Aidan Turner

About

Aidan Turner is an acclaimed Irish actor celebrated for his versatility and captivating performances across television, film, and theatre. Known for his roles as Kíli in The Hobbit trilogy and John Mitchell in Being Human, Aidan has carved out a successful career blending drama, fantasy, and period pieces.

Early Career and Theatre

After graduating from The Gaiety School of Acting in 2004, Aidan honed his craft on stage. Notable theatre performances include:

• The Plough and the Stars
• Romeo and Juliet
• A Cry from Heaven

Television Breakthrough

Aidan made his television debut in 2007 with a guest role on The Tudors. He gained attention for his performance as Dante Gabriel Rossetti in Desperate Romantics, a six-part drama about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

From 2008 to 2009, Aidan played the recurring role of Ruairí McGowan in The Clinic. However, his portrayal of the vampire John Mitchell in Being Human (2009–2011) earned him widespread acclaim. The series was recognised with multiple awards, including:

• Best Drama Series at the 2011 TV Choice Awards
• Best Television Drama Series at the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards (2009, 2010, 2012)

Film Success

Aidan’s film debut came in 2007 with the short films The Sound of People and Matterhorn. He later starred as Mal in the Irish thriller Alarm (2008).

His role in Being Human caught the attention of Peter Jackson, who cast him as Kíli in The Hobbit trilogy (2012–2014). The films became a global sensation, cementing Aidan’s status as a fantasy genre star.

In 2013, Aidan played Luke Garroway in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. The film achieved box office success and won four Canadian Screen Awards for technical achievements in makeup, sound, and visual effects.

Poldark and Period Drama Stardom

In 2015, Aidan took on the iconic role of Ross Poldark in the BBC’s revival of Poldark. The series was a critical and commercial hit, broadcasting internationally through PBS in the United States.

He also starred in the BBC miniseries And Then There Were None (2015), based on Agatha Christie’s classic novel, as Philip Lombard, a cynical and mysterious mercenary.

Legacy

With a career spanning theatre, television, and film, Aidan Turner is admired for his intense performances, charm, and ability to embody complex characters. From his early days on Irish stages to global fame in fantasy and period dramas, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide.