Ricky Tomlinson
About
Ricky Tomlinson
A comedy legend from working-class roots, Ricky Tomlinson is renowned for his sharp wit, intuitive acting, and his portrayal of iconic characters. Known for his down-to-earth humour, Ricky is also a skilled musician, playing the banjo and harpsichord, and a lifelong supporter of Liverpool FC.
TV Roles
Ricky Tomlinson’s acting career spans over decades, with some of his most memorable roles:
- Bobby Grant in the soap opera Brookside.
- DCI Charlie Wise in the crime drama Cracker.
- Jim Royle in the critically acclaimed sitcom The Royle Family.
The Royle Family
One of Ricky’s most beloved roles was that of Jim Royle in The Royle Family.
- The show ran for three series from 1998 to 2000, with several specials airing between 2006 and 2012.
- Jim is a lazy, ill-tempered family man who spends his days lounging in an armchair, watching TV, and roasting his family members with hilarious sarcasm.
- The Royle Family remains a staple of British comedy, ranking 19th in a 2004 poll of Britain’s best sitcoms, and has won numerous BAFTA awards.
Film Roles
Ricky has also made a mark on the big screen with several notable film performances:
- Mike Bassett: England Manager
- Raining Stones
- Hillsborough (a made-for-TV film about the tragic 1989 stadium disaster), where he portrayed John Glover, the father of one of the victims.
Autobiography
In 2003, Ricky Tomlinson released his autobiography, Ricky, which became a best-seller, topping the UK chart for five weeks.
TV Commercials
Ricky has extended his reach to the world of TV commercials:
- He became the face of British Gas, fronting a series of adverts.
- In January 2010, he appeared in a popular campaign for Farmfoods, a frozen food chain.
- In March 2011, Ricky acted in a commercial for The Range, a UK retail chain.
A proud Liverpudlian with a sharp sense of humour, Ricky Tomlinson continues to be a beloved figure in British television and film, bringing laughter and authenticity to every role he plays.