Happy B-Day, Rupert Penry-Jones


The happiest of birthdays today to Rupert Penry-Jones, a name to this day that may not roll off your tongue but telly watchers on both sides of the pond are more than well aware of his stellar work in series such as Spooks, Silk and Whitechapel in addition to specials such as 39 Steps and Persuasion.

Like many British actors, Penry-Jones has significant stage experience having trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, experience that I’ve always felt went a long way to set British actors apart from their counterparts worldwide. While I still haven’t gotten past Adam Carter’s shocking departure from Spooks (MI-5), Penry-Jones is rapidly entering that group of actors that I will watch no matter what he’s involved with on the small screen. He’s even appeared on Top Gear in the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment, so what else do you need?

In case you still don’t recognize the name, here are a few reminders….

RPJ as Clive Reader in Silk

RPJ as Adam Carter in Spooks

RPJ as DI Joseph Chandler in Whitechapel

RPJ as Richard Hannay in 39 Steps

Probably the one roll that I’m guessing completely passed by everyone and one that Penry-Jones would just as soon forget was a 1995 appearance in the British comedy, Absolutely Fabulous. I love that in the credits he is listed as “boy at party“.

P.S. If you are a Rupert Penry-Jones fan watch for Silk to be a part of PBS’ Masterpiece series in 2013.


In: Actors/Actresses