Global Talent Directory

Comedians from United Kingdom

The comedian directory for United Kingdom: profiles, bios, photos and social links.

325 comedians

Ariane Sherine

Ariane Sherine, born Ariane Sherine Juniper in London on July 3, 1980, is a British comedian, writer, author, journalist, and singer-songwriter. She is professionally known as Ariane Sherine. Her diverse creative output encompasses writing for television and publications, performing stand-up comedy, and releasing music under the artist name Ariane X. She describes herself as a writer and comedian from North London. Sherine’s career began early, with an unusual connection to Duran Duran. At age 16, she was expelled from school. During her late teens, she spent time at their studio and contributed vocals and piano on two tracks for their 1993 album, Pop Trash . She began journalism at 21, reviewing albums for NME, and later wrote for publications including The Observer, The Spectator, The Sunday Times, The Independent, NME, and New Humanist. She also studied music production at the University of Westminster starting at age 19, and worked as a singer and pianist in bars and hotels. From 2002 until 2008, several British shows utilized her humor, among them 'My Family' and 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps'. Sherine's creative endeavors have resulted in several notable projects. The Atheist Bus Campaign, which expanded to encompass 13 nations, was initiated by her in 2009. In 2003, she reached the final stage of the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year contest. Also, in 2002, she earned runner-up status at the BBC Talent New Sitcom Writers' Award. Since then, she has penned more than 75 articles for The Guardian’s Comment & Debate section, with Charlie Brooker offering his endorsement approximately in 2008. 'Shitcom,' her first novel, was released independently in July 2021 and draws inspiration from her work as a television comedy writer. She published the book 'Talk Yourself Better' in 2018 and wrote the music biography 'The Real Sinéad O’Connor.' Her music career includes the comedy pop group The Lovely Electric, which released an album in 2014. In June 2021, she launched the podcast 'Love Sex Intelligence'. Her debut solo pop record, 'Better,' explored deep, personal themes including parental separation and violence; it arrived in February 2024 while she was receiving Universal Credit. The collection contains correspondence to her daughter, Lily, aged 12, about depression, anxiety, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, abortion, and domestic abuse.

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Ben Elton

Benjamin Charles Elton, a British comic and author, has contributed scripts and productions across television, radio, film, novels, theatre and musical shows, while also performing as a stand‑up act and appearing on screen. He emerged as a prominent figure in the 1980s alternative comedy scene, employing left‑wing political satire in his early stand‑up routines.

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Brian Blessed

Brian Blessed, a British character actor, speaker, and explorer, was born on October 9, 1936, in Mexborough, West Riding of Yorkshire. His upbringing involved a socialist coal miner father, William Blessed, and a mother, Hilda Wall, who experienced a nervous breakdown and received electric shock treatment when he was fourteen. He is recognized for his distinctive voice and larger-than-life presence, qualities that have defined his career spanning over six decades. Early in life, he attended Bolton on Dearne Secondary Modern School and distinguished himself as the school boxing champion. Following schooling, Blessed served in the RAF Regiment for national service. Following this, he dedicated himself to acting, securing a scholarship to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1956. His acting career began with the role of PC “Fancy” Smith in the police drama Z-Cars between 1962 and 1965. Opportunities continued to arise, including an offer for the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who in 1966 which he declined. Blessed also performed in productions like Cats (1981), playing Bustopher Jones and Old Deuteronomy. Blessed demonstrated his aptitude for comedy through characters like King Richard IV in the initial season of Blackadder (1983), and through featuring in four Shakespearean films by Kenneth Branagh: Henry V (1989, which achieved a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Hamlet (1996), and As You Like It (2006). In addition to his acting career, he is a skilled mountaineer, having successfully ascended Mount Everest on three occasions and conquered the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. For his contributions to both the arts and charitable endeavors, he received the appointment of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016. He continues to work as an after-dinner entertainer, sharing amusing stories from his acting career and mountaineering experiences, often receiving enthusiastic applause.

