John Simm Biography John Ronald Simm born July 10, 1970 is an accomplished English actor, director, and musician, best known for his roles as Sam Tyler in Life on Mars, the Master in Doctor Who, and DS Roy Grace in Grace. His extensive television credits include State of Play, The Lakes, Crime and Punishment, Exile, Prey, and Cracker. In film, he has appeared in Wonderland, Everyday, Boston Kickout, Human Traffic, and 24 Hour Party People. Simm has received two nominations for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor.
John Simm Biography 2025
John Ronald Simm is an English actor, director, and musician. He is best known for playing Sam Tyler in Life on Mars, the Master in Doctor Who, and DS Roy Grace in Grace. His other television credits include State of Play, The Lakes, Crime and Punishment, Exile, Prey, and Cracker.
Born: 10 July 1970 (age 54 years), Leeds, United Kingdom
Spouse: Kate Magowan (m. 2004)
Children: Molly Simm, Ryan Simm
Parents: Ronald Simm, Terry Smith
Height: 1.75 m
Notable work: Life on Mars, Doctor Who, Grace
John Simm Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
John Ronald Simm
10 July 1970 Leeds, England
|
|---|---|
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Notable work | Life on Mars, Doctor Who, Grace |
| Spouse |
Kate Magowan
(m. 2004) |
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Early Life
John Simm was born in Leeds on July 10, 1970, as the eldest of three siblings. In 2025, he learned that the man he believed to be his father, Ronald Simm, a musician from Manchester, was not his biological parent; his real father was Terry Smith. From the age of 12, Simm performed on stage with Ronald in working men’s clubs, showcasing his singing and guitar skills. He grew up in various towns across northwest England, including Blackpool, Burnley, Colne, Manchester, and Nelson.
Simm attended Edge End High School in Nelson, where he was inspired by his drama teacher, Brian Wellock. In 1986, he enrolled in a three-year performing arts course at Blackpool and The Fylde College, where he starred in productions like Guys and Dolls and West Side Story at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. After participating in a college musical, The Boyfriend, he decided that musical theatre wasn’t his passion and joined an amateur dramatic group to refine his acting skills, taking on leading roles in Billy Liar and Amadeus.
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Career
Simm made his professional acting debut in 1992 as Joby Johnson in an episode of Rumpole of the Bailey. He portrayed various roles in shows like The Bill and Heartbeat, and starred as Kendle Bains in the BBC sitcom Men of the World from 1993. In 1995, he played a delusional murderer in Chiller and a troubled teenager in Cracker, alongside his film debut in Boston Kickout, which won the Best Feature Film award at the 1996 Cinema Jove International Film Festival. He made his stage debut in 1996 with Simon Bent’s Goldhawk Road at the Bush Theatre. From 1997 to 1999, Simm starred as Danny Kavanagh in the BBC series The Lakes. In 1999, he gained recognition in the cult film Human Traffic and appeared in Michael Winterbottom’s Wonderland. In 2000, Simm played a leading role in Clocking Off, followed by the critically acclaimed political thriller State of Play in 2002, where he portrayed Cal McCaffrey.
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Personal Life
Simm married actress Kate Magowan in April 2004, and the couple has two children. They have appeared together in multiple projects, including 24 Hour Party People, Exile, and the short film Devilwood.
About
BAFTA Award-nominated actor best known for his roles as Sam Tyler in the sci-fi drama Life on Mars and as the Master on Doctor Who.
Before Fame
He started the rock band Magic Alex, playing guitar and contributing songs to their debut album.
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Trivia
He took the part of the Master, Doctor Who’s greatest nemesis, because his children were big fans of the show.
Family Life
He married actress Kate Magowan in 2004. The two have a son named Ryan and a daughter named Molly.
Associated With
He appeared in Michael Winterbottom’s film 24 Hour People along with actor and musician Paddy Considine.
John Simm Net Worth
John is said to have a net worth of $1.4 million (approximately £1 million). Simm net worth Getty. John Simm net worth: He has acted in.
Final Thoughts
John Ronald Simm (born 10 July 1970) is an English actor, director, and musician, renowned for roles like Sam Tyler in Life on Mars, the Master in Doctor Who, and DS Roy Grace in Grace. His diverse career includes significant television credits and film roles, earning multiple BAFTA and Olivier Award nominations. Besides acting, Simm was a founding member of the rock band Magic Alex and has been married to actress Kate Magowan since 2004, with whom he has two children.