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Simon Russell Beale Headshot

BIO

Simon Russell Beale's theatre career began with plays at the Traverse and Lyceum Theatres in Edinburgh. His first London appearance was in William Gaskill's Royal Court production of Women Beware Women.


For the National Theatre: Timon of Athens, Collaborators (in the Cottesloe and Olivier theatres), London Assurance, Major Barbara, Much Ado About Nothing, The Life of Galileo, The Alchemist, Jumpers (also West End and New York, where he was nominated for a 2004 Tony Award for Best Actor), Humble Boy (also West End), the title role in Hamlet (2000 Evening Standard Best Actor, Critics' Circle Award for Best Shakespearean Performance and the Boston Critics' Association Outstanding Actor in a Large Company), Battle Royal, Candide (2000 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical), Summerfolk, Money, Othello, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Volpone (1996 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor).

For the RSC, Simon Russell Beale has performaed in : The Tempest, King Lear, Ghosts, the title roles in Richard III and Edward II, The Seagull, Troilus and Cressida, The Man of Mode and Restoration.

West End: Death Trap
Other theatre: Bluebird, The Winter's Tale, The Cherry Orchard, Monty Python's Spamalot, The Philanthropist (2005 Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Best Actor), Uncle Vanya, Twelfth Night (both winning him 2002 Evening Standard, Critics' Circle and Olivier Awards for Best Actor and Drama Desk award nominations in the US. For Uncle Vanya: Village Voice Obie for Best Actor), Julius Caesar, Macbeth and The Duchess of Malfi.

Ballet
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland


TV
American Experience, Dunkirk, The Young Visiters, Great Historians: Gibbon, A Dance to the Music of Time (1997 Royal Television Society Best Actor and BAFTA Best Actor), Persuasion and The Mushroom Pickers. He is the presenter of BBC Four's Sacred Music.


Films
My Week with Marilyn, The Deep Blue Sea, The Gathering, Alice in Wonderland, An Ideal Husband, The Temptation of Franz Schubert and Hamlet.


Radio
Extensive recording credits, including The Complete George Smiley, War and Peace; Oscar in The Trials of Oscar Wilde, The Sisterhood, Waiting for Godot, Art and A Dance to the Music of Time.


Narrations

Several books, three roles for the Shakespeare CD Series, and a 10-part television series on The National Trust. Also a 10-part series on The National Trust and presenter of Sacred Victoria, Symphony and Sacred Music.


Concerts

First Night of the Proms, Ivan The Terrible, Artaxerxes, Façade, Music and Poetry: Auden and Britten, The Firebrand of Florence and Stravinksy Promenade.


Simon Russell Beale is an associate of the National and Almeida theatres, and an associate artist of the RSC. In 2003 he was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to the Arts.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2026
King Herod
[West End]
2026
King Herod
[West End]
2025
Titus Andronicus
[West End]
2022
EBENEZER [Replacement]
[West End]
2022
JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Henry Lehman
[Off-Broadway]
Park Avenue Armory North American Premiere, 2019
Performer
[West End]
Original West End Production, 2018
Performer
[London]
Bent, LGBT+, London, National Theatre, George Mackey, Simon Russell Beale, 2017
Performer
[West End]
2013
Roote
[West End]
National Theatre Production, 2011
Joseph Stalin
[West End]
London Revival, 2010
Sydney Bruhl
[West End]
London Production, 2006
King Arthur [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
King Arthur [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
George
[West End]
Royal National Theatre Production, 1999
Performer