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David Frost

David Frost, born David Paradine Frost on April 7, 1939, in Tenterden, Kent, was an English television host, journalist, comedian, writer, and media personality. He attended Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, graduating with a Third in English in 1958, where he also served as editor of Varsity and Granta , and secretary of the Footlights Drama Society. Initially studying for the cloth, he briefly trained as a Methodist local preacher, influenced by his father, who was a Methodist minister of Huguenot descent. During his school years, he participated in football and cricket, even receiving a contract offer from Nottingham Forest F.C. Frost’s career gained prominence in 1962 when he hosted the satirical show That Was the Week That Was (TW3) on the BBC. He continued to host television programs such as The Frost Report (1966) and The Frost Programme (1966-1968). He also performed stand-up comedy at venues like Quaglinos and The Blue Angel in London during the 1960s. Throughout his career, he interviewed numerous prominent figures, including all eight British prime ministers from 1964 to 2013 and all seven U.S. presidents from 1969 to 2008. A particularly notable interview was with Richard Nixon in 1977; this resulted in a stage play and film adaptation, Frost/Nixon . In 1983, Frost participated in the establishment of the ITV station TV-am; subsequently, he presented Breakfast with Frost on the BBC between 1993 and 2005, and hosted Through the Keyhole for a period of twenty years. From 2006 to 2012, he hosted Frost Over the World on Al Jazeera English, and The Frost Interview in 2012. He was recognized with the BAFTA Fellowship in 2005 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Emmy Awards in 2009. The phrases “Hello, good evening and welcome” and “Seriously, though, he's doing a grand job!” were hallmarks of his career; David Frost passed away on August 31, 2013, at the age of 74 while traveling on the MS Queen Elizabeth. During March 2014, a memorial stone honoring him was revealed in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey; following his death, British Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a tribute expressing his esteem.

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Gracie Fields

Gracie Fields, born Grace Stansfield on January 9, 1898, in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, was a British comedian, singer, and actress. Frederick Stansfield, who worked as an engineer, and Sarah Jane 'Jenny' Bamford Stansfield, a housewife and laundress, were her parents. Living above a fish and chip shop belonging to her grandmother, Sarah Bamford, she spent her childhood and attended Rochdale’s public schools until she was 13 years old. Encouraged by her mother, Jenny Stansfield, who would watch theater shows with her while she did laundry for the companies, Fields began her career early, making her first stage appearance in 1905 with children's repertory theatre groups. Fields’ professional debut occurred in variety at the Rochdale Hippodrome in 1910. She worked as a half-timer in a local cotton mill before pursuing performing and married Archie Pitt, a comedian and impresario, in 1923. Together, they toured Britain from 1915 to 1931, appearing in the revue Mr Tower of London (1918-1924). This show brought her to the West End in 1924, marking her first performance there. Fields and Pitt’s act combined self-deprecating jokes, comic songs, monologues, and 'depression-era' songs in a Northern working-class style. She recorded her first record, My Blue Heaven , in 1928, which sold 500,000 copies. During the 1930s, Fields achieved recognition as one of Britain's ten leading film stars, earning her status as the world’s highest-paid entertainer; occasionally commanding a payment of £200,000 for four movies. Her film career included Sally in Our Alley (1931), featuring her famous song 'Sally', and subsequent films such as This Week of Grace (1933), Look Up and Laugh (1935), Queen of Hearts (1936), We’re Going to Be Rich (1938), Keep Smiling (1938), and Shipyard Sally (1939). During World War II (1939-1945), she entertained Allied troops. Following further performances in Holy Matrimony (1943) and Molly and Me (1945), she subsequently portrayed Miss Marple in the American television film A Murder is Announced (1956). Gracie Fields was appointed a CBE in 1938 and a DBE in 1979. She made more than 500 records and gave ten Royal Command Performances. Her last public performance was in 1978, and she died on September 27, 1979, in Capri, Italy, at the age of 81.

