Bits and Bobs (Vol. 3): Some Joes You Should Know (Part 1)

vbroad Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 08:05 PM EST

I wholeheartedly agree with the Sally Hawkins comment, one of the best actresses I have seen in awhile, english or not.

barbie Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 05:50 PM EST

I can't believe no one mentioned Sally Hawkins. She will probally be up for an Oscar this year "Happy Go Lucky" for and she was awesome in Fingersmith and Persuasion.

Liz Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 10:25 PM EST

Hey Jessica - I just watched The Way We Live Now (a miniseries available on Netflix), prominently featuring Cillian Murphy (and Matthew Macfadyen!) - check it out!

Ali Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 09:21 AM EST

I used to like the odd Brit actor myself, till I fell under the spell of the man hotter than a thousand suns, one RICHARD ARMITAGE...can we have an interview pretty please!!

ande Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 01:23 AM EST

Can't wait to read the article on Richard Armitage!

Alex Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

Oh yes! How could I forget Dylan Moran of Black Books. He's hilarious and soooo cute (for a drunken misanthrope).
And no-one's mentioned Martin Freeman yet - he played Tim on the original UK production of The Office (Tim to the US's, er, Jim). He's muchos adorable and a fantastic actor. Check him out in the lead of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

Darmini Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:08 AM EST

Richard Armitage fans go to this site for an interview!! http://discussions.bbcamerica.com/content/195/armitageinterview.jsp

Jessica Sun, Jul 20, 2008 at 10:06 PM EST

Oh - and more Cillian Murphy please. He is so talented (check out the Wind the Shakes the Barley or Breakfast on Pluto). Even his 3 seconds in the Dark Knight made me happy.

Jessica Sun, Jul 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST

Love the Anglophile column! Thank you!

Now... can anyone tell me why we can't get Viva Blackpool over here in the states? Or how about David Tennant's Casanova? Or the Mighty Boosh? BBC America needs to quit the Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares already.

Dana Sun, Jul 20, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

It's a good list, but some names for consideration for Part 2.

- John Barrowman. Known for Torchwood and DW, but also was almost Will on Will and Grace. Much of what he does consists of looking pretty, but he does that very, very well.
- Gina Bellman. Coupling, Jekyll. Actually, the whole cast of Coupling should be on the list (except for Jack Davenport, who's already made it.)
- Dylan Moran. Black Books, the guy stealing the book in Notting Hill, and his standup comedy act, which is on BBC America at least weekly. This guy is insanely funny.
- Eve Myles. Torchwood, Belonging and a really lovely secondary spot in the latest DW series finale.
- Nigel Havers. Manchild, Chariots of Fire, Don't Wait Up. Many American women have a thing for older, sexy Brits, and he's one of the best.
- Sheridan Smith. Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin & Stacey, The Royale Family. And I'm kinda shocked that there hasn't been an attempt to do a US remake of Two Pints yet. It's like Drew Carey in rural England.
- Catherine Tate. Okay, half the Americans I know who have seen her sketch show hated it, but her series on DW showed she can mix drama and comedy better than even the Lauren-haters expected.

And I don't know why more cable nets don't buy the rights of British reality shows. I know Katie and Peter didn't fare well on E!, but I think a lot of Americans would love to see reairings of Britain's Got Talent (far superior to the American version), I'd Do Anything, and I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. And if they could edit it enough to get past the censors, the hilarious The Friday Night Project (now The Sunday Night Project), which is as funny as Graham Norton used to be.

Liz Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 12:03 AM EST

Matthew MacFadyen has my vote. Amazing actor, ridiculously sexy voice. Just got Death at a Funeral - can't wait to view.

Love this new string of articles on the Brits. Wish BBC America would stop showing all the reality crap and bring over more of their scripted stuff with these great actors!

Suzyq Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 03:16 PM EST

I can't tell you how excited I am to see Richard Armitage will get a bit all to himself. As an American fan, I'm thrilled to see him get recognition here. He is not only a fabulous actor, but gorgeous as well. Thank you, ew.com...I love you!!!

catherine Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

I would also add Burn Gorman. He might be known as Dr Owen Harper in Torchwood but it was really his turn as Mr.Guppy in Bleak House that made me go:"geez he is a trumendous actor." I would also say that Kelly Reilly should be on that list somewhere as she is going to be the next Helen Mirren or something like that. French cinema fan might also remember her as lovable-but-somewhat anal retentive Wendy in "L'auberge Espagnole". Carey Mulligan is also one actress to watch she should have become the doctor's new assistant. I would also add Dan Stevens to the lot. He was amazing as Edward in Sense and Sensibility. Hattie Morahan as Elinor was exquisite as well...

