Richard Armitage English stage, film, television and voice actor Date of Birth: 22.08.1971 Country: Great Britain

Richard Armitage Biography
Richard Crispin Armitage is an English actor known for his work in theater, film, television, and voice acting. He gained popularity in his role as John Thornton in the British TV series "North & South" and achieved international recognition for his role as Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy.

Early Life and Education
Armitage was born in Leicester, England. His father was an engineer and his mother was a secretary. He developed an interest in music at a young age and played the cello in school and local orchestras while also learning to play the flute. At the age of 14, he received a grant to attend an independent boarding school in Coventry. This experience instilled in him discipline and self-control, and he also gained valuable acting experience by participating in amateur and professional productions.

Acting Career
After completing his education, Armitage spent six months in Budapest, Hungary, where he obtained the necessary documents to work as a professional actor in the UK. Upon his return to England, he became involved in musical theater and worked as an assistant choreographer for Kenn Oldfield. He also pursued classical acting training and performed in various theatrical productions.

In 1992, Armitage decided to further improve his acting skills and enrolled in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After completing the three-year program, he returned to the stage, performing in supporting roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He also began appearing in films and television shows.

In 2004, Armitage landed the lead role of John Thornton in the BBC television adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel "North & South." The series became a huge success, and Armitage's performance earned him widespread acclaim and comparisons to the iconic romantic character Mr. Darcy.

Armitage continued to work in both film and television, playing diverse characters such as Peter Macduff in "Macbeth," Guy of Gisborne in "Robin Hood," and Lucas North in "Spooks." He also made his mark in international cinema with his portrayal of Thorin Oakenshield in "The Hobbit" trilogy.

In 2015, Armitage joined the television series "Hannibal," playing the role of Francis Dolarhyde. He has also lent his voice to various animated films and video games.

Personal Life
Armitage is known for his private nature and prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye.