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Ricky Tomlinson Biography

(Actor Known for His TV Roles in the Series: ‘Brookside’, 'Cracker', and 'The Royle Family')

Birthday: September 26, 1939 (Libra)

Born In: Bispham, Blackpool, England

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Ricky Tomlinson is an English actor, political activist and an author who has appeared in many popular television shows and films since the 1980s. He won a British Comedy Award and a National Television Award for his role of ‘Jim Royle’ in the sitcom ‘The Royle Family’. The veteran actor, who has appeared in many popular television shows, is also known for his work in shows like ‘Brookside’, ‘Cracker’, and ‘Playing the Field’. Ricky Tomlinson has been featured in a few good films as well, most notably portraying the character of ‘Mike Bassett’ in the comedy film ‘Mike Bassett: England Manager’. He has been a dedicated political activist since his early 30s. Interestingly, Tomlinson’s political views changed drastically from right-wing to left-wing politics after being inspired by Robert Noonan’s novel ‘The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists.’ For his socio-political activism, Tomlinson spent two years imprisoned in the 1970s. He has also worked for the betterment of underprivileged children and has donated thousands of pounds to charities like Human Milk Bank of Cheshire and North Wales.

Birthday: September 26, 1939 (Libra)

Born In: Bispham, Blackpool, England

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Actors #3606
Political Activists #23
Screenwriters #550
Actors #3606
Political Activists #23
Screenwriters #550
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Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In September

Also Known As: Eric Tomlinson

Age: 85 Years, 85 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Rita Cumiskey (m. 2003), Marlene Tomlinson (m. 1962–1986)

mother: Peggy Tomlinson

siblings: Richard Tomlinson, Simon Wallace

children: Clifton Tomlinson

Born Country: England

Actors Musicians

Height: 5'8" (173 cm), 5'8" Males

Notable Alumni: Walton Technical College

City: Blackpool, England

More Facts

education: Walton Technical College

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    Is Ricky Tomlinson still acting?

    Yes, Ricky Tomlinson is still active in acting and has appeared in various TV shows and films in recent years.
  • 2

    What is Ricky Tomlinson known for?

    Ricky Tomlinson is best known for his role as Jim Royle in the popular British sitcom "The Royle Family."
  • 3

    Has Ricky Tomlinson written any books?

    Yes, Ricky Tomlinson has written an autobiography titled "Ricky" which details his life and career in the entertainment industry.
  • 4

    Does Ricky Tomlinson have any upcoming projects?

    As of the latest information available, Ricky Tomlinson has several upcoming projects in the pipeline, including new TV shows and films.
  • 5

    Did Ricky Tomlinson have a career before becoming an actor?

    Before pursuing acting, Ricky Tomlinson worked as a trade union activist and served a prison sentence for his involvement in a strike, which later influenced his acting career and political activism.

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Childhood & Early Life
Eric “Ricky” Tomlinson was born on September 26, 1939, in Blackpool, Lancashire, to Peggy Tomlinson. His father was a baker. He grew up in Liverpool and attended Walton Technical College.
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Television Career
Ricky Tomlinson’s journey as an actor started in 1981 with a small role in the television series ‘Play for Today’.
He then received a great offer from the makers of the Channel 4 soap opera ‘Brookside’. In the long-running television show, Tomlinson featured in 190 episodes between 1982 and 1988. His character of ‘Bobby Grant’ became fairly popular among the audience.
He appeared in a few more television shows, mostly in special roles, before getting the role of ‘Cinders’ in the show ‘Roughnecks’. He was part of the 1994-95 season and appeared in a total of 13 episodes.
Tomlinson’s portrayal of ‘Charlie Wise’ in the British crime television show ‘Cracker’ is one of his most popular works to date. He featured alongside Robbie Coltrane, Christopher Eccleston, and Barbara Flynn among the lead artistes.
In the late 1990s, Tomlinson appeared in another popular television show, ‘Playing the Field’, as ‘Jim Pratt’. The show was inspired by the novel ‘I Lost My Heart to The Belles’ by Pete Davies, and featured Tomlinson in 29 episodes between 1998 and 2002.
In 1998, Tomlinson received an offer to play what would become the biggest role of his career. He accepted the role of ‘Jim Royle’ in the British television sitcom ‘The Royle Family’. The show ran for three years. Tomlinson portrayed the central character, ‘James Randolph "Jim" Royle’, and was nominated at multiple award shows for his powerful performance.
Tomlinson featured in the television adaption of the film ‘Mike Bassett: England Manager’ as the title character and later featured in the series ‘Nice Guy Eddie’ as ‘Eddie McMullen’ in 2002.
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Other Works
Ricky Tomlinson appeared in many feature films but his most popular work was in Steve Barron’s comedy film ‘Mike Bassett: England Manager’. The film also featured Amanda Redman and Bradley Walsh alongside Tomlinson in lead roles.
Tomlinson has always shown a keen interest in music and also plays the Banjo. He has played musical instruments during his performance in the ‘The Royle Family’.
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Tomlinson was a supporter of right-wing politics as a young man. However, inspired by Robert Noonan’s novel, he began leaning towards left-wing politics. Over the years, he has taken part in many movements, including the flying pickets of a worker’s dispute.
Major Works
Ricky Tomlinson’s portrayal of ‘James Randolph "Jim" Royle’, in the sitcom ‘The Royle Family’ is one of his best performances in his nearly four-decade-long acting career. His portrayal of a negligent, lazy, and a cynical person on the show earned him a nomination at the BAFTA Awards for the Best Comedy Performance in 2000. Tomlinson also the Best Actor/Performance Award at the British Comedy Awards and the National Television Awards, UK.
As a political activist, he joined the flying pickets during the Shrewsbury building workers’ dispute in 1972. Tomlinson was charged with "conspiracy to intimidate" owing to his participation. He pleaded his innocence but was still sentenced to two years of jail term in 1973.
Family & Personal Life
Ricky Tomlinson married Marlene Clifton in 1962 and had three children together. The couple ended their marriage 24 years later in 1986. He married Rita Cumiskey in 2003.
He had numerous affairs that are detailed in his autobiography.
Tomlinson has been avidly working on various socio-political issues. He has taken part in raising funds for children’s NGOs. He has also stood in support for The Campaign For A New Workers' Party.
Facts About Ricky Tomlinson

Ricky Tomlinson is not just an actor, but also a talented musician.

He plays the ukulele and has even released an album of folk music.
In addition to his successful acting career, Ricky Tomlinson is a passionate activist and has been involved in various social and political causes throughout his life.
Ricky Tomlinson is known for his great sense of humor and quick wit, often keeping his co-stars and audiences entertained on and off the set.
He is a devoted animal lover and has supported various animal welfare organizations.
He often speaks fondly of his roots and is actively involved in supporting local initiatives and charities in Liverpool.
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See the events in life of Ricky Tomlinson in Chronological Order

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- Ricky Tomlinson Biography
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