Michael Sheen
Actor From Port Talbot, Wales
Micheal was actually born in Newport, Wales to Irene and Meyrick. Meyrick worked for British Steel so moving to Baglan, closer to the steel works and Port Talbot was natural.
The family now including a younger sister Joanne were always interested in the theatre and took part in local performances. Indeed, his dad Meyrick was a 'Jack Nicholson' look-alike. During his 'teens' Michael was played with the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre and following the National Youth Theatre of Wales.
He said "It was a brilliant youth theatre and it taught me not only a lot about acting, but also about work ethic; it was very disciplined." He did well at school from Blaenbaglan Primary School through to Neath Port Talbot College sitting 'A-levels' in English, Drama and Sociology. Then in 1988 He moved to London for training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). He graduated in 1991 with a BA in Acting.
Michael was awarded an OBE in the 2009 New Year's Honours for his services to dramain early career Michael predominantly worked in theatre remarking that he will always feel "slightly more at home" on stage.
As honorary President of Wales Council for Voluntary Action he plays an important part in the public duties of a leading national body for the voluntary sector in Wales. On accepting the role he explained "I plan to use my role to actively challenge and support WCVA in their impact and role in supporting the community and keeping us focused on what matters locally as well as the need for national leadership".
The international stage!
Gaining international attention in 2006 for his portrayal of Labour leader Tony Blair in the movie 'The Queen' which focused on the differing reactions of the British Royal Family and the newly appointed Prime Minister following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. This was followed another portrayal of a key figure, David Frost in 'Frost/Nixon' from 2007. Both roles have a strong political theme and call for accuracy in the depiction of real, not fictional characters.
Thanks to Gage Skidmore for picture of Michael.
Good Omens
The hit Amazon Prime show starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant, based on the Book by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. This limited edition Steelbook comes packed with bonus content and includes an exclusive collectors’ 3D lenticular art card!
Aziraphale is a fussy angel. Crowley is a loose-living demon. They’ve both been on Earth for over 6,000 years.
During that time they’ve grown quite fond of it, and, against all odds, each other. But there’s a problem – the Antichrist has arrived here on Earth, which means the world they have become too fond of will end in flames, this is if they don’t manage to save it!
The Adventurer
Ancient mysteries. Powerful evil. And a fearless hero's quest through a fantastical realm of steam-powered wonders and sinister magic... In THE ADVENTURER: THE CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX, seventeen-year-old Mariah Mundi's life is turned upside down when his parents vanish and his younger brother is kidnapped.
Following a trail of clues to the darkly majestic Prince Regent Hotel, Mariah discovers a hidden realm of child-stealing monsters, deadly secrets and a long-lost artifact that grants limitless wealth - but also devastating supernatural power. With the fate of his world, and his family at stake, Mariah will risk everything to unravel the Curse of the Midas Box!
Beautiful Boy
In an unhappy yet comfortable marriage, businessman Bill (Michael Sheen) and his wife, Kate (Maria Bello), are shocked when they learn that their son has gone on a deadly shooting spree on his college campus before committing suicide.
Trying to avoid the media the couple flees to the house of his brother in law, Eric. The two try to remember what they might have done to drive their son to his desperate act as their mutual resentment builds.
![The Queen (Diamond Jubilee Edition) [Blu-ray]](/images/productpics/amazonfiles/drama/michael-sheen_the-queen.jpg)
The Queen
A self-assured Anthony Hopkins is Don Diego de la Vega, a Mexican freedom fighter captured and imprisoned just as Spain concedes California to Santa Ana. Too old to save the local peasants on his own, he trains bandito Antonio Banderas to take his place. Much swashbuckling ensues as Banderas woos Catherine Zeta-Jones, becomes a better human being, and saves the disenfranchised rabble. --Rochelle O'Gorman, amazon.com
This is the Blu-ray Diamond Jubilee Edition
Connection: born in Newport, from Port Talbot, Wales
ALSO:
Victor Spinetti
Stage and film actor. Appeared in many of the Beatles films. Played 'Professor Foot' in 'HELP'.
Windsor Davies
'It ain't half hot mum', 'Never The Twain' and TV movie 'Grand Slam' along with many other appearances.
Aged 88 Windsor died in January 2019.
Terry Jones
Actor, Writer, Presenter and Python! From Colwyn Bay, Wales
Born in Colwyn Bay during WW2 (1st February 1942) Terence Graham Parry Jones found fame and success as an actor, writer, comedian, screenwriter, film director and historian. A member of the Monty Python comedy team first broadcast by the BBC in 1969.
Graduating from Oxford University with a degree in English, Terry and writing partner Michael Palin (Oxford students together) wrote and performed for several high-profile British comedy programmes, including Do Not Adjust Your Set and The Frost Report, before creating Monty Python's Flying Circus with Cambridge graduates Eric Idle, John Cleese, and Graham Chapman, and American animator/filmmaker Terry Gilliam.
Terry was largely responsible for the programme's ground-breaking, surreal structure where sketches flowed from one to another without punchlines or conclusion.
His directorial debut was the 'Python' team's first movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, co-directing with Gilliam. Terry also directed the subsequent 'Python' films, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
He co-created and co-wrote with Palin the Ripping Yarns series first broadcast by the BBC. Apparently he also created an early draft of the 1986 cult-classic film Labyrinth, though little of his work remained in the final cut.
Terry was a well-respected medieval historian authoring several books and presented television documentaries on this period. He was also a prolific children's book writer!
2016 saw Terry gain a 'Lifetime Achievement' award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards for his outstanding contribution to television and film.
Sadly after several years of degenerative aphasia, Terry lost the ability to speak and died on 21st January 2020.
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Terry Jones' Medieval Lives
Famous for lampooning the schoolboy view of the medieval world in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", Terry Jones has a real passion for and detailed knowledge of the Middle Ages.
In "Terry Jones' Medieval Lives" his mission is to rescue the Middle Ages from moth-eaten cliches and well-worn platitudes. Behind the stereotypes of "damsels in distress" and "knights in shining armour", of rich men in their castles and the poor man at their gates, there are wonderfully human stories that bring the period to life.
Terry will start with a medieval archetype - the Knight, Peasant, Damsel and Monk, Outlaw, King, Merchant and Physician - and in the course of unravelling their role and function will meet a host of colourful real-life characters, recreating their world by visiting key locations.
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Fairy Tales
Three raindrops have an argument on their way out of a cloud ...A silly King goes for a walk with a dog tied to each leg ...An enterprising herring, bored of the North Sea, decides to swim right round the world ...Thirty short stories of magic and adventure penned by Monty Python team member, Terry Jones.
Embracing the tradition of the fairy tale, but adding Jones' inimitable comic imagination and originality, each story makes a perfect bedtime read for children - and grown ups! 'Could become a 'modern classic' ...the book is a joy' - Brian Patten, "Spectator".
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Terry Jones' Barbarians
"Terry Jones' Barbarians" takes a completely fresh approach to Roman history. Not only does it offer us the chance to see the Romans from a non-Roman perspective, it also reveals that most of those written off by the Romans as uncivilized, savage and barbaric were in fact organized, motivated and intelligent groups of people, with no intentions of overthrowing Rome and plundering its Empire.
This original and fascinating study does away with the propaganda and opens our eyes to who really established the civilized world.
Delving deep into history, Terry Jones and Alan Ereira uncover the impressive cultural and technological achievements of the Celts, Goths, Persians and Vandals. In this new paperback edition, Terry and Alan travel through 700 years of history on three continents, bringing wit, irreverence, passion and the very latest scholarship to transform our view of the legacy of the Roman Empire and the creation of the modern world.
