Richard Armitage is a British actor known for his work in commercials, film, and television. He was born on August 22, 1971, in Leicester, England, and grew up in Huncote, a small village in Leicestershire. He began his career in theater before transitioning to film and television.
Armitage gained early recognition for his role as John Thornton in the BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel "North & South." However, it was his work as a commercial actor that first brought him into the public eye. He appeared in a number of high-profile ad campaigns throughout the 2000s, including spots for brands such as Nescafé and Yoplait.
Despite his success in commercials, Armitage remained focused on his acting career. He appeared in several British television shows, including "Spooks" and "Robin Hood," before making his Hollywood debut in the 2012 film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." He played the role of Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of a group of dwarves searching for a lost treasure.
Since then, Armitage has gone on to secure a variety of roles in film and television. He has played a CIA agent in the television series "Berlin Station," a detective in the miniseries "The Stranger," and a vampire hunter in the film "Dracula Untold." He is also set to star in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series "The Lord of the Rings."
Despite his diverse acting career, Armitage's work as a commercial actor remains a defining part of his legacy. His commercials were memorable and helped him gain early recognition in the industry. Today, Armitage is known as one of Britain's most talented actors, with a unique ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.