Last updated on the 11 March 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 17 February 1978, Hammersmith, London, England. 

Rory Kinnear comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts. His father, Roy Kinnear, was a celebrated comedic actor and his mother, Carmel Cryan, was a television actress. Rory Kinnear grew up alongside his two sisters, Kirsty and Karina, in a household that fostered creativity and performance. His grandfather, Roy Muir Kinnear, was a notable rugby player and his godfather, Michael Williams, was an actor married to Dame Judi Dench. This rich tapestry of artistic and athletic lineage undoubtedly influenced Rory’s path.

Rory Kinnear’s education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. He attended Tower House School and later St. Paul’s School in London, where he developed an early appreciation for literature and drama. He pursued higher education at Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied English, further honing his analytical and creative skills. Following his time at Oxford, Rory trained in acting at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), equipping him with the tools to excel in his craft.

In his personal life, Rory Kinnear has maintained a balance between his professional achievements and family commitments. He is in a long-term relationship with actress Pandora Colin, with whom he shares two children. Despite his public career, Rory Kinnear has managed to keep his personal life relatively private, focusing on his family and the values instilled in him during his upbringing. His grounded nature and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry, admired not only for his talent but also for his humility and authenticity.

Suggested viewing

Count Arthur Strong (2013)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

Count Arthur Strong, a former star of variety, is known for his inflated ego, forgetfulness, and frequent use of malapropisms. Despite not achieving the fame he believes he has, Arthur remains optimistic, hoping for another big break. He seizes any chance that comes his way, whether it’s getting a free meal or selling unwanted products. Unaware of the chaos he causes, Arthur continues his oblivious pursuit of stardom.

Top cast: Steve Delaney, Rory Kinnear, Zahra Ahmadi, Chris Ryman, Andy Linden, David Plimmer, Bronagh Gallagher, Ruth Posner.

The Hollow Crown (2012)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

“The Hollow Crown: King Richard” is based on Shakespeare’s play “Richard II” and centers around the tragic downfall of King Richard II and his clash with Henry Bolingbroke, who eventually becomes Henry IV. This episode delves into themes of power, leadership, and the far-reaching consequences of political upheaval during medieval times in England.

Top cast: Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, David Suchet, Patrick Stewart, Lindsay Duncan, David Morrissey, Tom Hughes, James Purefoy.

Years and Years (2021)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3

Years and Years is a thought-provoking TV series that follows the lives of the multi-generational Lyons family over the span of 15 years, as society rapidly changes. It explores themes of technology, politics, family dynamics, and the consequences of our choices, painting a vivid picture of a near-future world.

Top cast: Emma Thompson, Russell Tovey, Rory Kinnear, Jessica Hynes, Ruth Madeley, T’Nia Miller, Anne Reid. 

Bank of Dave (2023)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1

This is the inspiring tale of Dave Fishwick, a self-made millionaire from a working-class background, who dedicated himself to establishing a community bank in Burnley. His goal was to support local businesses and ensure their prosperity. In his quest to assist his community, Dave faced off against the exclusive financial establishments in London and battled to obtain the first new banking license in a century.

Top cast: Rory Kinnear, Phoebe Dynevor, Joel Fry, Jo Hartley, Hugh Bonneville, Paul Kaye, Cathy Tyson, Florence Hall, Naomi Battrick.

Penny Dreadful (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

Penny Dreadful is a TV series set in Victorian London. It weaves together iconic characters from classic literature, such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray, as they navigate a world filled with supernatural forces and dark secrets. The show explores themes of horror, morality, and the human psyche in a visually stunning and atmospheric setting.

Top cast: Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Harry Treadaway, Reeve Carney, Rory Kinnear, Billie Piper, Helen McCrory, Danny Sapani.

Ridley Road (2021)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.8

Ridley Road is a TV series set in 1960s London, based on the novel by Jo Bloom. It follows the story of a young Jewish woman, Vivien Epstein, who goes undercover to infiltrate a far-right extremist group targeting the local immigrant community on Ridley Road. It explores themes of identity, discrimination, and resilience in a turbulent era.

Top cast: Agnes O’Casey, Rory Kinnear, Tamara Lawrance, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Eddie Marsan, Samantha Spiro, Tom Varey, Michelle Bonnard.

Quacks (2017)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.7

Quacks is a comedic dramedy set in Victorian-era London, where four young surgeons, each with their own unique quirks and ambitions, push the boundaries of medical practice. Amidst the backdrop of superstition and quackery, they grapple with ethical dilemmas, personal rivalries, and the ever-present threat of failure, all while striving to make a mark on the world of medicine.

Top cast: Rory Kinnear, Tom Basden, Lydia Leonard, Mathew Baynton, Rupert Everett, Geoffrey McGivern, Andy Linden, Ed Gaughan, Osi Okerafor.

Peterloo (2018)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.5

“Peterloo” is a historical drama directed by Mike Leigh, based on the 1819 Peterloo Massacre. The film portrays the events surrounding a peaceful pro-democracy rally in Manchester’s St Peter’s Field, which turned into one of the bloodiest and most notorious episodes in British history. The film sheds light on the struggle for equal civil and political rights during a time when voting was restricted.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)