For three seasons, Richard Madden was Robb Stark — the Young Wolf whose shocking end at the Red Wedding is one of TV’s most infamous moments 🐺. In 2026, at 40, the Scottish star is busier than ever, headlining a brand-new thriller on Paramount+.
Richard Madden Then
Born June 18, 1986, in Elderslie, Scotland, Richard Madden started acting young — joining the Paisley Arts Centre youth theatre at 11. He trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and landed professional stage roles before television came calling.
That call was Game of Thrones. Cast as Robb Stark, the heir of Winterfell, in 2011, Madden’s mix of nobility and vulnerability made him a fan favorite — and his character’s fate at the Red Wedding in season 3 (2013) became a pop-culture earthquake.
Overnight fame on that scale was rare — see Kit Harington’s then-and-now story for another Thrones alum who rocketed to fame on the same show. Like his on-screen brother, Madden refused to be typecast.
The Middle Years
Madden’s post-Thrones career was a deliberate showcase of range. He played Prince Kit in Disney’s live-action Cinderella (2015), then delivered the career-defining turn as traumatized bodyguard David Budd in the BBC’s Bodyguard (2018) — earning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series 🏆.
He joined the Marvel universe as Ikaris in Eternals (2021) and headlined Prime Video’s globe-trotting spy series Citadel (2023), which returned for a second season in May 2026. He even starred in the action comedy Killer Heat (2024) alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Like Jeremy Renner’s then-and-now journey, Madden has balanced blockbusters with prestige drama.
Richard Madden Now (2026)
2026 has been a big year for Madden. On August 5, 2026, Paramount+ announced Trauma — a new hostage thriller starring Madden as Jim Marchant, a former Royal Marines medic turned ER doctor trapped inside a London hospital seized by terrorists holding the Prime Minister hostage mid-surgery.
Created by Slow Horses writer Geoff Bussetil and directed by Daniel Syrkin, the series is set to unfold in near real time over a single chaotic night. Production begins in October 2026, with a premiere planned for 2027. 📺
The show airs on Paramount+ everywhere except the UK and Ireland, where Prime Video distributes it — a co-production between Lionsgate Television and 42.
He also returned for Citadel season 2, which premiered on Prime Video in May 2026, continuing his run as elite spy Mason Kane.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Richard Madden in 2026?
He was born June 18, 1986, which makes him 40 years old in 2026.
What is Trauma, Richard Madden’s new show?
A Paramount+ hostage thriller announced August 5, 2026. Madden plays Jim Marchant, a former Royal Marines medic fighting through a seized London hospital. Production begins October 2026, premiering in 2027.
Is Richard Madden dead?
No — a “R.I.P.” death rumor that circulated online in October 2026 is a hoax. Madden is alive and currently filming new projects.
What was Richard Madden’s breakout role?
Robb Stark on Game of Thrones (2011–2013), the King in the North whose fate at the Red Wedding became one of TV’s most shocking moments.
Did Richard Madden win a Golden Globe?
Yes — Best Actor in a Television Series Drama for Bodyguard (2018).
Is Citadel season 2 out?
Yes, it premiered on Prime Video in May 2026, with Madden returning as Mason Kane.