Movies

Orlando
[ 1992 ] Earl of Moray
Jane Austen's Persuasion
[ 1995 ] Charles Musgrove
Hamlet
[ 1996 ] Second Gravedigger
An Ideal Husband
[ 1999 ] Sir Edward
The Gathering
[ 2002 ] Luke Frer
National Theatre Live: London Assurance
[ 2010 ] Sir Harcourt Courtly
My Week with Marilyn
[ 2011 ] Cotes-Preedy
National Theatre Live: Collaborators
[ 2011 ] Joseph Stalin
The Deep Blue Sea
[ 2011 ] Sir William Collyer
Timon of Athens
[ 2012 ] Timon
Into the Woods
[ 2014 ] Baker's Father
King Lear
[ 2014 ] Lear
The Legend of Tarzan
[ 2016 ] Mr. Frum
My Cousin Rachel
[ 2017 ] Couch
The Death of Stalin
[ 2017 ] Lavrenti Beria
Royal Shakespeare Company: The Tempest
[ 2017 ] Prospero
Operation Finale
[ 2018 ] David Ben-Gurion
Museo
[ 2018 ] Frank Graves
Mary Queen of Scots
[ 2018 ] Robert Beale
The Lehman Trilogy
[ 2019 ] Henry Lehman
The Tragedy of King Richard the Second
[ 2019 ] King Richard II
Radioactive
[ 2019 ] Professor Lippmann
A Christmas Carol
[ 2020 ] Scrooge, Simon Russell-Beale
Benediction
[ 2021 ] Robbie Ross
Operation Mincemeat
[ 2021 ] Winston Churchill
Thor: Love and Thunder
[ 2022 ] Dionysus
The Outfit
[ 2022 ] Roy
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
[ 2025 ] Sir Hector Moreland
The Choral
[ 2025 ]
The Magic Faraway Tree
[ 2026 ]
De Gaulle Partie 2
[ 2026 ] Winston Churchill
De Gaulle Partie 1
[ 2026 ] Winston Churchill

TV Shows

MI-5
Home Secretary, William Towers
Penny Dreadful
Ferdinand Lyle
House of the Dragon
Ser Simon Strong
Douglas Is Cancelled
Bently
Mary & George
Sir George Villiers

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards

Simon Russell Beale, The Lehman Trilogy

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Simon Russell Beale, The Lehman Trilogy


winner
Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Simon Russell Beale, The Lehman Trilogy

Evening Standard Awards - 2015 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeTemple

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Simon Russell BealeBluebird


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2012 - Best Actor

Simon Russell Beale, Collaborators

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Simon Russell Beale, The Winter's Tale


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2005 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeThe Philanthropist


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2005 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeThe Philanthropist

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Simon Russell Beale, Jumpers

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Simon Russell Beale, Jumpers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Simon Russell Beale, Uncle Vanya


winner
Obie Awards - 2003 - Performance

Simon Russell Beale, Uncle Vanya


winner
Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeUncle Vanya


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

Simon Russell Beale, Twelfth Night


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2002 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeUncle Vanya


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2002 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeTwelfth Night

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeHumble Boy

Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeHamlet


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2000 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeHamlet


winner
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Actor in a Musical

Simon Russell Beale, Candide

Olivier Awards - 1998 - Best Actor

Simon Russell BealeOthello

Olivier Awards - 1992 - Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Simon Russell BealeTroilus And Cressida, RSC

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Performance of the Year in a Supporting Role

Simon Russell BealeMan Of Mode, Restoration, Playing With Trains and Some Americans Abroad

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Musical

Richard Kagan, Leader of the Pack

News

Photos: New Look At JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR West End Starring Sam Ryder and More
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 7, 2026

New production photos have been released of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder as Jesus. The production is now playing at The London Palladium through September 5, with an official opening night set for July 7, before transferring to Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a limited 12-week engagement from October 16, 2026, through January 9, 2027.
Denville Hall to Host Theatre Gives Day Across the West End for 100th Anniversary
by Stephi Wild - Jul 6, 2026

Denville Hall, a residential care home for performing arts professionals, announced Theatre Gives Day, with ambassadors including Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McKellen making curtain call appearances across West End venues to support its £26 million Centenary Appeal.
From Stage to Westeros: Theatre Veterans in HOUSE OF THE DRAGON
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 5, 2026

Whether you are Team Black or Team Green, there is probably a stage veteran on your side. Like other HBO shows such as The Gilded Age and Julia, the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon, is full of Broadway, West End, and stage alums. 
Review: VENUS & ADONIS, Barbican Theatre
by Franco Milazzo - Jun 26, 2026

Putting on something which is so sexy, sensuous and deeply erotic in the middle of a heatwave could be asking for trouble, yet this production of Shakespeare’s Venus & Adonis justifies the gamble, turning the Barbican’s The Pit into a crucible of raw, mythological desire.
Photos: Sam Ryder and More in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2026

All new photos have been released from Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder as Jesus. The production is now playing The London Palladium. Check out photos here!
Bob the Drag Queen, Matt Bomer, and More Will Share the Role of King Herod in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
by Stephi Wild - Jun 22, 2026

Matt Bomer, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale, Layton Williams, and others announced as rotating King Herods joining Sam Ryder in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Names New CEO and Deputy Artistic Director in 75th Anniversary Year
by Stephi Wild - May 19, 2026

