Born:
December 13, 1949
in
Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Best Known For:
Citizen Smith and My Family.
Early-life:
Born Robert Lindsay Stevenson on December 13, 1949, in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. One of three children, his Second World War veteran father worked as a joiner and his mother was a cleaner. He failed his 11-plus exam and went to the Secondary Modern Gladstone Boys School. Despite having a miserable time there, his art teacher spotted his acting talent in a school production and encouraged him to take it up seriously. He originally intended to become a drama teacher, but worked in regional theatre companies after attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).
Career:
Lindsay's movie debut came in 1973's That'll Be the Day. His big break came in 1977 when he played would-be revolutionary Wolfie in John Sullivan's BBC sitcom Citizen Smith. After that he concentrated on serious roles. Theatre parts include Hamlet and Cyrano De Bergerac, but his biggest stage hit to date is musical Me and My Girl, for which he won numerous awards on both sides of the Atlantic. He made his Hollywood debut in the ill-received Bert Rigby You're a Fool in 1989, but Alan Bleasdale's TV series GBH put his career back on track. Since then, successes include Jake's Progress, The Wimbledon Poisoner, Brazen Hussies, Hornblower and My Family. More recently, he's starred in detective drama Jericho, played Tony Blair in A Very Social Secretary and The Trial of Tony Blair, traced his family on Who Do You Think You Are? and starred in Sky1 sitcom Spy.
Quote:
"There's a huge entertainer in me, and I couldn't ignore it any longer. I wanted to be very serious, but I've paid my dues and should start enjoying my career."
Trivia:
He supports Derby County.