Born:
January 14, 1964
in
York
Best Known For:
The Full Monty.
Early-life:
Born Mark Addy Johnson on January 14, 1964, in York. His father is a glazier at York Minster. During his teens, Mark spent three weeks doing work experience backstage at the city's Theatre Royal and loved it so much, he stayed on in a part-time role; it was then that his dreams of becoming an actor began. "I saw how it all worked, and it fascinated me," he claims. But it was Imelda Staunton who eventually pushed him in the right direction. Addy met her while she was working at the theatre and she gave him the address of her old drama school, Rada. He applied, auditioned, and was accepted.
Career:
After graduating, Addy returned to act at York's Theatre Royal and also performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Hull Truck Theatre Company. Addy appeared in The Bill, A Very Peculiar Practice, Heartbeat and The Thin Blue Line before landing his big break in 1997's The Full Monty, after being recommended for a role by playwright John Godber. Projects since include Jack Frost, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, A Knight's Tale, The Time Machine and Around the World in 80 Days. He also starred in US sitcom Still Standing and ITV comedy drama Bonkers. Other projects include the Red Riding trilogy, Barney's Version, Robin Hood, Game of Thrones, Trollied and Atlantis, and he continues to be in demand for stage work.
Quote:
"We didn't think Full Monty would play outside Yorkshire. We thought that people in London wouldn't be interested. I've met people from Peru who have seen it. It was really popular in Japan."
Trivia:
He's been married to Kelly Johnson since 1996 and shares three children with her.