Timothy Spall Biography: Timothy Leonard Spall born 27 February 1957 is a distinguished English actor known for his work as a character actor on both stage and screen. In 2000, he was honored with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.
Timothy Spall Biography
Timothy Leonard Spall is an acclaimed British character actor, known for his classical training and award-winning performances. Born on February 27, 1957, and raised in London, he grew up in a working-class household. His father, Joseph L. Spall, was a postal worker, and his mother, Sylvia R. (née Leonard), worked as a hairdresser. Spall developed an early interest in acting and earned a place in the National Youth Theatre.
Timothy Spall Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Timothy Leonard Spall
27 February 1957 London, England
|
|---|---|
| Education | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (BA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Spouse |
Shane Spall
(m. 1981) |
| Children | 3, including Rafe Spall |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Timothy Spall
Timothy Leonard Spall is an English actor. He gained recognition for his character actor roles on stage and screen. In 2000, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
Timothy Spall Achievements
Spall is widely recognized for his frequent collaborations with director Mike Leigh, having appeared in six of his films: Home Sweet Home (1982), Life is Sweet (1990), Secrets & Lies (1996), Topsy-Turvy (1999), All or Nothing (2002), and Mr. Turner (2014). His performances in Secrets & Lies and Topsy-Turvy earned him BAFTA Award nominations, while his portrayal of artist J. M. W. Turner in Mr. Turner won him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Timothy Spall Wiki
- Born: 27 February 1957 (age 68 years), Battersea, London, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Shane Spall (m. 1981)
- Height: 1.7 m
- Awards: International Emmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor ·
- Children: Rafe Spall, Mercedes Spall, Pascale Spall
- Parents: Sylvia R. Spall, Joseph L. Spall
Early Life
Born on 27 February 1957 in Battersea, London, Spall is the third of four sons. His mother, Sylvia R. (née Leonard), was a hairdresser, while his father, Joseph L. Spall, worked for the postal service. He attended Battersea County Comprehensive School, initially considering a career in art or the military. However, his passion shifted to acting at age 16 after playing the lion in a school production of The Wizard of Oz, where he discovered his love for performing. Spall went on to train with the National Youth Theatre and later at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), graduating in 1978. He received the Bancroft Gold Medal, awarded to the most promising actor in his graduating class.
Timothy Spall Personal Life
He later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he showcased his talent in leading roles such as Macbeth and Othello. In 1979, Spall joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he spent about two years performing in a wide range of productions including The Merry Wives of Windsor, Cymbeline, The Three Sisters, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and The Knight of the Burning Pestle. He also appeared in other repertory productions, such as The Merchant and St. Joan.
Profile Overview
- Full Name: Timothy Leonard Spall, OBE
- Date of Birth: 27 February 1957
- Place of Birth: Battersea, London, England
- Nationality: British
- Spouse: Shane Spall (m. 1981)
- Children: Rafe Spall, Pascale Spall, Mercedes Spall
- Net Worth: Approx. $4 million
Family Background
Timothy Spall was born on February 27, 1957, in Battersea, South London. He was the third of four sons born to Joseph L. Spall, a postal worker, and Sylvia R. (née Leonard), a hairdresser. Raised in a working-class environment, he discovered a passion for acting early in life and secured a spot in the National Youth Theatre. His talent was soon recognized at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), where he was awarded the Bancroft Gold Medal, given to the most promising actor of the year.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Spall began his professional acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in numerous classical productions. He gained national fame in 1983 with his breakout role as Barry Spencer Taylor in ITV’s comedy-drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. This led to a wide range of roles in both film and television, helping establish him as a versatile and in-demand performer.
Notable Works and Achievements
Spall has earned critical acclaim for his frequent collaborations with director Mike Leigh, including standout performances in Life is Sweet (1990), Secrets & Lies (1996), and Mr. Turner (2014). His portrayal of painter J.M.W. Turner won him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival. He also gained global recognition as Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter franchise, further cementing his popularity with international audiences. Other notable film credits include Hamlet (1996), The King’s Speech (2010), Sweeney Todd (2007), and Spencer (2021).
Personal Life and Relationships
In 1981, Spall married Shane Spall, a writer known for her memoirs about their life and travels. The couple has three children: Rafe Spall, who is a successful actor, along with Pascale and Mercedes Spall. Their maritime adventures were featured in the BBC Four documentary series Timothy Spall: Back at Sea, showcasing their voyage around the UK on a Dutch barge.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- In 1996, Spall was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia but made a full recovery and has been in remission ever since.
- He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000 for his contributions to drama.
- He underwent a significant weight loss transformation, which drew public and media attention.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Spall’s personal health journey has inspired his support for cancer-related and healthcare charities. Admired for his resilience and dedication to his craft, he remains a role model for aspiring actors and is respected across the industry for both his talent and perseverance.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Continuing to take on diverse and challenging roles, Timothy Spall remains an enduring presence in the acting world. His influence extends beyond the screen and stage, with a legacy rooted in passion, authenticity, and a lifelong commitment to the performing arts.
Timothy Spall Net Worth
Spall’s estimated net worth is around $4 million, accumulated through decades of work in acting. The couple owns a Dutch barge, which they’ve used to explore Britain’s waterways—a lifestyle captured in their television series.
FAQs
What illness did Timothy Spall have?
In 1996, Spall was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, but has since been in remission. He has said of his illness: I didn’t know what made me ill but stress had something to do with it and the point is now to head off stress at the pass.
Who is Timothy Spall best actor?
Timothy Spall won Best Performance by an Actor on Monday to pace the field at the 52nd International Emmy Awards, which took place in New York City. The win, for his role in The Sixth Commandment, follows his BAFTA TV Award for the performance earlier this year.
How did Timothy Spall lose all that weight?
I wanted to lose weight for a part in The Enfield Haunting, so I stopped drinking wine, and that regulated my diet. The weight came off and I started to get parts I wouldn’t have had before.
What is Timothy Spall’s religion?
Spall does not seem on the brink. But what he calls his “peek over the other side” might have left in him a strange appreciation of precariousness. He doesn’t subscribe to any particular religion, he says, but speaks of feelings he doesn’t want structured.