Born:
November 14, 1981
in
Essex
Best Known For:
Being Human and his guest appearances on Doctor Who.
Early-life:
Russell George Tovey was born on November 14, 1981, in Essex. While attending Shenfield High School in Essex, Tovey was chosen to appear on CBBC's Mud alongside a young Russell Brand. Ten years later Alan Bennett selected Tovey for the stage version of The History Boys. He was chosen to play Rudge, a Tim-nice-but-dim character who's known for his athletic prowess and academic floundering. The role also gave Tovey his first experience on Broadway, as he honed his acting chops with future Gavin & Stacey star James Corden.
Career:
Two years after The History Boys hit theatres, the original cast - including Tovey - were reassembled for a big screen adaptation. It proved to be the springboard that ignited his career, and he appeared opposite Rob Brydon on Annually Retentive shortly after, before bagging guest spots on Gavin & Stacey and Doctor Who. His face was fast becoming recognisable on British screens, and Russell T Davies even put his name forward as a potential replacement for David Tennant as the eleventh Doctor Who. After a stint on the BBC's Little Dorrit period drama, Tovey's long-awaited opportunity in a lead role arrived in 2008's Being Human. He also stars in the HBO comedy drama Looking and ITV's The Job Lot.
Quote:
"People say I have big ears. They're actually small, but they stick out."
Trivia:
For a time during his teens, he worked in the kitchen of a Billericay pub.