Happy 50th, Martin Clunes


The man known, in recent years, for his portrayal of the ornery, cantankerous, cranky (pick one) Doctor Martin Ellingham in the hit British comedy/drama, Doc Martin, turns the big 5-0 today. Thankfully, Martin Clunes has what his television alter ego seems to be without….a heart, as evidenced by the simple fact that you’d actually feel comfortable giving Clunes a puppy for his birthday.

Those just now jumping on the Martin Clunes bandwagon should be aware of his earlier roles to understand just how versatile he is as an actor. His early ’90s hit comedy series, Men Behaving Badly, showcased his BAFTA-award winning ability, along with Neil Morrissey, to be a ‘grown’ man that mostly acted like a drunk two-year old.

Just prior to beginning his career as a cranky television surgeon, there was the more romantic-comedy, William and Mary, with Clunes playing an undertaker who meets a midwife (Julie Graham) through a video dating service. Returning to comedy in 2009 in Reggin Perrin, Clunes lived up to the pressure of remaking the classic Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin that starred the great Leonard Rossiter. This past year saw Clunes return to the shores of Portwenn to film the fifth season of Doc Martin, which just recently completed its run in the UK and will begin airing in the States on public television stations in April 2012.

In his personal life, Clunes is married to Philippa Braithwaite, who also produces Doc Martin. An avid horse lover, Clunes was named president of the Royal International Horse Show in 2010, held annually at the All England Jumping Course in Hickstead. He was also named President of the British Horse Society in June 2011.

Even though Clunes turns 50 today, he has been giving us an on-going present for almost 20 years ever since MBB premiered in 1992. So, happy birthday, Martin Clunes….and, thank you.


In: Uncategorized

  • Susan Casey

    I have to be Martin Clunes’ biggest fan. What a BRILLIANT actor and humanitarian besides. I am running out of material, though, so young man, get busy, PLEASE! Happy Birthday, Mr. Clunes!

    Susan Casey
    Annapolis, Maryland, USA

    P.S. I have turned all my friends on to Martin Clunes and they love him, too! Who wouldn’t?

  • I am an avid fan of Martin Clunes. PLEASE have the wonderful DVD programs Britains Islands, HorsePower and A Man and His Dogs coded to USA Standard DVD and available here.

    Ginny Bishop
    Auburn, Maine USA

    • Psalem

      Ditto. Please code DVD’s to USA Standard DVD~!

  • Dorothy Cooper

    What a wonderful actor, you are just what the USA need.

  • jt

    I think the new Reggie Perrin is better than the original in some ways. I never watched Doc Martin, though, until very recently. I really enjoy it. Never saw Men Behaving Badly, either. Clunes is very entertaining in the shows I have seen, so I hope we see more of him.

  • A J

    Happy Belated Birthday Alexander Martin Clunes! Thank you more than you could ever begin to know, from all of us in the USA. You’ve done what no president to date has yet. You’ve saved the personal Spirit within ourselves, with your own comfort toward both yourself, and your character(s). I only wish that someday I too could see the UK. No doubt it is as magnificent as you. All and only the best to you, our fine Sir, with love. P.S. Any chance on less than 2-3 years to see Doc Martin in the US?

  • Psalem

    Ditto. Please code DVD’s to USA Standard DVD~!

  • Diana

    Martin  is a good actor and a very nice boy! his hert is very big. Diana from Rome Italy

  • Diana

    Martin  is a good actor and a very nice boy! his hert is very big. Diana from Rome Italy

  • Irene

    To Virginia Bishop – I couldn’t wait for Martin’s work to be ready for US DVD players. I purchased an all-region DVD player, which are readily available in the US and not too expensive. Now, I go on Amazon.UK and purchase all his work that is available. Obviously, I’m a huge fan and if you’re just relying on Doc Martin for your Clunes-fix you’re missing a goldmine!

  • Irene

    To Virginia Bishop – I couldn’t wait for Martin’s work to be ready for US DVD players. I purchased an all-region DVD player, which are readily available in the US and not too expensive. Now, I go on Amazon.UK and purchase all his work that is available. Obviously, I’m a huge fan and if you’re just relying on Doc Martin for your Clunes-fix you’re missing a goldmine!