Adrian Lester British actor, director and writer Date of Birth: 18.08.1968 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Adrian Lester
2. Early Life and Education
3. Theatrical Career
4. Television and Film Career
5. Personal Life

Biography of Adrian Lester

Adrian Anthony Lester, a British actor, director, and writer, is known to the Russian audience primarily for his role as the intelligent and charming con artist Michael Stone, also known as Mickey Bricks, in the popular BBC series 'Hustle'. In recognition of his contributions to the development of dramatic arts, Lester was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2013.

Early Life and Education

Adrian Lester was born on August 14, 1968, in Birmingham. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica. His mother, Monica, worked as a medical secretary, while his father, Reginald, was a manager at a cleaning company. From the age of nine, Adrian sang in the boys' choir at St. Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham. At fourteen, he began studying acting at the Birmingham Youth Theatre. After completing his education at Archbishop Masterson RC School, he spent a year at Joseph Chamberlain VI Form College before attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London for three years.

Theatrical Career

Lester earned a reputation as a strong Shakespearean actor on the theatrical stage. In 1993, he played Anthony Hope in the musical 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' at the Royal National Theatre. His theatrical achievements include winning the Laurence Olivier Award for his role in the musical 'Company', the Carlton TV Theatre Award for his portrayal of Hamlet, and the Time Out Award for his performance in 'As You Like It'. Additionally, he portrayed Henry V at the Royal National Theatre in 2003 and Othello in 2013, with Rory Kinnear playing the role of Iago.

Television and Film Career

Lester's television career began in the 1980s with appearances in the series 'Crossroads'. In 1992, he starred in the television film 'Touch and Die'. However, his breakthrough role came in the television series 'Hustle', where he played the con artist Mickey Bricks. Despite his character's popularity, Lester did not participate in the fourth season of the series. His character was written off as going to Australia to pull off a scam involving the Sydney Opera House. He was replaced by Ashley Walters in the role of Billy Bond. Lester returned to the series for the fifth season.

In the United States, Lester played Henry Burton, a campaign manager, in the film 'Primary Colors' directed by Mike Nichols. His portrayal earned him the Chicago Film Critics Association award for Most Promising Actor. Other notable film appearances include 'Love's Labour's Lost' directed by Kenneth Branagh, 'Spider-Man 3', 'The Day After Tomorrow', and the British series 'Merlin'.

Personal Life

Outside of the stage and screen, Lester is an avid enthusiast of Taekwondo, holding a second-degree black belt in the martial art. He is married to British actress of Indian descent, Lolita Chakrabarti. They reside in southeast London and have two daughters, Lila and Jasmine.