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The Pythons' Autobiography By The Pythons
Over thirty years ago, a group of six Englishmen - well, one was Welsh and another an interloping American - rewrote the rules of comedy. Monty Python's Flying Circus, an unheralded, previously unseen half-hour show of sketches, hilarities, inanities and animations, first appeared on the BBC late one night in 1969. Its impact has been felt the world over ever since.
From its humble beginnings, it blossomed into the most influential movement in modern comedy. THE PYTHONS' AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE PYTHONS is a unique look at arguably the most important comic team of the modern age, with 64 pages of photographs, many culled from the team's own personal collections, and many more seen for the first time. This is the definitive word on all things Pythonesque.
Connection: born in Colwyn Bay, Wales
Do you have a comment?
COMMENT BY: The_Jim
As we all know, he is probably the most under-appreciated of the entire Python cast.
More exceptional talent from Pontypool
Another exceptional Welsh actor Luke (George) Evans was born in Pontypool and grew up in Aberbargoed, the son Yvonne and David Evans. At seventeen he moved to Cardiff later winning a scholarship to the London Studio Centre graduating in 2000. Has appeared in various West End theatre productions and many movies already!
Rob Brydon
Actor From Port Talbot, Wales
Rob appeared in and co-wrote hit BBC series 'Marion and Jeff'. Rob has also hosted his own BBC chat show.
Born Baglan in Port Talbot on 3rd May 1965 Robert Brydon Jones accepted his MBE saying it was on behalf of "short Welshmen everywhere", actually it was a just reward for his excellent work for charities including Tenovus. A comedian, actor, presenter on radio and television. A singer and impressionist. Rob Brydon is another amazing talent from the Port Talbot area.
Roles include Dr Paul Hamilton in the Australian/British comedy series Supernova, Bryn West in the sitcom Gavin & Stacey and Keith Barret in the BBC comedy series Marion and Geoff and its spin-off The Keith Barret Show. He has appeared in a number of shows for the BBC with Steve Coogan, including The Trip series in 2010, released as a feature film later that year; and The Trip to Italy in 2014 and The Trip to Spain in 2017, also edited and released as feature films. Since 2009, Brydon has presented the BBC One comedy panel show Would I Lie to You?
He played himself in Rob Brydon's Annually Retentive, a satirical series about a fictional panel show, which ran on BBC Three from 2006 until 2007. Between 2010 and 2012, Brydon presented his own BBC Two late-night chat show called The Rob Brydon Show. In 2014, Brydon hosted the Saturday-night game show The Guess List for BBC One.
In the early 1990's Rob was a presenter for the Home Shopping Network. He began to find small roles in several successful films and television series before blasting into television comedy.
From his first marriage Brydon has two daughters, Katie, born August 1994 and Amy, born July 1998, and a son Harry, born October 1996.
After a divorce, on 6 October 2006 Brydon married Claire Holland, a former producer on The South Bank Show, at Windsor church.
They live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The couple have two sons, Tom and George. Rob is apparently a keen golfer, He is also a Swansea City fan and is an ambassador to their 1912 foundation.
Human Remains
Human Remains is a darkly comic series about six very different, very offbeat, and very engrossing couples who unwittingly expose the dynamics of their dysfunctional relationships.
From a bald neurotic to a male chauvinist fiancé, the characters conduct open, honest and shocking interviews as the series sets new boundaries for extraordinary relationships in a seemingly ordinary world.
Human Remains takes a documentary-style look at the lighter side of unconventional couples, as each episode develops into something funny and touching, and deeply absorbing.
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Marion & Geoff
Season 1
Rob Brydon plays Keith, a hapless cuckold who addresses us via a camcorder set up in his mini-cab. The Marion and Geoff of the title are his estranged wife and her new lover, though as Keith--who never fails to perceive a bright side to his utterly dismal existence--says, "I don't feel I've lost a wife, I've gained a friend."