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James Nesbitt

He hails from Ballymena, where his father, James 'Jim' Nesbitt, served as a headmaster and his mother, May Nesbitt, worked as a civil servant. Raised with three older sisters—Margaret, Kathryn, and Andrea—Nesbitt’s early life included a brief stint playing the flute in the Ballymena Young Conquerors flute band at age 13, when he also debuted as an actor portraying the Artful Dodger in Oliver!. At age 15, he worked as a bingo caller for Barry's Amusements in Portrush, and before committing to acting, he briefly studied French at Ulster Polytechnic. Initially wanting to be a teacher, Nesbitt attended drama school in London after completing an apprenticeship at a local theatre. Nesbitt’s career as an actor commenced during the 1980s; his stage appearances began in 1987 and included productions of 'Up on the Roof' (both in 1987 and 1989) and 'Paddywack' (in 1994). He made his film debut in 1991 with 'Hear My Song'. Recognition arrived in the mid-1990s through roles in 'Cold Feet' (1997–2003, 2016–2020) and 'Waking Ned' (1998). He is often initially seen as a TV comedy actor, largely due to his work on 'Cold Feet', where he played Adam Williams. As a result of this role, he was presented with a British Comedy Award, a Television and Radio Industries Club Award, and a National Television Award. His performance in 'Waking Ned' led to a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. He also starred as 'Pig' Finn in the film. Beyond comedy, Nesbitt has demonstrated versatility across various genres. In 2001, he took on the part of Jimmy Hands in 'Lucky Break,' and in 2002, he depicted Ivan Cooper in the television film 'Bloody Sunday,' an achievement that led to a British Independent Film Award. He starred as Tommy Murphy in 'Murphy's Law' (2001–2007), a role specifically created for him, earning an Irish Film and Television Award for his performance. Further demonstrating his range, he played dual roles of Tom Jackman and Mr Hyde in 'Jekyll' (2007), receiving a Golden Globe Award nomination. His filmography also includes appearances in 'Five Minutes of Heaven' (2009), 'Millions' (2004), Woody Allen’s 'Match Point' (2005) and the 'The Hobbit' film series (2012–2014). He currently stars in the medical drama 'Monroe' (2011-), and is married to Sonia since 1994, with two daughters.

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Jessica Hynes

Jessica Hynes, born in Lewisham, London, England in 1972 and later growing up in Brighton, is an English actress, director, and writer. She attended St Luke's Infant and Junior Schools and Dorothy Stringer School before joining the National Youth Theatre company at age fifteen. Her stage debut came in 1990 with Lionel Bart’s 'Blitz'. Early roles included appearances in Peter Greenaway’s 'The Baby of Macon' (1991) and Disney’s 'Swing Kids' (1993), as well as a role in the television drama 'Staying Alive' (1996) and sketch shows like 'Asylum'. She also performed with Katy Carmichael as the comedy duo 'The Liz Hurleys', demonstrating an early interest in comedic performance. Hynes is perhaps best known for her work on 'Spaced' (1999–2001), where she co-wrote and starred, a role recognized by many. She also gained significant recognition playing Cheryl in 'The Royle Family' from 1998 to 2010. Her versatility is evident in her appearances across various film series, including the 'Bridget Jones' films (2004–2016), the 'Nativity' films (2012–2018), and the 'Paddington' films (2017–2024). Other notable film credits include 'Shaun of the Dead' directed by Edgar Wright and a voice role in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'. She has also appeared in films with varying critical reception, such as 'Swallows and Amazons' (2016) which received a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and 'Pudsey the Dog: The Movie' (2014) which received a 0% rating. Throughout her career, Jessica Hynes has received numerous accolades. She has won two BAFTAs out of five nominations, including one in 2019 for Female Performance in a Comedy Programme. She also holds two Royal Television Society Awards from three nominations, and two British Comedy Awards from three nominations. She was nominated for an International Emmy Award twice, a Tony Award in 2009 for her Broadway debut in 'The Norman Conquests', and a Laurence Olivier Award in 2002. More recently, she took part in the S4C series Iaith ar Daith in 2023 to learn Welsh. She continues to work as an actress and director, with recent appearances including 'Paddington in Peru' and directing 'The Fight'. Her roles in shows like 'Twenty Twelve' (2011–2012) and 'W1A' (2014–2017), and the series 'There She Goes' (2018–2023) further solidify her presence in British television.