GH Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 04:36 AM EST

Brilliant article - really well informed.

RJ Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 10:38 PM EST

I definitely agree with Stephen Campbell Moore, but there are so many others! Most of the ones I want mentioned have already been written in, but where's the David Morrissey (Blackpool, Sense and Sensibility) love? I'd also like to add Harry Lloyd and Sarah Parish. And, how great is it that we're seeing James McAvoy on the big screen?

I look forward to the column about Richard Armitage!

isabel Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 10:21 PM EST

I would add Toby Stephens who was fantastic as Rochester in the latest BBC production of Jane Eyre. I cannot wait for the article on Richard Armitage who has to be my all-time favorite Brit actor!!

tiff Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 07:41 AM EST

My only comment about the list and the comments is, thank goodness for the Brits. There are many wonderful actors and actresses mentioned there. I also can't wait to see what is coming up about Richard Armitage, my favorite of them all.

Patty Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 01:59 AM EST

Thank you for the promise of a Richard Armitage column. I can't wait!

Lynn Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:07 PM EST

Just wanted to say thank you for the promise of a Richard Armitage column. I think he is an incredible actor. I would love to see him in a major movie!

Borbo Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:48 PM EST

Wooo! \O/
Can't wait to read RA column. He's a wonderful actor and also too hot, sexy and handsome. I love all his works! He's always brillinat! Thank you so much EW for this column.

PS - I also think Richard Armitage fits Bard The Bowman like a glove.

tonks71.Brazil Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

It's a great surprise to know that Richard Armitage will have an article here. He´s a brilliant actor and I would love to see him as Bard the Bowman in the new Hobbit movie too.

chiclit Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 06:55 PM EST

Ditto comments for the whole MI-5 AND Life on Mars actors, Death and a Funeral was a great movie.Why aren't more people in the US watching DR Who? David Tennant is massive in the UK, I have been working through the filmography of the other Doctor Chris Eccleston-who is a terrific actor. And lets not forget the Torchwood crew...

mary Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 04:35 PM EST

Gotta be Toby Stephens. He is the best & hottest British actor around...

Have you heard his voice? Seen that hair? Or omg seen that smirk combined with those eyes?! I am sunk.

Lynn Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

It is fantastic to see Richard Armitage getting attention here. He is a fantastic actor with a world wide fan base. A lot of his fans would love to see him as Bard the Bowman in the new Hobbit movie. Can't wait for your column.

That last sentence probably saved you getting inundated with emails and comments.

PookyStew Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST

I was fixin' ta say, no way they forgot about our dear Richard Armitage. You saved yourself in the last sentence!!

Sonnet116 Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 01:21 PM EST

Can't wait for the article about Richard Armitage! He's finally getting the attention he deserves!

Marie21 Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM EST

Thank you for telling us (Richard Armitage fans) not to despair (lol)! We're looking foward to the column on RA. Like Matthew MacFadyen and Keeley Hawes, he'll make it to the big screen one day, I'm sure!

Sarah Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

I think the new Marple series has done an amazing job casting some younger interesting actors (Sophia Myles, Keely Hawes, Matthew Goode, Sienna Guillory, Laurence Fox, Carey Mulligan, James Murry, James D'Arcy, Martine McCutcheon, and Zoe Telford) and some people who have been around and doing good work for a while (Saffron Burrows, Greg Wise, Timothy Dalton, Janet McTeer, Juliet Stevenson, Greta Scacchi, and Polly Walker to name a few). I hope to see more of all of them in future projects. I'm sad to know that Geraldine McEwan won't be continuing as Miss Marple, but I hope the stellar casting continues.

grainger Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 04:54 PM EST

matthew goode is going to get big really soon with the watchmen coming out next year.
lucy cohu was great in the queen's sister.
jemima rooper was a scene stealer in hex, rafe spall was memorable even with the weird 'stache in hot fuzz.
kris marshall was the reason i was hooked on my family.

tess Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST

Did anyone know the actors who played Jo and Zaf on MI5 are married in real life? I just found that out today on IMDB and Wiki.

James Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

Omigod! MI5 geeks! I wondered where you all were. Everybody on that show should be on the list, but you did pick the best. I didn't know Macfadyean and Hawes were a real life couple. Tres cool. What a treat!

meg Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

This column is like my soulmate

Aubry D. Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST

Okay, I just had to post: I love Anthony Howell, Philip Glenister (Vanity Fair! Vanity Fair!), Toby Stephens (have you seen The Tenant of Wildfell Hall?) and everyone else you guys mentioned! Have you been sneaking looks at my DVD collection? Julian Ovenden is a good one as well! Such a shame that he makes great British shows, but shoddy American ones! Can't believe Foyle's War is going to be over in two weeks...Anyway, I'll be doing a part 2 with more Brit actors sometime in the future. Thanks for a great list!

tess Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

Anna Maxwell Martin was also good in North & South. Also love Anthony Howell from Foyle's War and Wives and Daughters.

Laura M Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 01:21 PM EST

Oh! I would also add Anna Maxwell Martin. Brilliant actress who starred in and won a BAFTA for "Bleak House". Americans will know her as Jane's sister in "Becoming Jane". She's really wonderful.

Laura M Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

Martha: Oooo, good call about Toby Stephens and his 2006 "Jane Eyre" miniseries. He was great, and IMO, that miniseries was the best adaptation of "Jane Eyre" ever. And I would also add Ruth Wilson, who played Jane - she was brilliant! She should really be getting more work than she has been.

Glad to see there is so much David Tennant love! I just adore him. And as others have mentioned, also love Romola Garai and Matthew Macfadyen, though I think those two are maybe more famous than a lot of these other actors.

Allison Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

Kris Marshall was also in the absolutely hysterical (no, really) "Death at a Funeral."

aaa Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

To meg: Thank you! I thought it was just me who liked 'the other girl' (Romola Garai) better. She was also in "Nicholas Nickleby" - speaking of which, Charile Hunnam was really good as the title character in that movie (and smoking hot, to boot!) so I'm putting in a good word for him.

stevi Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

You should point out that Rebecca Hall is Antoinette Cosway/Bertha Mason in the 2006 TV version of Wide Sargasso Sea. The L Word's Karina Lombard plays her in the 1993 film.

Tina Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 11:51 AM EST

Michael Fassbender is amazing!! He is an amazing actor and so nice to look at!! I have been a fan for 2 yrs and this is going to be his year to breakout with the rave reviews he has gotten for HUNGER!

P.S. I also adore Richard Armitage and cant wait for that column.

Martha Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 11:33 AM EST

Have to add Toby Stephens - I thought he would break big over here after playing the villain in the last Pierce Brosnan Bond movie, but he's done a lot of good stuff since including an awesome version of 'Jane Eyre' last year. Glad to see Richard Coyle is in a few things - love him, along with the entire cast of the UK 'Coupling.' Anyone know what Sally and Patrick are up to these days?

g. Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

Thanks for putting Michael Fassbender on the list. He's definitely one to watch, up and coming.

meg Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 10:51 AM EST

I second Julian Ovenden from Foyle's War. Love. This post reminded me how much I hated Daniel Deronda. The ending really bothers me. Maybe I'm shallow but I totally wanted him to end up with the other girl.

mjade27 Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

Really like Matthew MacFadyen. He seems quite versatile and engaging (P&P 2005, MI-5, Death at a Funeral, etc). Can't wait to see him in some of his upcoming projects (Frost/Nixon, Little Dorrit, Marple). I do wish he would get a little more recognition in the states, but I like that he doesn't seem to be selling out.

Jen Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 10:23 AM EST

I'd like to echo Matthew MacFadyen. He's a superb actor. Really all the season 1 and 2 MI-5 bunch are pretty fabulous.

Verity Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 09:51 AM EST

By the way, I love this Bits and Bobs column :) Keep it up! And am looking forward to the Richard Armitage post later this month.

Oh, and let me add to my list below, Carrey Mulligan. Doctor Who fans will remember her as Sally Sparrow but she was also absolutely wonderful in Bleak House, The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard, Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. I think if she manages her career right, she'll be huge in the US.

Verity Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

1. Rufus Sewell - I've always hoped he would get more recognition in the US. Hollywood likes to cast him as the villain but he has so much more range. His performance in Shakespeare Retold Taming of the Shrew was my favorite of that series. And he was wonderful as Charles II. I think he may actually be in a TV series that's premiering this fall so *fingers crossed*
2. Philip Glenister - He is a brilliant actor. He's great in everything but he really got to show off as Gene Hunt on Life on Mars (Why won't BBC-A make that series available on DVD?!?!)
3. Charlie Cox - He was adorable in Stardust and he played the brother in Heath Ledger's Cassanova and also had a smaller role in The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino. I'd like more of him please!
4. David Tennant - Of course!! I love DT in Doctor Who and just about everything else. But I think he's growing in popularity in the US. At least Doctor Who gets a session at ComiCon this year in San Diego!