Through his monologues, we learn that Keith has a room in a student house where banging techno is played day and night; that in order to make the journey to see his two boys, he must make an overnight journey from London to Cardiff by car; that his only friend is a tollbooth operator (though the operator doesn't seem to know it) and that, although he's been driving a minicab for a while, he's yet to pick up a fare.
Keith Barret - Live
Comic actor Rob Brydon's alter ego, Keith Barrett, is taken to the live stage. Bit-player in Little Britain, sidekick of Steve Coogan and panelist on multiple comedic talk shows, Rob Brydon also produced his own comedy series,' the most popular being Marion and Geoff.
His most popular character was a Cardiff cab driver called Keith Barrett who chirpily held forth on all matters current. The character morphed into the unlikely host of his own, self-titled chat show in which he offered advice and counsel to celebrity couples for two series.' Barrett's dark, Coogan-esque humour is here taken to the live arena.
Annually Retentive
Quirky history-based panel show reluctantly presented by Rob Brydon. Rob is unhappy with the quality of the show, aiming instead for the loftier heights of Q.I. and spends time mocking the guests he's trying to book to appear on the show.
Guests include: Russell Brand, Elton John, David Walliams, Alistair McGowan, Jo Brand and many more.
Connection: born in Baglan, Port Talbot, Wales.
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COMMENT BY: TVDinner
Correct, he was born in Baglan in Port Talbot. -
COMMENT BY: annethomas
He is my mothers cousin! -
COMMENT BY: tonyprice
He used to be called Rob Jones and I remember winning a cucumber eating competition (nothing lewd) with a Joanne 'something' at a disco at which he was DJ at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl, some twenty years ago.
Also, I remember him being quiz show MC in Wales as Rob Jones. I wonder why he changed his name?
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COMMENT BY: rachied
I used to speak to Rob Brydon every week when he did his BBC radio Wales show, 'Rave'. He's a very very funny guy. Love you rob!
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COMMENT BY: spenny
He's very funny and I look forward to the second series. Was he in 'Human Remains' too? I'm pretty sure he was. [Ed: Yep] -
COMMENT BY: daveyboy
Rob I enjoy your programmes often. -
COMMENT BY: misty11
Hi Rob - Remember Sheena the ballerina with the embarrassing question? Fancy a drink sometime? -
COMMENT BY: HelenRichards
Saw the show in Rickmansworth on Saturday, was perfect, poignant and made my sister a 'hooting' star. Thank you. -
COMMENT BY: EmmaNemms
Sat a couple of seats up from the hooting lady on Saturday night (which one? - Ed). It was an absolutely fantastic show. Haven't laughed as much in ages. -
COMMENT BY: JamesFord
Just a note to say I saw 'Marion and Geoff' in Exeter on the 2003 tour. Was not sure what to expect really but really was the best comedy show I have ever seen. It was worth every penny. Can't wait for the next tour. -
COMMENT BY: timere
Has anyone out there got the 'Human Remains' series on video or whatever. I've mailed the BBC, they have no plans to repeat it or release it as they have done with 'Marion and Geoff'. Thanks -
COMMENT BY: NiallOG
The BBC coverage of the 2004 Oscar's was sensational. Rob clearly demonstrated his exceptional ability with breath-taking spontaneity and panache. -
COMMENT BY: sailin
I've just found out about Rob's links with Baglan and Michael Sheen too! What with Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins and Katherine Jenkins,the Neath and Port Talbot area seems to produce more than its share of big names!
[Ed - Yes, there should be a sign 'Taffywood' on the hillside as you go past Briton Ferry.]
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Link BY: MalcolmX
Rob's official website: Great for fans of Marion & Geoff and of course the man himself. Listings of events etc.
ALSO:
Charles Dale
Mostly famous as Dennis Stringer from UK ITV soap 'Coronation Street'. He's also been the chef in 'The Lakes' and has also appeared in a raft of other TV programmes including 'Paradise Heights' for the BBC.