Richard Madden Then and Now

Richard Madden Then

Richard Madden, born on June 18, 1986, in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland, emerged from a humble background. 

His mother worked as a schoolteacher, and his father served as a firefighter, roles that likely instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and dedication. 

Growing up alongside two sisters, Madden faced the typical challenges of childhood but was notably shy, a trait that might have limited his social interactions and self-expression.

Recognizing the need to help their son overcome his shyness, Madden’s parents enrolled him in the PACE Youth Theatre program. 

This decision proved to be transformative, providing Madden with a creative outlet and a supportive environment where he could develop his confidence and acting skills. 

The program not only helped him come out of his shell but also ignited a passion for acting that would shape his future career.

As a teenager, Madden attended Castlehead High School, balancing his academic responsibilities with his burgeoning interest in theater. 

His time at Castlehead High was marked by a continued dedication to his craft, setting the stage for his future pursuits. 

After high school, Madden’s commitment to acting led him to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a prestigious institution known for nurturing talent. 

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His education there culminated in his graduation in 2007, equipping him with the technical skills and professional training needed to succeed in the competitive world of acting.

Madden’s journey from a shy boy in a small Scottish town to a confident actor on the global stage is a testament to the power of a supportive family, dedicated educators, and the transformative nature of the arts.

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Richard Madden Television Career

Richard Madden’s television career began in 1999 with a role on the British children’s series Barmy Aunt Boomerang. 

Playing Sebastian Simpkins, Madden gained early exposure to the industry, though the show concluded in 2000. 

His next notable appearance was in an episode of the Scottish detective drama Taggart, which further showcased his acting versatility. 

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After a brief hiatus from television, Madden returned to the small screen in 2009 with a role as Dean McKenzie in the dramedy series Hope Springs. 

His portrayal of the character added depth to the series and marked a significant step in his evolving career.

Madden’s talent continued to shine in 2010 when he took on the role of English musician Kirk Brandon in the biographical television film Worried About the Boy. 

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This role demonstrated his ability to handle complex, real-life figures and contributed to his growing reputation as a serious actor. 

Following this, he starred as Ashley Greenwick in the medical series Sirens, where he played the gay co-worker and best friend of Rhys Thomas’s character. 

This role highlighted his ability to tackle diverse and challenging characters.

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The turning point in Madden’s career came in 2011 with his international breakthrough role on HBO’s fantasy epic Game of Thrones. 

As Robb Stark, the eldest son of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark, Madden captured the attention of audiences worldwide. 

His performance spanned from seasons two through four and established him as a prominent figure in the acting world. 

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During his time on Game of Thrones, he also appeared in the two-part British drama Birdsong, further demonstrating his range.

Post-Game of Thrones, Madden’s career continued to flourish. He starred in the Discovery Channel miniseries Klondike and the 2015 BBC television film adaptation of Lady Chatterley’s Lover. 

In 2016, Madden took on the role of Cosimo de’ Medici in the historical drama series Medici, portraying the influential Italian Renaissance leader. 

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This role expanded his repertoire, showcasing his ability to handle historical and period drama.

Madden’s versatility was further recognized in 2018 when he starred as a PTSD-afflicted war veteran in the British series Bodyguard. 

His portrayal earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama, a significant accolade that underscored his exceptional acting skills. 

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Following this success, Madden was cast in the Amazon Prime Video science-fiction series Citadel, where he stars alongside Priyanka Chopra. 

This role continues to build on his impressive career, cementing his status as a leading actor in both television and film.

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Richard Madden’s Acting Career

Richard Madden’s acting career began with a notable early appearance in the film Complicity (2000), which was adapted from the Iain Banks novel of the same name. 

Although he was just a child actor at the time, this role marked the start of his journey into the world of cinema. However, it would be a decade before Madden made his next big-screen appearance. 

In 2010, he joined the cast of the British thriller Chatroom, which helped him transition from television to film.

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Madden’s breakthrough in film came with his starring role in the 2013 romantic drama A Promise. In this film, he played Friedrich Zeitz, a young German engineer. 

His performance alongside Rebecca Hall and the late Alan Rickman showcased his ability to handle complex, emotionally charged roles and helped establish him as a prominent actor in the film industry.

The following year, Madden expanded his film repertoire with a significant role in Disney’s live-action remake of Cinderella (2015). 

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As the prince opposite Lily James’s Cinderella, Madden played a charming and pivotal role in the beloved fairy tale, further solidifying his presence in major film productions.

In 2016, Madden starred in the action thriller Bastille Day alongside Idris Elba. 

His portrayal of Michael Mason, an American pickpocket caught up in a terrorist plot in Paris, displayed his versatility and ability to handle high-stakes action roles. 

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This was followed by his role as a superstar DJ in the 2018 Netflix rom-com Ibiza, where he showcased a different facet of his acting abilities.

2019 proved to be a standout year for Madden, with two significant film roles. 

He portrayed John Reid, Elton John’s manager and lover, in the biographical musical Rocketman, a role that highlighted his capacity for portraying real-life figures with depth and nuance. 

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Additionally, he played Lieutenant Joseph Blake in the critically acclaimed World War I film 1917. 

His role in 1917 demonstrated his skill in a high-pressure, dramatic setting, further cementing his reputation as a talented actor.

Madden’s most recent film role includes portraying Ikaris in Marvel’s Eternals (2021). 

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In this film, he joined a star-studded ensemble cast, including Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, and Lia McHugh, to bring the superhero to life, showcasing his ability to step into fantastical roles with ease.

In addition to his film career, Madden’s stage work has been a critical part of his acting journey. 

While studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he performed with the Glasgow Repertory Company and appeared in plays like Tom Fool. 

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His role as Romeo in a Globe Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet and his subsequent appearances in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Noughts & Crosses and the National Theatre of Scotland’s Be Near Me further demonstrated his theatrical prowess. 

Madden returned to the role of Romeo in a West End production of Romeo and Juliet in 2016, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility in live theater.

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Richard Madden Movies

• Complicity (2000)
• Chatroom (2010) 
• A Promise (2013) 
• Cinderella (2015) 
• Bastille Day (2016) 
• Ibiza (2018) 
• Rocketman (2019) 
• 1917 (2019) 
• Eternals (2021)
• The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (2022)
• Citadel (2023)

Richard Madden Now

At 38 years old, Richard Madden continues to be a prominent figure in the acting world. 

His journey from a young boy cast in his first role at the age of 11 to a successful actor has been marked by a series of notable achievements. 

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Madden made his screen acting debut in 2000, showcasing his talent from a young age. 

This early start laid the foundation for a career that would span both television and film, highlighting his versatility and commitment to his craft.

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During his time at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Madden expanded his acting repertoire by performing on stage. 

His experiences there not only honed his skills but also contributed to his development as a well-rounded actor. 

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The training and performances he undertook during this period played a crucial role in shaping his career, preparing him for the diverse roles he would take on in the future.

In recent years, Madden has continued to build on his success with a variety of roles that demonstrate his range as an actor. 

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His latest project, the 2023 movie Citadel, is a notable addition to his filmography. 

This Amazon Prime Video science-fiction series features Madden in a prominent role alongside Priyanka Chopra, further cementing his status as a leading actor in both television and film.

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Madden’s ability to transition seamlessly between different genres and mediums—from his early days in children’s television to his recent high-profile film roles—highlights his enduring appeal and versatility. 

As he continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, Madden remains a significant and dynamic presence in the entertainment industry.

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Richard Madden’s Net Worth

Richard Madden, a Scottish actor with a net worth of $8 million, has built his financial success through a diverse and accomplished career in both television and film.

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