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Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley, born Joanna Lamond Lumley on May 1, 1946, began her life in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, British India. Her father, Major James Rutherford Lumley, served in the British Indian Army during World War II, while her mother was named Thyra Beatrice Rose (née Weir). In 1954, she travelled to England on the HMT Empire Windrush. She attended Mickledene School in Rolvenden, Kent, from age eight and later Holmhurst St Mary's Convent School from ages 11 to 17. A brief period working as a photographic model for Brian Duffy followed, demonstrating an early engagement with the visual arts. Lumley’s acting career began in 1969 with a role in On Her Majesty's Secret Service , where she appeared as a Bond girl. She was in The Avengers and The New Avengers. Her work in Sapphire & Steel helped establish her reputation, and she also appeared in the 1989 film Shirley Valentine . Critics noted a risk of being typecast after escaping an image of primness, but Lumley continued to explore diverse roles. The role that cemented her status as a comedic powerhouse is undoubtedly Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous , which ran from 1992 to 2012. Critics described Patsy as "fearlessly grotesque and endlessly hilarious," and Lumley’s portrayal became synonymous with the character, often described as "drunk, disgusting, and merciless." She won two BAFTA TV Awards for this role, along with a British Comedy Award. Her work continued with Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie in 2016. Beyond television, she has performed in theatrical productions such as Blithe Spirit and Private Lives , and appeared in films like James and the Giant Peach , The Cat's Meow , EuroTrip , Ella Enchanted , and The Wolf of Wall Street . She was honoured with the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards in 2013 and the BAFTA Fellowship award in 2017. Lumley is also an advocate for Survival International and the Gurkha Justice Campaign, and was made a dame (DBE) in 2022 for services to drama, entertainment and charity.

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John Lacy

John Lacy was an English comic actor and playwright who found prominence during the Restoration era. Born around 1615, he likely originated in or near Doncaster. His father, also named John Lacy, was a musician who passed away in 1621. Lacy had a sister, Elizabeth, who married Roger Parker around 1616. Early in his life, in 1631, he began an apprenticeship with John Ogilby, who served as a dancing master and choreographer. This training likely contributed to his later stage presence. Lacy’s career path took several turns before settling on the stage. By 1639, he had joined Beeston's Boys, marking the beginning of his acting career. During the English Civil War, he served in the royalist forces, holding the ranks of lieutenant and quartermaster. Following the Restoration in 1662, Lacy became an actor with the King’s Company, a significant engagement at the time. Samuel Pepys documented Lacy's comedic performances in his Diary, indicating the actor’s popularity and skill. He took on notable roles such as the title character in 'The French Dancing-Mistress' and Johnny Thump in 'Love in a Maze', both in 1662, and was particularly praised for his portrayal of Teague in 'The Committee' (1663). His repertoire also included performances in works by Ben Jonson, including 'The Alchemist', 'Epicene', and 'Volpone', as well as roles like Galliard in 'The Variety' and Scruple in 'The Cheats'. Beyond acting, Lacy was also a playwright. He authored four plays: ‘Sauny the Scot’ (1667), which adapted Shakespeare’s 'The Taming of the Shrew'; 'The Dumb Lady' (1672); 'The Old Troop' (1672); and 'Sir Hercules Buffoon' (1684). In 1667, Lacy faced a brief imprisonment for improvising critical remarks about court corruption during a performance attended by King Charles II. He had a complex personal life, having seven children with Mary Dickons between 1639 and 1649, another child with Katherine Barnes, and at least six children with Margaret Pinnyfather after marrying her in 1659. John Lacy died on September 17, 1681, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile performer and playwright of the Restoration period.

