Rob James-Collier
| Robert James-Collier | |
|---|---|
.jpg) James-Collier in May 2014 | |
| Born |
Robert Collier 23 September 1976 Salford, Greater Manchester, England |
| Occupation | Actor, model |
| Years active | 2005–present |
Robert James-Collier (born 23 September 1976)[1][2][3][4] is a British actor and model. He is known for his roles as Liam Connor in Coronation Street and as Thomas Barrow in Downton Abbey.
Background
James-Collier was born in Salford, Greater Manchester,[5][6] as Robert Collier, but changed his name to Rob James-Collier to comply with the rules of Equity.[7] He went to St Patrick's school in Eccles, Greater Manchester.[8]
James-Collier has two degrees; he studied business at the University of Huddersfield and marketing at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.[9]
Career
Acting
Having no experience as an actor, James-Collier auditioned for the series Down to Earth. Stars Ricky Tomlinson and Denise Welch were convinced by his talent, and he got the part of the womanising pub landlord. In 2006 he appeared in New Street Law and played a small part as Stud in Shameless series 3, episode 5 under the name of Rob Collier.
In 2006 he joined Coronation Street as one of the brothers buying a share of the local underwear factory. He left the show in October 2008. In an interview in early 2008, James-Collier announced he was leaving the soap but was planning to come back in the future.[10] However, in June 2008, it was reported that the character of Liam was set to be 'brutally' killed off in the soap as part of a murder-mystery plotline where three well known residents would fall under suspicion for the crime.[11] One of these would be Tony Gordon played by Gray O'Brien, who was in a relationship with Carla Connor played by Alison King in the show.[12]
Since leaving Coronation Street, James-Collier has had a leading role as under butler (formerly first footman) Thomas Barrow in Downton Abbey, featuring from the first episode in 2010 onwards, and has appeared in the West End stage version of Calendar Girls.
Modelling
James-Collier modelled for Argos, where he appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2007 and Spring/Summer 2008 catalogues.
He won the Sexiest Male award at the 2007 and 2008 British Soap Awards in addition to "Best Exit" at the 2009 British Soap Awards. He won Sexiest Male and Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.
Personal life
James-Collier has a son who was born in 2010.[8]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Perfect Day | Alex | TV movie |
| 2005 | Down to Earth | Nicky Christy | TV series (Series 5) |
| 2006 | Shameless | Stud | TV series (1 episode: "Episode #3.5") |
| 2006 | Casualty | Martin Stonewall | TV series (1 episode: "Secrets and Lies") |
| 2006 | Dalziel and Pascoe | Simon Thewlis | TV series (1 episode: "The Cave Woman: Part 2") |
| 2006-2008 | Coronation Street | Liam Connor | TV series (330 episodes: 2006–2008) Won – Best Exit – British Soap Awards Won – Sexiest Male (2008) – Inside Soap Awards Won – Sexiest Male (2007) – Inside Soap Awards |
| 2010-present | Downton Abbey | Thomas Barrow | TV series (43 episodes: 2010–present) Won – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2012 -2014) |
| 2011 | Mercenaries | Callum | Film |
| 2011 | Moving On | Clive | TV series (1 episode: "The Milkman") |
| 2012 | Love Life | Joe | TV series |
| 2013 | Moving On | Aiden Evans | TV series (1 episode: "Visiting Order") |
References
- ↑ "Rob James-Collier". bebo. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
- ↑ "Liam, how can we Corrie on?". The Sun. 17 October 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
- ↑ Green, Kris (3 February 2008). "'Liam' quits Corrie over "typecast" fears". digital spy. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
- ↑ "Rob James-Collier works hard for Downton". FemaleFirst. 27 September 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
- ↑ "Rob James-Collier on life in Downton Abbey as Thomas Barrow". Lancashire Life. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
- ↑ men Administrator (19 February 2007). "Unknown Rob flies the Co-op". men. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
- ↑ "Corrie's latest bad boy". Manchester Evening News. 17 April 2010.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Daphne Lockyer. "Rob James Collier steps out from Downton Abbey". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
- ↑ "Up stairs down". The Northern Echo. 23 September 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2010.
- ↑ Soaps – News – 'Liam' quits Corrie over "typecast" fears – Digital Spy
- ↑ Soaps – News – Corrie favourite killed in "whodunnit" murder – Digital Spy
- ↑ Soaps – News – Corrie star O'Brien suffers hip problems – Digital Spy