Simon Greenall

Simon Greenall is an English actor, presenter and voice artist whose career has spanned more than three decades, beginning in 1986 and continuing to the present day. Born on 3 January 1958 in Longtown, Cumberland, England, he trained at the Manchester School of Theatre alongside future comedy legend Steve Coogan, forging a collaborative partnership that would later define many of his most memorable performances. His early work featured small television roles such as policemen in Life Without George and One Foot in the Grave, but he quickly distinguished himself through a blend of sharp comedic timing and a distinctive vocal talent that made him a sought‑after voice‑over artist. Over the years he has contributed to a wide range of programmes, from the cult classic Alan Partridge series where he portrayed the beloved Michael the Geordie, to children's hits like The Mr. Men Show and the award‑winning Octonauts franchise where he lends his voice to Captain Barnacles. In addition to on‑screen roles, Greenall has voiced characters in major video game titles, including Murgo in the Fable series and Lord Lolorito in Final Fantasy XIV, demonstrating a versatility that extends across mediums.

Beyond acting, Greenall has earned recognition as a writer and producer, sharing a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award in 1995 for his work on Harry Enfield's Television Programme and serving as co‑executive producer on the acclaimed film We Need to Talk About Kevin. His contributions to broadcasting have also included appearances on BBC Radio shows such as On the Blog and The Simon Day Show, while his unique comedic voice has become synonymous with the popular comparethemarket.com adverts featuring Aleksandr Orlov and Sergei the meerkats. In 2014 he was honoured with an honorary fellowship from the University of Cumbria, acknowledging both his artistic achievements and his connection to his native region. Simon Greenall’s enduring presence in British comedy and voice acting continues to delight audiences of all ages.