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Last updated on the 15 June 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 15 October 1965, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England.
Stephen Tompkinson, inspired by his grandfather, a man Tompkinson describes as a “comic genius”, found himself drawn to the world of acting. This passion led him to the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he rubbed shoulders with future stars like James Nesbitt and Rufus Sewell. Graduating in 1988, Tompkinson hit the ground running.
Even before his final year at drama school, Tompkinson’s talent was recognised. He won the 1987 Carleton Hobbs Bursary, securing him a coveted spot as a member of the BBC’s Radio Drama Company.
The 1990s proved to be a breakout decade for Tompkinson. He landed his first major television role as Marcus in the comedy series “Chancer.” This was quickly followed by his defining role as the neurotic journalist Damien Day in the cult classic “Drop the Dead Donkey.” Tompkinson’s comedic timing and on-screen charisma shone through, earning him the 1994 British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor.
While Stephen Tompkinson excelled in comedy, he also possessed a dramatic depth waiting to be explored. In 1996, he took on the role of Father Peter Clifford in the drama series “Ballykissangel.” This portrayal of a conflicted priest struggling with faith and love in a remote Irish village catapulted Tompkinson to national fame. The show gained a devoted following, drawing in over 15 million viewers at its peak and solidifying Tompkinson’s status as a household name.
Stephen Tompkinson’s filmography extends beyond television. He delivered a memorable performance in the heartwarming British film “Brassed Off” (1996), a story about a colliery band facing closure. He continued to showcase his versatility throughout the years, taking on roles in projects like “Hotel Splendide” (2000) and the long-running series “Wild at Heart” (2006-2013), where he played the charming vet Danny Trevanion.
Perhaps his most iconic television role came later in his career. From 2010 to 2016, Stephen Tompkinson embodied the tenacious Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks in the gritty crime drama series “DCI Banks.” Based on the novels by Peter Robinson, the series explored the seedy side of Yorkshire and cemented Tompkinson’s reputation as a leading man in British television.
Stephen Tompkinson was married to actress Nicci Taylor from 2001 to 2006, he shares a daughter, Daisy, with her. A keen cricket player, Tompkinson is known for his charitable endeavours and his down-to-earth personality.
Suggested viewing
DCI Banks (2010)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.7
In a gritty Yorkshire town, a tenacious detective chief inspector with the help of his sharp team unravels disturbing murder mysteries. The series dives into the dark secrets of the community, testing the detective’s instincts and resolve as he brings perpetrators to justice.
Top cast: Stephen Tompkinson, Andrea Lowe, Caroline Catz, Jack Deam, Lorraine Burroughs, Danny Rahim, Keith Barron, Nicholas Sidi, Colin Tierney, Edward MacLiam, Samuel Anderson, Shaun Dingwall, Shaun Dooley, Maimie McCoy.
Ballykissangel (1996)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5
A young, modern priest clashes with a close-knit Irish village and its strong-willed pub owner, grappling with faith, love and cultural differences in a heartwarming drama filled with humour and local charm.
Top cast: Stephen Tompkinson, Dervla Kirwan, Frankie McCafferty, Joe Savino, Deirdre Donnelly, Gary Whelan, Áine Ní Mhuirí, Niall Toibin, Tina Kellegher, Tony Doyle, Peter Hanly, Bosco Hogan, Lorcan Cranitch, Victoria Smurfit.
Drop the Dead Donkey (1990)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0
A newsroom in turmoil erupts in hilarious chaos as a tyrannical media tycoon demands sensationalist stories, forcing dedicated journalists to fight for journalistic integrity amidst the pressure to become media puppets.
Top cast: Neil Pearson, Jeff Rawle, David Swift, Stephen Tompkinson, Victoria Wicks, Robert Duncan, Susannah DoyleIngrid Lacey, Haydn Gwynne.
Grafters (1998)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6
Two cash-strapped brothers with contrasting personalities take on a major renovation for a demanding couple in London. Their struggles to manage the project, their personal lives and a clash with a rival builder create a comedic drama filled with working-class charm.
Top cast: Robson Green, Stephen Tompkinson, Darren Morfitt, Emily Joyce, Neil Stuke, Lesley Vickerage, Will Parker, Katherine Wogan, David Westhead.
Brassed Off (1996)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
A struggling mining town faces the closure of its colliery, threatening the future of the historic brass band. As hope dwindles, the band rallies to compete in a national competition, finding solace in music and fighting to keep their community alive.
Top cast: Pete Postlethwaite, Tara Fitzgerald, Ewan McGregor, Stephen Tompkinson, Jim Carter, Philip Jackson, Peter Martin, Sue Johnston, Mary Healey.
Wild at Heart (2006)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4
A suburban vet and his family uproot their lives for a fresh start in South Africa, transforming a game reserve and establishing a veterinary practice. They face the challenges of adapting to a new culture, wildlife conservation and running a business amidst the breathtaking beauty of the African savanna.
Top cast: Stephen Tompkinson, Deon Stewardson, Nomsa Xaba, Thapelo Mokoena, Lucy-Jo Hudson, Hayley Mills, Dawn Steele, Luke Ward-Wilkinson, Amanda Holden.
