Chris Barrie was born Christopher Jonathan Brown on March 28, 1960, in a British military hospital located in Hanover, Germany, a city with a rich history and cultural significance. He was brought up in Northern Ireland, a region known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage, where he was a boarder at Methodist College Belfast, an esteemed educational institution. During his time at the college, he held the prestigious position of Head Boy in his final year and showcased his exceptional acting skills by playing the lead in a production of the classic thriller "Dial M for Murder". After completing his education, Chris started a business course at Brighton Polytechnic, but eventually decided to drop out and pursue a different path.
Before transitioning to television and film, Chris worked at various jobs and honed his impressive impressionist skills. His big break came when he met Rob Grant and Doug Naylor on Jasper Carrott's Carrott's Lib in 1982, a comedy show that showcased the talents of some of the UK's most skilled comedians. Chris's association with Rob Grant and Doug Naylor led to him being cast in the radio show "Son of Cliché", which was a huge success and further solidified his connection with the duo. Around the same time, he was working on the popular television show Spitting Image, a satirical puppet show that poked fun at the rich and famous.
Chris's relationship with Rob Grant and Doug Naylor continued to blossom, and he was eventually cast in the iconic science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf in 1988. The show was a massive hit, and Chris's portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted Arnold Rimmer became a fan favorite. After the success of Red Dwarf, Chris brought his exceptional comedic timing to another popular sitcom, The Brittas Empire, in 1991. Today, Chris lives in Berkshire, England, with his wife Alecks, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented and beloved comedic actors of his generation.
