ella, a kind-hearted young woman, is forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters after her father’s untimely death. Despite her circumstances, she dreams of a better life. A chance encounter with the handsome Prince awakens her hope and with the help of her fairy godmother, she attends the royal ball.

Top cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Derek Jacobi, Helena Bonham Carter, Nonso Anozie.

Richard Madden full filmography @ Wikipedia