Rory Michael Kinnear is a renowned English actor and playwright who has had a prolific career in both stage and screen. Born in Hammersmith, London, England, he is the son of actor Roy Kinnear and actress Carmel Cryan. Kinnear's family has a strong connection to the arts, with his grandfather being an international rugby union and rugby league player, and his godfather being the late actor Michael Williams, husband of Judi Dench.
Kinnear was educated at Tower House School and St Paul's School, London, before reading English at Balliol College, Oxford, and then studying acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He has worked with several esteemed theatre companies, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, where he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Iago in the National Theatre production of Othello.
In addition to his stage work, Kinnear has appeared in a number of films, including the James Bond series, where he played Bill Tanner, the youngest actor to take on the role. He has also appeared in TV shows such as Count Arthur Strong, Lucan, and Black Mirror, as well as films like Broken and The Imitation Game.
Kinnear has received widespread critical acclaim for his performances, including the Ian Charleson Award and the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor. He has also been recognized for his work in TV, winning the Best Actor award at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his roles in Hamlet and Othello.
In addition to his acting work, Kinnear has also ventured into playwriting, with his debut play The Herd being staged at the Bush Theatre in London and later at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. He has also appeared in a number of radio dramas and has provided narration for several productions, including the BBC Proms.
Throughout his career, Kinnear has demonstrated his versatility as an actor, taking on a wide range of roles in both stage and screen productions. His dedication to his craft has earned him numerous awards and nominations, and he continues to be a respected and sought-after actor in the industry.