Jay Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 07:06 AM EST

Kris Marshall is best known to me as Nick, the idiot son on My Family. BBC America still shows it. I still can't believe Richard Coyle left Coupling. Jeff Murdock was the best character EVER! Wish Ben Miles was bigger in the US. He was in Speed Racer as one of the announcers...

Celimene Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 04:28 AM EST

I love Stephen Campbell Moore. I saw him onstage in "The History Boys" (got lucky enough to see it the week it opened... from the second row /swoom) and fell in love with him and Dominic Cooper aka Dakin. Then saw "Bright Young Things" and continued my SCM love. I'll probably go see "Mamma Mia" just for a glimpse of Dom Cooper. And I'm in love with David Tennant. From "Blackpool" to "Doctor Who", loooooooooooove that man.

Alex Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 02:23 AM EST

I will second and third John Simm, Matthew McFadyen, Rupert Penry-Jones (Also an MI:5 alum), David Tennant, and my fave Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston!

I seem to remember Stephen CM from Bright Young Things which also starred James McAvoy, Emily Mortimer and Michael Sheen – and David Tennant! Small world indeed…

And he may be a big(ish) name now coz of The Tudors but Henry Cavill is just… hubba hubba.

Nix Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 11:30 PM EST

Oh, and yes much love for Michael Fassbender, who also was in Band of Brothers. (That's pretty much where I started noticing all the cute British actor-type guys.)

Nix Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 11:28 PM EST

I totally forgot SCM was Edward VIII. I just saw "History Boys" on HBO the other day and thought I'd totally Dakin him.

Dnnlnn85 Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

Paddy Considine.

Claire Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 09:39 PM EST

I love your list, with a special thumbs up for Keeley Hawes and Stephen C. Moore. Both have been working steadily for ten years (for a good reason) and are terrific in "Ashes to Ashes", the sequel to "Life on Mars."
Both are gorgeous, but contrary to most of their American counterparts, both are wickedly talented.

E Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

Might I add hottie Julian Ovenden (Foyle's War in Britain and failed shows like Related and Cashmere Mafia in the U.S.)

jkcampbell Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 07:44 PM EST

Rafe Spall was also really good in Masterpiece's A Room with a View.

Deb Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 07:42 PM EST

Good call on Stephen C.M. I loved the Bank Job. I watched all the episodes of Life on Mars and can't wait for BBCA to show Ashes to Ashes (I know I can see it on YouTube but it's not the same).

How about Dexter Fletcher? He was great in Band of Brothers and seems to pop up in all sorts of movies. I don't watch Hotel Babylon, though. He is in Topsy-Turvy, too.

rebecca Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 07:21 PM EST

Oh, also John Simm and Philip Glenister, the incredible leads of the original Life on Mars. (I am dreading the American remake, because it can never live up to the brilliance of the original.)

rebecca Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 07:19 PM EST

Thank you for giving Doctor Who some love! Being an American Whovian can be so frustrating simply because there are so few of us. Like Laura, I'm surprised David Tennant didn't make your list, as hardly anyone in America knows who he is (a few people recognize him as Barty Crouch Jr. from Harry Potter, but that's about it).

Laura M Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 06:41 PM EST

Good list. But I'm surprised Doctor Who himself, the fabulous David Tennant, didn't get a spot on your list. Hugely famous and popular in Britain - not so much in the U.S. Also cheeky Jonas Armstrong, who currently plays "Robin Hood".

But I am heartened to hear you'll be doing a column soon on Richard Armitage, because he is Colin-Firth-Darcy huge in the UK. And for good reason - his Mr. Thornton in "North and South" was "totally brill".

Perry Lucas Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

Good list. Russell Brand was pretty funny in Forgetting Sarah Marshall...Eddie Izzard's stand-up is always great as well.

Houstonian Jen in DC Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 05:20 PM EST

Great topic, Aubry. I have an unhealthy fascination with the Brits.

I second the vote for this week's Dr. Who. I love David Tennant (Barty Crouch Jr. from Harry Potter)--even though I think Series 2 & 3 were better than the current one.

I also like Matthew MacFadyen (or Keira Knightley's Mr. Darcy) on Season 1 of MI:5--coincidently, that's the show where he met his now wife, Keely Hawes...and it also starred David Oyelowo (small world!)