Richard Crispin Armitage is an English actor, who is most notable for the portrayal of John Thornton in the TV series show of North and South. He was born on August 22, 1971 in Leicester, England. He entered the Huncote Primary School I Huncote, Leicestershire. He then attended the Brockington College in Enderby, wehre he took music, performing cello in school as well s in local orchestras and learning how to play the instrument of flute. He continued this kind of interest to Pattison College in Coventry, where his education gets wider to include dance and acting. He then earned A Levels in music and English.
At the young age of 17, Armitage joined the circus in Budapast for only six weeks to have his Equity card. After the actor made his return to England, he continued his musical theater career, performing in several productions like Cats as Admetus and Macavity. Armitage did not satisfied on this kind of career; therefore, he entered the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to study well how to act properly. After he completed the three-year programme of the LAMDA, Armitage made his return on stage, portraying the supporting player with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions of Macbeth and The Duchess of Malfi, as well in the Hamlet and the Four Alice Baker, together with the Bermingham Repetory Theater.
Moreover, Armitage’s first major lead role was in the BBC drama called, Sparkhouse, in year 2002, where he portrayed the role of John Standring. Hs subsequently had a supporting role in some TV productions such as the TV series of Between the Sheets and the Cold Feet as well as the ultimate Force. In year 2004, he portrayed his first leading role as John Thornton in the BBC adaptation of the Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. On the following year, Armitage appeared in the BBC series show of Macbeth, where he portrayed the role of Peter MacDuff. Armitage also portrayed the lead role of the young Claude Monet in BBC drama of the Impressionists. He also appeared in the TV series called, The Golden Hour, which is initially based on the London Air Ambulance. He was also included in the casts of the independent film of Frozen.
In year 2006, Armitage appeared in the TV series of Robin Hood. On the following year, the actor appeared in the BBC Four production of Miss Marie Llyod- Queen of the Music Hall, portraying the role of the first husband of Marie Llyod. On the other hand, Armitage was included in the casts of the British drama series of Spooks, which has started on October 2008. On the following year, Armitage was also featured in the BBC1 drama called, Moving On, where he portrayed the role or John Mulligan. On the other hand, Armitage was included in the casts of the upcoming film of The Hobbit, which is set to hit the big screen on December 2012.
Richard Armitage Photo Gallery