Pitlochry Festival Theatre announced Henry Filloux-Bennett as Chief Executive and Sam Hardie as Deputy Artistic Director, joining Artistic Director Alan Cumming. The theatre also opened its Explorers Garden free to the public to mark its 75th anniversary.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at London Palladium Releases £25 On-Stage Standing Tickets
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2026

For the first time in The London Palladium's history, audiences can stand on stage during JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, with tickets priced at £25 available now.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The London Palladium Finds Full Cast
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026

The complete cast for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The London Palladium has been announced, led by Sam Ryder as Jesus alongside Tyrone Huntley as Judas, with six performers rotating as King Herod.
Simon Russell Beale Reveals TITUS ANDRONICUS Departure Was Due to Cancer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2026

Simon Russell Beale has revealed that his exit from Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Titus Andronicus in September 2025 was due to colon cancer. 
Interview: 'It's Theatre in Miniature': Greg Doran on His Revival of Shakespeare's VENUS AND ADONIS
by Cheryl Markosky - Apr 21, 2026

Greg Doran, former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and celebrated Shakespearean, revives his acclaimed production of Venus and Adonis, Shakespeare's greatest narrative poem, for a limited UK tour starting in June.
Jacob Dudman and More to Join END OF THE RAINBOW With Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2026

The full cast has been revealed for the strictly limited run of Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow, at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. The cast features Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland.
Simon Russell Beale Will Return to the Barbican To Narrate Greg Doran’s VENUS & ADONIS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2026

Simon Russell Beale will return to the Barbican to narrate Greg Doran's production of Shakespeare's great poem Venus & Adonis, animated by a team of world-class puppeteers. 
Tyrone Huntley, Desmonda Cathabel, and David Thaxton Join the Cast of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The London Palladium
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2026

Further casting has been announced for Jesus Christ Superstar at The London Palladium this summer. The cast will include Tyrone Huntley, Desmonda Cathabel, and David Thaxton.
Boy George, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and More Will Share The Role of King Herod in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
by Stephi Wild - Feb 23, 2026

Further casting has been announced for Jesus Christ Superstar at The London Palladium this summer. Joining the previously announced Sam Ryder as Jesus are an all-star line-up of six performers sharing the role of King Herod.
Photos: First Look At TWO HALVES OF GUINNESS Starring Zeb Soanes
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 2, 2026

Production photos have been released for Two Halves of Guinness, the solo play celebrating the life and career of Sir Alec Guinness, starring Zeb Soanes. The production is currently touring the UK.
Park Avenue Armory Appoints Deborah Warner as Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026

Park Avenue Armory has appointed Deborah Warner as its Anita K. Hersh Artistic Director. Warner was named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2006.
1984, SHERLOCK HOLMES, and More Set For Corn Exchange Newbury Spring Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Jan 5, 2026

The Corn Exchange Newbury has announced its upcoming spring programme of theatre, talks and live experiences, bringing together gripping drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, fascinating true crime, inspiring science and more.
Jonathan Groff From Stage to Screen: GLEE to MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2025

Though the revival of Merrily We Roll Along ended its limited Broadway run in 2024, the show will live on in the form of the new filmed version, now in theaters. To celebrate the release of the hit Stephen Sondheim musical, we are taking a look back at the storied careers of its three leading stars, including Tony Award-winner Jonathan Groff.
Alan Cumming Will Lead First Season as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2025

Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director, Alan Cumming has announced his highly anticipated inaugural season of exciting programming for 2026, which will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the celebrated Scottish Highland Theatre.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Simon Russell Beale been in?

Simon Russell Beale has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Simon Russell Beale been in?

Simon Russell Beale has appeared on London's West End in 11 shows.

What was Simon Russell Beale's first West End show?

Simon Russell Beale's first West End show was Candide which opened in 1999

What awards has Simon Russell Beale been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Temple, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Bluebird , Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Collaborators, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Winter's Tale, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for The Philanthropist, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for The Philanthropist, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jumpers , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Jumpers, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Performance (Obie Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Humble Boy, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Hamlet , Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Hamlet, Best Actor in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Candide , Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Othello , Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Olivier Awards) for Troilus And Cressida, RSC, Outstanding Performance of the Year in a Supporting Role (Olivier Awards) for Man Of Mode, Restoration, Playing With Trains and Some Americans Abroad and Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Leader of the Pack.

What awards has Simon Russell Beale won?

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Collaborators, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for The Philanthropist, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Performance (Obie Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Hamlet.

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