Richard Crispin Armitage was born August 22, 1971 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.
"I've always been creative- as a kid growing up in Leicester, I liked painting and playing a few musical instruments. I started playing guitar in primary school, took up the cello when I was 11, then ditched that for the flute which I never really enjoyed. I've still got the cello in my wardrobe."
He attended Pattison College in Coventry and then studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
His first role was a small one in This Year's Love in 1999. He went on to appear in television shows and a few movies. In 2004 he landed the lead role of John Thornton in North & South.
From there he landed many movie and television spots. He has also appeared on stage many times and was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company for 18 months.
I haven't seen a lot of his work. I have just started watching the BBC's Robin Hood so I am anxious to see how he does as the villain there. Other than that my exposure to Richard has been North & South, The Hobbit, and Captain America: The First Avenger.
However, I also read that he appeared as an unnamed Naboo fighter pilot in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
"I'd never been in front of the camera
before. It was like being punched in the face, trial by fire... I was
shocked, appalled, scared- and then excited."
My favorite role so far has been his portrayel of Thorin in The Hobbit.
I loved the book and wondered at first how he would do. I felt like he really became Thorin. He gave the character so much emotion. I think he turned out to be the perfect choice.
Richard has aquaphobia ( fear of water, specifically of drowning). When he was very young his stroller fell into a neighbor's pond and his fear is believed to have come from that incident.
However he has not let the fear stop him from being in the water.
For Cold Feet he took a water aerobics class, swam at least 50 laps per day preparing for his role in Captain America playing Heinz Kruger, and was submerged in a well for a long time while shooting Robin Hood.
Richard can dance and sing. He has said that he would love to do a musical.
"I think I've got an odd face. I always wanted to look like somebody else."
Say What?
*What is your favorite Richard Armitage role?
5 comments:
Whoa, I would never guess that that is what the actor who played Thorin looked like in real life! What a hunk! I loved him as Thorin. I thought he had such good facial expressions and that he really made Thorin a relatable, likable character.
I know! He looked so different in the film. You should watch North&South!
I will definitely watch North & South.
I loved him in "North and South" and as Thorin...although I never saw the resemblance until now. He is Thorin! :-)
Yes. He is really a talented actor. It will be fun to see where he goes from here.
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