Richard Armitage

Richard Crispin Armitage (born 22 August 1971) is an English actor and author known for his leading role as John Thornton in the British television programme North & South (2004). He gained international recognition for his role as dwarf king and leader Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's film trilogy adaptation of The Hobbit. He also appeared in notable roles like John Proctor in Yaël Farber's stage production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Francis Dolarhyde in the American TV series Hannibal, Lucas North in the British TV drama Spooks, John Porter in the British TV drama Strike Back, Daniel Miller in the EPIX spy series Berlin Station and Guy of Gisborne in the British TV drama Robin Hood. Post graduating from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Armitage joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). He has been vocal about his dedication towards acting and the demanding roles that he has taken up, where he often stays in character for the duration of the shooting. His trademark is his baritone voice which he has employed as a voice actor since 2006. Armitage is also an author and has worked extensively in television and theatre. His career is marked with a mix of theatre, television, and film roles.

Armitage was born in Leicester, England, the younger son of Margaret, a secretary, and John Armitage, an engineer. He has an older brother named Chris. He attended Huncote Community Primary School in Huncote and later transferred to Pattison College in Coventry, an independent boarding school specialising in the performing arts, where he focused on drama and dance. Armitage expressed gratitude for the lessons and opportunities Pattison College provided and credits it with instilling within him a sense of discipline in his professional career. The actor's focus and dedication have paid off in an impressive career commanding both screen and stage.