Richard Madden is a highly talented Scottish stage, screen and television actor best known for his performances in Games of Thrones and the Elton John biopic, Rocketman. He is an extraordinary talent with an impressive list of credentials to his name. His acting range and charisma have earned him a permanent place in the hearts of millions of fans.
His captivating portrayal of Robb Stark, the eldest Stark son in the much-loved HBO series Game of Thrones, won him worldwide recognition and adulation, and earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He was also praised for his heartbreaking performance as a bisexual man struggling with his identity in Rocketman.
This article looks at the life and career of Richard Madden, including his early days in the theatre, highlights from his portrayal of Robb Stark, his major acting projects since then and his plans for the future. This is your complete guide to the charming and courageous Richard Madden.
Early Life
Richard Madden was born in Dundee, Scotland on 18th June 1986. He began acting on stage at drama school in Edinburgh, Scotland and moved on to the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. After graduation, Madden insisted that he would only accept television and movie roles which gave him range to expand and grow as an actor, and kept his options open even if it meant little or no money or fame.
Theater Career
Madden’s first professional theater role came when he was cast as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, at the Dundee Rep Theatre. His Romeo was praised all over the UK and earned him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination in the Most Promising Newcomer category. His award-winning performance in Shakespeare’s Macbeth at the Manchester Royal Exchange also earned him rave reviews.
Game of Thrones
Madden was cast as the eldest Stark son, Robb Stark in the internationally popular series, Game of Thrones in 2011. Robb Stark is the leader of House Stark of Winterfell and is called “the Young Wolf” by his bannermen and other northern rivals. As the leader of the Stark family, Madden charmed audiences with his exploits in battles, negotiations and accomplishments.
He shared a strong relationship on screen with his sister and eventual lover, Talisa Maegyr, who is a battlefield nurse from Volantis. The strong bond between the two charmed the audiences, and their decision to get married (even though it was not considered politically wise to do so) showed the courage of both Robb Stark and Richard Madden.
Madden’s intense performance earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series.
Other Projects
After Game of Thrones, Madden went on to star in movies including Cinderella, Medici and Elton John’s Rocketman.
In Cinderella Madden played Kit, the daring prince charming who loves Cinderella from the moment he sets his eyes on her. Madden’s ethereal performance and the wonderful chemistry he shared with Lily James, who played Cinderella, was highly praised.
Madden was also the leading man in Medici, which is an Italian television series that chronicled the struggle of Lorenzo de’ Medici to secure power in Florence. His performance was hailed as intense, captivating and flawless.
Madden’s performance in Elton John biopic Rocketman as Elton’s manager and lover, John Reid wowed audiences. The film follows the rise of Elton John’s incredible career, and the extraordinary life of the singer. Madden’s heartbreaking performance as a man struggling with his inner demons while trying to accept his sexuality was praiseworthy.
Future Projects
Madden is set to star in a number of upcoming projects. He will play a lead role alongside Gemma Arterton in the upcoming TV drama series series, The Nevers. The series follows a gang of Victorian women with supernatural abilities trying to protect London from mysterious creatures.
He has also recently signed on to star in Baghdad Central for Channel 4, which is a modern-day drama based on a novel by Elliott Colla. He will also star in the movie Death on the Nile, which is an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel and co-stars Gal Gadot and Kenneth Branagh.
The talented and versatile Richard Madden is a true force to be reckoned with. His captivating performances in theatre, on screen and TV have earned him an army of fans who appreciate his courage and charm. His upcoming projects are greatly anticipated, and there’s no doubt that he will continue to thrill and entertain us with his extraordinary acting range. One thing is for certain: Richard Madden is here to stay!