Stephen Dillane

**Stephen John Dillane** is a renowned English actor known for his diverse roles in both stage and on-screen performances. Born on 27 March 1957 in Kensington, London, Dillane had shown a keen interest in acting from an early age, often performing in school plays. He pursued higher education in the University of Exeter, with studies focused on the Russian Revolution. However, his interest in the world of acting led him to shift his course, entering the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School at 25. Drawn towards both stage and film, Dillane's commitment to his craft led to appreciable successes. He's notably known for his roles as Leonard Woolf in 'The Hours', Stannis Baratheon in the 'Game of Thrones', and Thomas Jefferson in 'John Adams'. In his early acting career, Dillane was known as Stephen Dillon, but reverted back to his birth name in the 1990s. His in-depth performances on stage, including in the works of Tom Stoppard's and Samuel Beckett, have earned him significant acclaim. Dillane made notable contributions to television as well, with his roles in major series like 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Tunnel'. He won international accolades for his exceptional acting skills, including the International Emmy Award for Best Actor. In his personal life, Stephen is a father to two children, including actor, Frank Dillane. He maintains an active connection to political matters, shown by his signing of the Artists4Ceasefire open letter to U.S. President Joe Biden in October 2023.