X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Martin Freeman Biography

Birth Name:Martin John Christopher Freeman

Birth Place:Aldershot, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom

Profession Actor, Producer, Soundtrack, Writer

Fast Facts

  • Participated in a charity cricket match to raise money for victims of the Christchurch earthquake in 2011
  • Presented a fellowship by the University College Dublin's Literary and Historical Society in 2013
  • Has been a vegetarian for many years and often supports causes related to animal rights
  • Attended Salesian School in Surrey and Central School of Speech and Drama in London
  • Is the youngest of five children to Philomena and Geoffrey Freeman
  • Brother to musicians Tim and Jamie Freeman
  • Performed in several productions at London's National Theatre early on in his career
  • Joined a youth theater organization at the age of 15
  • Quote: "I used to watch Sleuth with Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier every day as a kid․"
  • Quote: "My idea of a good night out is staying in․ I'd rather be at home stroking the dog․ Some people moan about the cult of celebrity․ If these people don't want to be photographed, then they should stay in․"
  • Interviewed singer Smokey Robinson for a segment on "The Culture Show" in 2009
  • Dislikes modern-day conveniences such as driving and email

Awards

  • 2002British Comedy Award-Best Comedy Actor: nominated
  • 2004BAFTA TV Award-Best Comedy Performance: nominated
  • 2004British Comedy Award-Best TV Comedy Actor: nominated
  • 2004PFCS Award-Best Ensemble Acting: nominated
  • 2004Golden Rose-Best Male Comedy Performance: winner
  • 2011BAFTA TV Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2011OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2012BAFTA TV Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2012Dagger-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2012Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2012INOCA TV-Best Performance in a Miniseries or TV Movie: nominated
  • 2012OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2012Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2013Saturn Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 2013BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film: nominated
  • 2013Empire Award-Best Actor: winner
  • 2013MTV Movie Award-Best Hero: winner
  • 2013MTV Movie Award-Best Scared-As-S**t Performance: nominated
  • 2014CinEuphoria-Best Ensemble - International Competition: nominated
  • 2014Dagger-Best Leading Actor: nominated
  • 2014Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries: nominated
  • 2014Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries: nominated
  • 2014Empire Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 2014Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Lead Actor: nominated
  • 2014Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2014IGN Award-Best TV Actor: nominated
  • 2014INOCA TV-Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie: winner
  • 2014MTV Movie Award-Best Hero: nominated
  • 2014MTV Movie Award-Best Fight: nominated
  • 2014OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2014OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2014Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: winner
  • 2014Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2014Georges Award-Best Foreign Hero of the Year: winner
  • 2014Georges Award-Best Foreign Duo of the Year: nominated
  • 2014Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie: Chemistry: nominated
  • 2014Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie: Fight: nominated
  • 2015Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2015MTV Movie Award-Best Hero: nominated
  • 2015Georges Award-Best Foreign Hero of the Year: nominated
  • 2015Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Series, Drama: nominated
  • 2016BAA-Best Voice Performance: winner
  • 2016OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Limited Series: nominated
  • 2018The BAM Award-Best Cast: winner
  • 2019Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2019AFCA Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 2019FCCA Award-Best Actor - Male: nominated
  • 2019Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actor of the Decade: nominated
  • 2019Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2019OFTA Film Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
  • 2020National Film Award-Best Actor in a TV Series: nominated
  • 2021Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Actor: nominated
  • 2021HCA Award-Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy: nominated
  • 2023BAFTA TV Award-Leading Actor: nominated
  • 2023Emmy-Best Performance by an Actor: winner
  • 2025BAFTA TV Award-Leading Actor: nominated
  • 2025National Film Award-Best Actor: nominated