Ricky Tomlinson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ricky Tomlinson
Tomlinson in 2011
Born	Eric Tomlinson (1939-09-26) 26 September 1939 (age 85) 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 well-known for his roles on TV. These include playing Bobby Grant in the soap opera Brookside (1982–1988). He also played DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker (1993–2006). Many people know him as Jim Royle in The Royle Family (1998–2012). Ricky also starred as the main character in the 2001 football comedy film Mike Bassett: England Manager.

Ricky Tomlinson's Early Life

Eric Tomlinson was born on 26 September 1939. He was born in Bispham, near Blackpool, England. His family moved there because of worries about bombings during World War II. Ricky has lived in Liverpool for most of his life. His father worked as a baker.

When he was 13, Ricky passed an exam and went to Walton Technical College. His favorite subject in school was English.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Ricky played the banjo in several bands. Some of these bands were called the Guitanjos and Hobo Rick & The City Slickers. A former member of Beatles' early band, the Quarrymen, also played piano with them for a while.

Ricky Tomlinson's Acting Career

Ricky Tomlinson has had a long and successful acting career. He has appeared in many popular TV shows and films.

Television Roles

Ricky first became famous as Bobby Grant in the soap opera Brookside. He was on the show from 1982 to 1988. After that, he played DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker. In 1998, he started playing the much-loved character Jim Royle in the BBC sitcom The Royle Family.

In 2001, Ricky starred in the BBC show Nice Guy Eddie. He played a private investigator from Liverpool. The show used real-life cases from a Liverpool investigator.

Ricky also appeared in series two of Clocking Off. He was in an episode that was nominated for a BAFTA award.

He has also been in many TV commercials. He appeared in adverts for British Gas, Farmfoods, and McCain Foods. In 2006, he was a guest on the game show Countdown. He also presented a show about coal mining called "When Coal Was King."

In 2020, Ricky and his Royle Family co-star Ralf Little hosted a travel show. It was called Ricky & Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip. In 2023, Ricky performed a poem at Eurovision 2023. The poem was about the Beatles. He also briefly returned as Bobby Grant for a special Brookside moment.

Film Appearances

Ricky Tomlinson has starred in several films. He played the main character in Mike Bassett: England Manager. He also appeared in Raining Stones. Another notable film was Hillsborough. This TV film was about the families affected by the Hillsborough disaster. Ricky played John Glover, the father of one of the victims.

Music and Theatre Work

Ricky is also a talented banjo and harmonica player. He often played these instruments in The Royle Family. In 2001, he released a CD album of folk songs. It was called Music My ... and reached No. 127 in the UK charts. He also released a Christmas song in 2006 called "Christmas My A*se," which reached No. 25.

In 2006, Ricky toured the UK with his show An Evening with Ricky Tomlinson. He talked about his life during interviews. From 2008 to 2009, he toured with his Laughter Show alongside other comedians. In 2010, Ricky opened his own cabaret club in Liverpool called the Green Room.

Ricky Tomlinson's Personal Life

Ricky Tomlinson has three children from his first marriage.

In 2003, he wrote his autobiography called Ricky. This book was a best-seller in the UK for five weeks.

In 2007, Ricky had important heart surgery. He had a quadruple heart bypass operation and recovered well. He lives in Liverpool and says he will never leave the city because he loves it so much.

Charity Work and Honours

Ricky Tomlinson is known for his generous charity work. In 2008, he gave £200,000 to the Human Milk Bank of Cheshire and North Wales. This charity provides milk for babies in special care units. Ricky said he was honored to support such an important service.

In 2010, it was reported that he had donated £1 million to the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

In October 2014, Ricky Tomlinson received a special honor. He was given the Freedom of Liverpool award.

Filmography

Television Roles

Selected Film Roles

See also

In Spanish: Ricky Tomlinson para niños