Last updated on the 9 June 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 17 April 1959, Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. 

Sean Bean is a renowned British actor known for his versatile performances in both film and television. Bean’s career spans several decades, during which he has portrayed a wide range of characters, from villains to heroes, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.

Sean Bean grew up in Handsworth, a suburb of Sheffield, where he was born to Rita and Brian Bean. He attended Brook Comprehensive School, where he developed a passion for acting. Encouraged by his drama teacher, he joined the Rotherham College of Arts and Technology to pursue his dreams further.

While studying at Rotherham, Bean honed his acting skills and gained valuable experience performing in various theatre productions. His dedication and talent caught the attention of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of the most prestigious drama schools in the UK. Bean was accepted into RADA, where he received formal training in acting, refining his craft and preparing himself for a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Sean Bean’s career took off in the late 1980s when he appeared in the British television series “The Bill” and “Emmerdale.” However, it was his breakthrough role as Richard Sharpe in the ITV television series “Sharpe” that brought him widespread recognition. Bean’s portrayal of the charismatic and courageous British soldier in the Napoleonic Wars endeared him to audiences and established him as a leading actor.

Bean’s notable film roles include playing Boromir in the epic fantasy trilogy “The Lord of the Rings,” Alec Trevelyan in the James Bond film “GoldenEye,” and Ned Stark in the critically acclaimed television series “Game of Thrones.” His ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters, along with his rugged charm and powerful presence, has made him a sought-after actor in both Hollywood and the United Kingdom.

Sean Bean’s personal life has also garnered significant attention. He has been married five times and has three children. Bean’s relationships have often been the subject of media speculation, but he prefers to keep his personal life private.

In addition to his acting career, Bean is known for his love of football and is a lifelong supporter of Sheffield United Football Club. He also has a passion for outdoor activities, including fishing and motorcycling.

Sean Bean’s early life and education laid the foundation for his successful acting career. From his humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming an internationally recognised actor, Bean’s talent and dedication have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His diverse range of roles and memorable performances have solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Suggested viewing

Shardlake (2024)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.8

Matthew Shardlake, a sheltered lawyer is thrust into a web of danger when Thomas Cromwell tasks him with investigating a murder at a remote monastery. Unraveling the truth becomes a matter of survival as political agendas and dark secrets collide amidst the turmoil of England’s religious reformation.

Top cast: Arthur Hughes, Sean Bean, Anthony Boyle, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Peter Firth, Brian Vernel, Matthew Steer, Paul Kaye, David Pearse, Joe Barber, Kimberley Nixon.

Related to

Time (2021)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.2

Mark Cobden finds himself incarcerated, overwhelmed by remorse for his actions and struggling to adapt to the unpredictable environment of prison. There, he crosses paths with Eric McNally, a dedicated prison officer striving to safeguard the inmates under his care. Yet, when a particularly dangerous prisoner exploits Eric’s vulnerabilities, he becomes entangled in a dilemma that forces him to choose between his values and the well-being of his loved ones.

Top cast: Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, Hannah Walters, James Nelson-Joyce, Siobhan Finneran, Sue Johnston, Nadine Marshall, David Calder.

Sharpe (1993)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5

“Sharpe” is a thrilling historical drama set during the Napoleonic Wars. Captain Richard Sharpe, a British soldier with a troubled past, leads his rifle regiment through perilous battles and treacherous missions. Facing enemies both on and off the battlefield, Sharpe’s journey is a tale of courage, loyalty and redemption.

Top cast: Sean Bean, Daragh O’Malley, John Tamsin, Jason Salkey, Michael Byrne, Lyndon Davies, Philip Whitchurch, Alexis Denisof, Abigail Cruttenden.

Related to

Red Riding: The Year of Our Lord 1983 (2009)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

“Red Riding: The Year of Our Lord 1983” is a bleak crime thriller set in Yorkshire, England. As a chilling child kidnapping case unfolds, a journalist becomes entangled in a web of corruption, police brutality and cover-ups. Amidst a dark and twisted atmosphere, the investigation unveils shocking secrets, exposing the depths of evil within the community.

Top cast: Sean Bean, David Morrissey, Lisa Howard, Chris Walker, Shaun Dooley, Jim Carter, Warren Clarke, Sean Harris, Steven Robertson.

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.8

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” follows Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit tasked with destroying a powerful ring before it falls into the hands of the dark lord Sauron. Joined by a fellowship of diverse characters, they embark on a perilous journey across Middle-earth, encountering magical creatures, treacherous foes and testing their own courage and loyalty.

Top cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Austin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Orlando Bloom.

Game of Thrones (2011)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.2

In the mythical land of Westeros, noble families battle for control of the Iron Throne. Amidst political intrigue, epic battles and supernatural forces, alliances are forged and broken, leading to shocking betrayals and unexpected triumphs. The story explores themes of power, honour, love and the consequences of one’s choices in a world where winter is always coming.

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

Prequel

The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

“The Frankenstein Chronicles” is a British TV series set in 19th century London. Inspector John Marlott, haunted by his own demons, investigates a series of gruesome murders. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a dark conspiracy involving resurrectionists, anatomy schools, and a mysterious figure connected to Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, “Frankenstein.”

Top cast: Sean Bean, Richie Campbell, Tom Ward, Ed Stoppard, Vanessa Kirby, Samuel West, Robbie Gee, Eloise Smyth.

GoldenEye (1995)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

A secret weapon falls into the wrong hands after a mission goes awry. Years later, a former ally turned villain plots to use the weapon to cripple a world power. Bond must face his past and stop the devastating attack, with the help of a captivating computer programmer on his side.

Top cast: Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabella Scorupco, Famke Janssen, Joe Don Baker, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, Tchéky Karyo, Gottfried John, Alan Cumming, Desmond Llewelyn, Samantha Bond, Michael Kitchen.

Sean Bean full filmography @ Wikipedia