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Mackenzie Crook

An English actor, director, comedian and writer, Mackenzie Crook—Paul James Crook by birth—entered the world in 1971. He spent his childhood in Dartford, Kent, after initially being born in Maidstone, Kent. Due to a growth hormone deficiency, Mackenzie Crook underwent three years of hormone therapy during his childhood. His education included attending Sutton-at-Hone Primary School and Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, though he ultimately failed his A-levels. Seeking opportunities beyond the school’s limited offerings, he joined a local youth theatre. Early on, he held jobs at Pizza Hut and Halfords, demonstrating a diverse range of experiences before finding his place in comedy. Crook began performing as characters Mr. Bagshaw and Charlie Cheese on the comedy circuit in London, and these personas appeared in Channel 4’s Barking (1998) and briefly on The Eleven O'Clock Show (1998). He also hosted the short-lived ITV1 show Comedy Café as Charlie Cheese in 1999. His work expanded to include a role as Gareth Keenan in The Office (2001–2003), which earned him a British Comedy Award nomination. He was part of the cast of TV to Go (2001) and later portrayed Ragetti in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series (2003–2007). His acting credits also include appearances in Game of Thrones and a role as Orell. He demonstrated his versatility further with roles in The Merchant of Venice (2004) as Launcelot Gobbo, Three and Out (2008), and Christopher Robin . He provided voice and movements for a character in The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011). Crook’s writing and directing talents are particularly evident in Detectorists , which he created, wrote, and directed. This series garnered significant recognition, including a 2015 BAFTA for Scripted Comedy and Writer, as well as a Writers Guild Award in 2019 for Best Situation Comedy and a Rose D’Or award in 2018 for Best Situation Comedy. He also received a Tony Award nomination in 2011 for his performance in Jerusalem , and was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2010 for the same production. His comedic sensibility is described as "gentle comedy." Currently, he directs his first feature film in Leeds, Yorkshire. He recently created and stars in Small Prophets on Apple TV, a show which blends grief and loss with suburban oddities, featuring tiny, truth-telling spirits called homunculi. Many of the props for Small Prophets were made by hand in a workshop-like shed at his home. The show initially aired on BBC Two in February before being continued for a second season on BBC One.

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Madeline Smith

Madeline Smith, a British actress, started as a model in the late 1960s and later moved on to act in a variety of television programmes, stage plays, as well as comedy and horror films during the 1970s and 1980s.

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Matilda Ziegler

Matilda Ziegler, born Matilda Florence Elizabeth Ziegler on July 23, 1964, is an English theatre professional from Ashford. She is known for her diverse acting career spanning stage, film, and television. Ziegler began her journey as an actress, gaining recognition for her portrayal of Donna Ludlow in the popular television series EastEnders from 1987 to 1989. This role involved tackling challenging storylines including prostitution, attempted gang rape, heroin addiction, and ultimately, Donna’s death from overdose, marking a significant period in her early career. She departed from EastEnders in April 1989. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Ziegler continued to build an impressive resume. She played Irma Gobb opposite Mr. Bean, reprising the role in both live-action (early 1990s) and animated iterations (2002-2004 & 2015-2019). Her stage work includes a performance as Pearl Pratt in Lark Rise to Candleford (2008-2010), and the role of Dr. Ruth Anderson in BBC Radio 4's Rigor Mortis (2004–2006). Ziegler’s talent has been recognized with nominations for both a TMA Award and a Laurence Olivier Award in 1994 for her performance in The Lady from the Sea. She also toured Australia with an award-winning production of An Inspector Calls, embodying the character of Sheila Birling. In 2001, she performed Twelfth Night for the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has also been involved in co-productions such as 'Downstate,' a collaboration between the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the National Theatre, which premiered in Chicago and later transferred to London in spring 2019. Critics praised 'Downstate' as "incendiary" and "important," while The New York Times described it as a “great, squirmy moral-thrill-ride.” Pam MacKinnon directed this production. In 2026, Ziegler directed the play 'Judgment Day,' reprising a role she originally played in the UK premiere of the same play in 1989. Her daughter, Faye Ziegler, who graduated from Oxford School of Drama around 2026, also participated in the 2026 production.

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