Steve Coogan

Last updated on the 19 June 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 14 October 1965, Middleton, Lancashire, England.

Steve Coogan was born into a working-class Irish Catholic family, he was one of six children in a household that would later inspire much of his comedic material. His upbringing in industrial Manchester during the 1970s and 1980s exposed him to the social and economic challenges that would inform his satirical world view throughout his career.

Steve Coogan pursued his passion for performance by training at Manchester Polytechnic School of Theatre, where he refined his skills in character work and impressions. This formal training provided him with the technical foundation that would prove invaluable in his later career as a versatile performer. His education in theatre arts equipped him with both the classical techniques and contemporary approaches that would distinguish his work in comedy and drama.

Before moving on to television as a voice actor for advertisements and the satirical puppet show Spitting Image, Coogan started his career as a comic and impressionist, giving frequent performances in Ipswich. This early experience in voice work and political satire laid the groundwork for his most famous creation, Alan Partridge, a character that would define much of his career. His breakthrough came through radio and television collaborations that showcased his talent for creating deeply flawed yet compelling characters.

Throughout his career, Coogan has achieved remarkable success both as a performer and producer. His work on the film “Philomena” earned him BAFTA Awards and Academy Award nominations, demonstrating his evolution from television comedian to serious film maker. He co-founded Baby Cow Productions, which has produced numerous successful comedy series and films.

In his personal life, Coogan was previously married to Caroline Hickman, though he has generally maintained privacy regarding his relationships while remaining open about his Irish heritage and working-class roots that continue to influence his artistic choices.

WINNER | Television: Comedy Performance for I’m Alan Partridge (1998) | Television: Male Performance In A Comedy for The Trip (2011) | Television: Male Performance In A Comedy Programme for Welcome to the Places of My Life (2013) | Television: Male Performance In A Comedy for Alan Partridge’s Scissored Isle (2017)

Suggested viewing

Brian and Maggie (2025)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.8

In 1989, a seasoned journalist interviews the British Prime Minister in a televised exchange that reshapes their relationship and political legacy. As tensions rise, personal and professional stakes collide, leading to an unexpected reckoning. This gripping drama explores power, loyalty and the cost of ambition in a defining moment of modern history.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Harriet Walter, Ross Armstrong, Tom Mothersdale, Karan Gill, Paul Clayton, Emma Sidi, and Paul Higgins

Related to

The Reckoning (2023)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

“The Reckoning” explores the life of Jimmy Savile, tracing his rise to fame and the shocking revelations of their extensive crimes that emerged posthumously. The drama examines how he exploited his influence and connections to evade accountability, while survivors’ voices bring crucial perspectives to the narrative.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Gemma Jones, Mark Stanley, Robert Emms, Michael Jibson, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Faye McKeever, Mark Lewis Jones.

Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge (1994)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

A self-proclaimed Norwich “superstar” and former sports journalist, Alan Partridge, finds himself hosting his own chat show, “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” However, Alan’s inflated ego, tactless remarks and awkward interactions with his guests quickly turn the show into a cringe-worthy spectacle, much to the amusement of viewers. Despite his disastrous hosting skills, Alan remains blissfully unaware of his own incompetence, cementing his status as a hilarious yet hapless television personality.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Patrick Marber, Rebecca Front, David Schneider, Doon Mackichan, Steve Brown, John Thomson, Jean Ainslie, Ben Moor.

I’m Alan Partridge (1997)

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.6

“I’m Alan Partridge” is a British sitcom that follows the misadventures of Alan Partridge, a failed television presenter. After being fired from his previous job, Alan finds himself hosting a radio show in Norwich and desperately trying to revive his career while dealing with personal and professional challenges along the way.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Sally Phillips, Amelia Bullmore, Felicity Montague, Simon Greenall, Phil Cornwell, James Lance, Barbara Durkin, David Schneider.

24 Hour Party People (2002)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3

“24 Hour Party People” is a biographical comedy-drama film that chronicles the rise and fall of Factory Records, an influential music label in Manchester. The story revolves around Tony Wilson, the founder of Factory Records, as he navigates the vibrant music scene and cultural revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing iconic bands like Joy Division and Happy Mondays.”

Top cast: Steve Coogan, David Schneider, Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Lennie James, Shirley Henderson, Andy Serkis, John Simm, Ralf Little, Danny Cunningham.

The Trip (2010)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.0

“The Trip” is a comedy-drama that follows Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they embark on a restaurant tour across the English countryside. Amidst exquisite meals, they engage in hilarious banter, impersonations and introspective conversations about life, love and career while exploring the picturesque landscapes of northern England.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Claire Keelan, Margo Stilley, Rebecca Johnson, Dolya Gavanski, Kerry Shale, Paul Popplewell.

Philomena (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6

“Philomena” is a heart-wrenching drama based on a true story. It follows Philomena Lee, an elderly Irish woman, as she enlists the help of journalist Martin Sixsmith to find her long-lost son who was forcibly taken from her decades ago by nuns. Their journey reveals dark secrets and leads them to unexpected revelations.

Top cast: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Mare Winningham, Barbara Jefford, Ruth McCabe, Peter Hermann, Sean Mahon, Anna Maxwell Martin.

