Ricky Tomlinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ricky Tomlinson
|
|
|---|---|
Tomlinson in 2011
|
|
| Born |
Eric Tomlinson
26 September 1939 Bispham, Lancashire, England
|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Marlene Clifton
(m. 1962; div. 1986)Rita Cumiskey
(m. 2003) |
| Children | 3 |
Eric "Ricky" Tomlinson (born 26 September 1939) is a famous English actor. He is best known for playing Bobby Grant in the soap opera Brookside and the grumpy but lovable dad, Jim Royle, in the popular comedy show The Royle Family. He also starred as a football manager in the funny movie Mike Bassett: England Manager.
Contents
Early Life and First Jobs
Eric Tomlinson was born on 26 September 1939 in Bispham, a town in Lancashire, England. He has lived in Liverpool for most of his life. He was born in Bispham because his mother was moved there for safety at the start of World War II. Many people, especially children, were evacuated from big cities like Liverpool because of fears they would be bombed.
When he was 13, he passed an exam to go to Walton Technical College. His favourite subject was English.
Before he became an actor, Ricky had other jobs. He was a talented banjo player in the 1950s and 60s in bands like Hobo Rick & The City Slickers. For many years, he also worked as a plasterer on building sites.
Acting Career
Ricky Tomlinson is one of Britain's most well-known television actors. His career took off in the 1980s and he has been on our screens ever since.
Famous Television Roles
From 1982 to 1988, Ricky played Bobby Grant in the popular soap opera Brookside. This role made him a household name.
After Brookside, he played a detective named DCI Charlie Wise in the crime drama Cracker.
However, his most famous role is probably as Jim Royle in the BBC comedy The Royle Family, which ran from 1998 to 2012. He played the lazy, TV-loving dad who often sat in his armchair making funny comments. The show was a huge hit and won many awards.
In 2020, he teamed up with his Royle Family co-star Ralf Little for a travel show called Ricky & Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip.
Work in Film
Ricky has also appeared in many films. He played the main character in Mike Bassett: England Manager, a comedy about a clumsy football manager trying to lead England to victory.
He also acted in the powerful TV film Hillsborough. The film told the story of the families affected by the Hillsborough disaster. Ricky played John Glover, a father who lost his son in the tragedy.
Music and Theatre
Ricky is a skilled banjo and harmonica player. He even played these instruments in some episodes of The Royle Family. In 2001, he released an album of folk songs called Music My.... He also released a Christmas song in 2006.
He has also performed on stage. In 2006, he toured the UK with his own show, An Evening with Ricky Tomlinson. He also opened his own cabaret club in Liverpool in 2010.
Personal Life
Ricky Tomlinson has three children from his first marriage. In 2003, he married his second wife, Rita.
He wrote a book about his life called Ricky. It was a bestseller and told the story of his life, including his time as a young worker and his journey to becoming an actor.
In 2007, he had a major heart operation at a hospital in Liverpool. He has since recovered and continues to be a public figure. He also has a skin condition called nodular prurigo.
Ricky loves his home city and has said, "I will never, ever move away from Liverpool, I love it here."
Politics and Activism
Ricky's political views have changed throughout his life. As a young man, he was interested in right-wing politics. However, after reading a book called The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists, his views shifted to the left.
The Shrewsbury Two
In 1972, Ricky was a building worker and took part in a protest for better working conditions in Shrewsbury. He and another worker, Des Warren, were accused of trying to scare people during the protest. They became known as the "Shrewsbury Two".
In 1973, he was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison, even though he always said he was innocent. For many years, he and his supporters campaigned to clear his name.
Finally, in March 2021, the Court of Appeal overturned the convictions. The court agreed that a TV documentary shown during the original trial might have influenced the jury. This was a huge victory for Ricky and the other workers.
Political Support
Ricky is a friend of Arthur Scargill, a famous trade union leader. He supports the Socialist Labour Party and has appeared in their political broadcasts. He believes in standing up for ordinary working people.
Charity Work
Ricky is known for his generosity. In 2008, he donated £200,000 to a charity that provides donated breast milk to premature and sick babies, helping to save lives.
It was also reported that he gave £1 million to the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. He said he feels it's important to help hospitals and good causes.
In 2014, Ricky Tomlinson was given the Freedom of Liverpool award, the highest honour the city can give.
See also
In Spanish: Ricky Tomlinson para niños
