Martin Freeman

September 8, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Martin Freeman is an English actor born on September 8, 1971. He is famous for his part in “The Hobbit” film trilogy for portraying Bilbo Baggins. He was raised by his two parents Freeman Godfrey and Philomena Freeman. After his parents divorced, he moved in with his father who later died when he was 10. Freeman comes from an artistic family since his older brother Tim Freeman appeared in the art-pop group Frazier Chorus and his younger brother is a website designer and musician. He attended the Salesian School, which is a Catholic school in Chertsey, Surrey. He was in the British national squash squad, too.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Martin John Christopher Freeman

Birth date:

September 8, 1971

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Virgo

Height:

5' 7"

Relationship Status:

In a relationship

Net Worth:

$20 million

Background

Martin Freeman was born on September 8, 1971. He is now most known for playing Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit.” He was the youngest of five children born to Freeman Godfrey and Philomena Freeman. However, his parents divorced, and he moved in with his father who later died when he was 10, after which he had to stay with his mother and his step-father. He developed a fondness for the entertainment industry, and at 15 years old, enrolled in the Central School of Speech and Drama. After two years, he enrolled in Brooklands College, graduating with a degree in Media Studies.

Freeman was featured in the U.K. version of the sitcom mockumentary “The Office” in 2001. He also portrayed the sidekick Dr. John Watson in the British crime drama “Sherlock” in 2010. Freeman is also featured in the dark comedy crime drama “Fargo” in 2014 as Lester Nygaard.

Freeman usually takes up roles of mild-mannered characters in extreme and extraordinary scenarios. He is also known for his wide range of reaction shots and expressions, and often takes up roles from characters in literary fiction such as “Sherlock,” “The Hobbit,” and “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” He has deliberate and distinctive delivery of lines, performing best in scenes that have extreme vocal outbursts — this makes each scene and take unique. We can safely say that his time at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London really helped make his talent shine!

Career timeline

1981

His Father Passes Away

Freeman’s father dies due to cardiac arrest.

1997

His First Appearance

He makes his first appearance on television in a show called “The Bill,” playing the role of Craig Parnell in the episode “Man Trap.”

2003 — 2014

An Established Star

He lands multiple television roles from 2003 to 2014 and builds his name in the industry.

2015

The Epitome of His Career

He narrates the documentary “Tubby Hayes: A Man in a Hurry” and gets a comic role in Marvel Cinematic Universe as Everett K. Ross in the movies “Captain America: Civil War” and “Black Panther.”

Why We Love Martin Freeman

He loves his job
Martin is passionate about his work. He is known for his willful attempts to make every take unique. He has also made lots of long-time friends with his colleagues.
He uses lots of expressions
Martin has a charming personality. He has great control over his facial muscles, allowing him to display a wide range of reactions and expressions.
He supports many advocacies
Freeman supports several causes and regularly donates to charities. These organizations include Big Brother Big Sister, the Red Cross, Cancer Research U.K., Stand Up to Cancer, WaterAid, and the Great Ormond Street Hospital. He might curse every now and then, but he definitely has a good heart.

5 Surprising Facts

He is a newbie driver
At least, he is according to his license — he did not acquire his driving license until 2016 for unknown reasons.
He has two children
Martin has two children with his ex-partner Amanda Abbington: Joseph (born 2006) and Grace (born 2008).
Dr. John Watson and Tolkien
Apart from Martin Freeman, three actors have portrayed Dr. John Watson but have also had roles in adaptations of Tolkien’s work: André Morell, John Rhys-Davies, and Michael Hordern.
He is a dog dad
Martin takes care of two rescued miniature long-haired dachshunds named Archie and Jodie.
He hated Dr. John Watson’s mustache
Freeman’s portrayal of Dr. Watson does not have a mustache because he thinks it diminishes his attractiveness, and he found it very uncomfortable when he had to wear a fake one for the episode “The Empty Hearse.”