Saxondale (2006)

Bftv 9.0  / IMDb 7.8

Tommy Saxondale is an ex-roadie with anger management issues and his own pest control business in Stevenage. Having survived a hostile divorce, Tommy now lives with his girlfriend Magz. Tommy regards himself as a maverick and free thinker and takes the opportunity to impart his wisdom to his naïve assistant Raymond.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Ruth Jones, Rasmus Hardiker, Morwenna Banks, James Bachmann, Darren Boyd, Rosie Cavaliero, Matt Berry, Tom Meeten.

Greed (2019)

Bftv 8.5  / IMDb 5.8

“Greed” is a satirical comedy-drama film that exposes the dark side of wealth and consumerism. It follows billionaire retail mogul Sir Richard McCreadie as he prepares for an extravagant 60th birthday party on a Greek island, delving into his controversial business practices and shedding light on social inequality.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, David Mitchell, Isla Fisher, Asa Butterfield, Sophie Cookson, Shirley Henderson, Sarah Solemani, Jamie Blakley, Stephen Fry, Tim Key.

The Trip to Italy (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.5

“The Trip to Italy” is a comedy-drama that follows Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they embark on a culinary adventure across Italy. Amidst picturesque landscapes, they sample delicious food, engage in hilarious banter and reflect on life, love and career while impersonating famous personalities in their signature comedic style.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Rosie Fellner, Claire Keelan, Marta Barrio, Timothy Leach, Ronni Ancona, Rebecca Johnson.

The Lost King (2022)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.6

“The Lost King” is the uplifting true story of Philippa Langley, an amateur historian who tirelessly researched and led the search for King Richard III’s lost remains. Despite scepticism from experts, her determination challenged renowned historians to reconsider England’s controversial king, making history by unearthing his remains under a car park in Leicester.

Top cast: Sally Hawkins, Steve Coogan, Harry Lloyd, Mark Addy, James Fleet, Lee Ingleby, Adam Robbie, Benjamin Scanlan, Amanda Abington.

The Trip to Greece (2020)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.5

“The Trip to Greece” is a comedy-drama that follows Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they embark on another culinary adventure, this time exploring the stunning landscapes of Greece. Amidst delightful meals and hilarious banter, they reflect on life, mortality and their own careers while impersonating famous personalities along the way.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Claire Keelan, Marta Barrio, Rebecca Johnson, Cordelia Bugeja, Kareem Alkabbani, Richard Clews.

The Day Today (1994)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.6

In a satirical take on British television news, The Day Today presents  the life of a news broadcasting team, exposing their absurdities and the absurdity of the news itself. Through sharp wit, exaggerated characters and outlandish events, the show pokes fun at the industry’s obsession with trivialities, its tendency to sensationalise and its lack of substance.

Top cast: Chris Morris, Steve Coogan, Rebecca Front, Alistair McGowan, Steve Punt, David Quantick, Patrick Marber, Doon MacKichan.

The Trip to Spain (2017)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.6

“The Trip to Spain” is a comedy-drama that reunites Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon for another gastronomic journey. As they travel through Spain, indulging in exquisite food and engaging in their trademark witty exchanges, they ponder on life, relationships and the passage of time while delivering hilarious impressions along the way.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Marta Barrio, Claire Keelan, Margo Stilley, Rebecca Johnson, Timothy Leach, Kerry Shale.

A Cock and Bull Story (2005)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.7

“A Cock and Bull Story” is a metafictional comedy-drama film that intertwines the fictionalised making of “Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story” with the lives of its actors. The story follows their personal relationships, on-set antics and self-reflection, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in a witty and playful manner.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Keeley Hawes, Shirley Henderson, Raymond Waring, Dylan Moran, Jeremy Northam, Naomie Harris.

Alan Partridge’s Scissored Isle (2016)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0

Alan Partridge, driven by his misguided sense of social responsibility, embarks on a journey to the north of England to investigate the perceived socioeconomic rift between the north and the south of the United Kingdom. However, his attempts to bridge the ‘schasm’ are consistently undermined by his own cluelessness and tactlessness, leading to a series of embarrassing encounters and hilariously misguided attempts to connect with the locals.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, John Thomson, Ben Rufus Green, Jean Ellwood, Rachel Bullen, Miles Jupp, Tom Leonard, Danny Rodley, Adem Marshall.

Alan Partridge: Welcome to the Places of My Life (2012)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

In a self-proclaimed celebration of his beloved home county of Norfolk, Alan Partridge takes viewers on a tour of his favourite haunts and landmarks. His egocentric narration and cringeworthy commentary paint a picture of a man desperately seeking approval while simultaneously oblivious to his own social blunders. From re-enacting council debates to attempting to impress a local journalist, Partridge’s misguided attempts at self-promotion only further highlight his cluelessness and alienate those around him.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Dolly Wells, Graham Duff, Harmage Singh Kalirai, Robert Demeger.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9

Alan Partridge, the egocentric and self-proclaimed radio legend, finds himself in an unlikely position when his former colleague, Pat Farrell, takes hostages at the station. Alan, desperate to regain his lost glory, volunteers to negotiate with Pat, a role that forces him to confront his own insecurities and self-doubt. As the situation escalates, Alan must find a way to navigate the tense standoff while maintaining his trademark comedic persona.

Top cast: Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney, Felicity Montague, Simon Greenall, Anna Maxwell Martin, John Boyd, Nigel Lindsay, Tim Key, Monica Dolan.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)