Steven Waddington

Steven Waddington is an English actor whose career spans more than three decades, beginning with a daring debut in Derek Jarman’s controversial 1991 adaptation of Edward II. Born on 30 December 1967 in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, he grew up as the younger child of Peter Waddington and Averill Stubbs, attending local schools before winning a place at the prestigious East 15 Acting School at age eighteen. After completing his training in the summer of 1989, Waddington joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in Stratford, the Barbican, and on tour, where he honed his craft alongside veterans such as Nigel Terry. It was Terry who recommended him for the title role in Edward II, launching Waddington into the international spotlight and establishing him as a fearless performer willing to tackle historical and emotionally complex characters. His early screen work also included modest parts in Yorkshire Television productions, providing a solid foundation for future high‑profile roles.*

Since that breakthrough, Waddington has built a versatile portfolio that includes a supporting turn as Duncan Heyward in Michael Mann’s The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and a memorable appearance as Mr Killian in Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999). He later headlined the comedy The Parole Officer (2001) and portrayed the Celtic king Prasutagus in Boudica (2003). Television work has been equally prolific, with standout performances as the Duke of Buckingham in The Tudors, King Richard in the Robin Hood series finale, and the charismatic Adam Fleet in Waterloo Road (2010). More recent credits feature Marshall Redwick in Jamestown (2017), a turn in Thomas Vinterberg’s submarine thriller Kursk (2018), and The Scotsman in the adventure blockbuster Uncharted (2022). In 2024, Waddington expanded his creative remit by writing and directing a biopic on snooker legend Jimmy White, confirming his evolution from actor to filmmaker. He is married to actress and model Jane March, with whom he shares a son.