Simon Russell Beale (born 12 January 1961) is a British actor, author and music historian.

Simon Russell Beale Performance Artist - Date of Birth 12 January 1961, Penang, Malaysia

Height 5' 6" (1.68 m)

Simon Russell Beale is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed talents in British theatre.

He spent his early years abroad as his father was Surgeon General to the British Army (his mother is also a doctor), but aged 8 was relocated to England and became a pupil at St Paul's Cathedral School. He then attended Clifton College in Bristol on a choral scholarship before studying English at the University of Cambridge (also on a music scholarship). He began a course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, initially as a singer, later switching to acting, but left unsatisfied. He was spotted in a student play at the Edinburgh Festival, which led to starting a professional acting career.

He was first noticed in comic roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he forged collaborations with Sam Mendes whom he has continued to work with. Since 1995 he has been a regular player at the National Theatre.

Beale is an associate of the National Theatre and the Almeida Theatre in London, and an associate artist at the RSC.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: anon

Trade Mark (1) Rich, aristocratic voice

He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to Drama.

He was awarded The Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1996 (1995 season) for Best Supporting Performance for his performance in "Volpone" at the Royal National Theatre Olivier Stage.

For his performance in "Hamlet" at the Royal National Theatre, he won the 2000 John and Wendy Trewin Award at London Critics Circle Theater Award for Best Shakespearian Performance and the 2000 London Evening Standard Theater Award for Best Actor, as well as being nominated for the following awards: a Laurence Olivier Theater Award in 2001 (2000 season) for Best Actor.

He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 2000 (1999 season) for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in "Candide" at the Royal National Theatre, Olivier Stage.

He was nominated for a 1998 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor of 1997 for his performance in "Othello" at the Royal National Theatre: Cottsloe stage.

He was awarded the 2003 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor of 2002 for his performance in "Uncle Vanya" performed at the Donmar Warehouse.

He was nominated for a 2002 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor of 2001 for his performance in "Humble Boy" at the Royal National Theatre: Cottesloe.

He was awarded the 2002 London Critics Circle Theatre Award for Best Actor and the 2002 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actorfor his performances in "Uncle Vanya" and "Twelfth Night" performed at the Donmar Warehouse.

Was nominated for Broadway's 2004 Tony Award as Best Actor (Play) for a revival of Tom Stoppard's "Jumpers."

In the Independent on Sunday 2006 Pink List - a list of the most influential gay men and women - he came no. 30, up from 34.

Performs under his full name, as there was already a Simon Beale registered when he joined Equity.

Currently performing in William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Royal National Theatre, London. Due to take on a role in George Bernard Shaw's "Major Barbara" at the same venue later in the year. [January 2008]

He and Essie Davis are starring in the Broadway production of Tom Stoppard's "Jumpers", until August 2004. [April 2004]

Performing in 'Spamalot' on Broadway. [January 2006]

Playing, The Life Of Galileo and the Alchemist in The National Theatre in London. [September 2006]

Current productions at the Donmar Warehouse, London of "Uncle Vanya" and "Twelfth Night" [October 2002]

Read English at Gonville and Caius College at Cambridge University.

Personal Quotes (1) I hate my body. I hate it. I hate my looks. I hate my voice. So much of what I do on stage is really saying, 'Love me, despite the fact that I'm ugly.'