Richard Madden – Biography, Game of Thrones, and Bodyguard
Richard Madden is a Scottish actor who rose to global fame through his portrayal of Robb Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Born on 18 June 1986 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, he has carefully built a career spanning stage, television, and blockbuster films, demonstrating a range that few actors of his generation can match.
His performance in the BBC thriller Bodyguard earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. From playing a prince in Disney’s live-action Cinderella to a ruthless music manager in Rocketman, Madden has consistently delivered compelling performances.
The actor is known for keeping his personal life out of the public eye, which has only intensified interest in his biography, relationships, and upcoming projects. According to Wikipedia, he was cast in his first role at age 11 and made his screen acting debut in 2000.
Richard Madden’s Role in Game of Thrones: Who Did He Play?
Madden’s breakout role was Robb Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. This role is consistently cited as the one that made him an internationally recognized name. He starred in the first three seasons, from 2011 to 2013.
Key Insights
- Madden’s performance as Robb Stark ended in 2013, but it remains his most iconic role.
- His work in Bodyguard (2018) marked his transition from ensemble TV actor to leading man.
- He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for Bodyguard.
- Madden is intensely private; there is no public confirmation of a spouse or children.
- He has successfully moved into film with roles in Rocketman, Cinderella, and 1917.
Biographical Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Richard Madden |
| Date of birth | 18 June 1986 |
| Place of birth | Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland |
| Height | 5’10” (1.78 m) |
| Known for | Game of Thrones (Robb Stark), Bodyguard (David Budd) |
| Major awards | Golden Globe, National Television Award |
| Marital status | Not publicly confirmed (private) |
| Children | None reported |
Richard Madden Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography
From epic fantasy to political thrillers and musical biopics, Madden’s career is defined by its diversity. According to IMDb, his filmography includes a mix of high-profile American productions and celebrated British dramas.
Iconic Television Roles
His television work has been critically acclaimed. He played Robb Stark in Game of Thrones, a role that brought him global recognition. Later, he played Cosimo de’ Medici in the series Medici and David Budd in the BBC thriller Bodyguard, which won him a Golden Globe.
Madden’s transition from an ensemble role in a fantasy epic (Game of Thrones) to the lead in a high-stakes political thriller (Bodyguard) signaled a deliberate shift toward leading-man status, a move that paid off with major industry awards.
Notable Film Performances
- Cinderella (2015): Played Prince Kit opposite Lily James.
- Rocketman (2019): Portrayed Elton John’s manager, John Reid.
- 1917 (2019): Appeared as a Lieutenant in Sam Mendes’ war drama.
- Bastille Day (2016): Played a CIA agent in an action thriller.
- Ibiza (2018): Featured in this Netflix comedy.
For a complete list of ratings and reviews, you can visit his profile on Rotten Tomatoes.
Is Richard Madden Married? His Wife and Children
Despite being a public figure, Madden is notoriously private about his personal life. He has been linked to a few individuals in the media, but there is no official public confirmation of a marriage or a wife.
The Golden Globes biography notes his nationality, birthplace, and career milestones but makes no mention of a spouse, reinforcing the actor’s desire to keep that information private.
Children? What the Records Say
Based on available biographical sources, there are no credible reports or official statements indicating that Richard Madden has children. His IMDb page and Wikipedia entry do not list any children.
Madden has described himself as “very private” and often deflects questions about relationships. Fans searching for details on his wife or children should note that any information circulating online is unconfirmed. The actor maintains strict boundaries around his family life.
How Tall Is Richard Madden? Height, Age, and Biography
One of the most common questions from fans pertains to his physical stature. According to IMDb, Madden stands at about 5′ 9¾″ (1.77 m). This is often rounded up to 5′ 10″ in mainstream media profiles, though one entertainment source lists him at 5’11”.
Early Life and Training
Born on 18 June 1986, Madden grew up in Renfrewshire, near Glasgow. He began acting at a young age, attending the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama). BroadwayWorld details that he was cast in his first role at age 11 and made his screen debut in 2000. In 2007, he toured with Shakespeare’s Globe as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, a role he later reprised in the West End.
Before finding global fame on Game of Thrones, Madden was named a “Screen International Star of Tomorrow,” signaling industry confidence in his talent long before the world knew him as the King in the North.
Key Milestones in Richard Madden’s Acting Career
- 1986: Born in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
- 2000: Screen debut in the film Complicity.
- 2007: Tours with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Globe Theatre as Romeo.
- 2011–2013: Stars as Robb Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
- 2015: Stars as Prince Kit in Disney’s live-action Cinderella.
- 2018: Leads the BBC thriller Bodyguard, earning a Golden Globe.
- 2019: Plays John Reid in Rocketman and appears in 1917.
Established Facts and Unanswered Questions
When it comes to biographical details, some things are clearly documented, while others remain speculative due to the actor’s privacy.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born on 18 June 1986 in Elderslie, Scotland. | Marital status (no public confirmation of a wife). |
| Height is 5’10” (1.78 m) per reputable sources. | Children (none reported or confirmed). |
| Won Golden Globe for Bodyguard (2019). | Net worth (estimates vary widely with no official figure). |
| Studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. | Details about his current relationship status. |
The Trajectory of a Leading Man: Context and Analysis
Game of Thrones provided Madden with a global platform, but his career strategy following the show has been remarkably strategic. He avoided being typecast by choosing a diverse range of roles—from the romantic lead in Cinderella to the tormented war veteran in Bodyguard.
His performance in Bodyguard fundamentally changed the perception of him as an actor. It showcased his ability to carry a high-tension narrative, earning him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe. He followed this by playing the morally ambiguous manager John Reid in Rocketman, proving he could handle complex character work.
For readers interested in other contemporary stars, you may want to explore the Miles Teller – Full Biography, Net Worth and Top Gun Role or the Emerald Fennell – Biography, Filmography, and Awards for a broader understanding of this generation of talent.
Key References and Statements
“He was cast in his first role at age 11 and made his screen acting debut in 2000.”
— Wikipedia
“Richard Madden won Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for ‘Bodyguard’ in 2019.”
— Golden Globes
“Madden has described himself as ‘very private’ and deflects questions about relationships.”
— Rolling Stone / The Guardian (paraphrased by biographers)
A Lasting Impression in Film and Television
Richard Madden has successfully navigated the transition from child actor to global star. With a Golden Globe win and a filmography that balances blockbuster appeal with dramatic depth, he remains one of Scotland’s most sought-after talents. Whether he is leading a streaming thriller or a period romance, Madden’s ability to command the screen is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Richard Madden?
Richard Madden was born on 18 June 1986. As of 2025, he is 38 or 39 depending on the exact date.
What is Richard Madden’s net worth?
Exact net worth is not public. Estimates from various outlets range from $4 million to $10 million, primarily from acting.
Where was Richard Madden born?
He was born in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Does Richard Madden have any siblings?
Yes, he has a younger sister named Catherine Madden.
What awards has Richard Madden won?
He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor for Bodyguard (2019) and a National Television Award for Best Drama Performance for the same show.
Is Richard Madden active on social media?
He has an official Instagram account under the handle @maddenrichard, which he uses for promotional updates.
Who did Richard Madden play in Cinderella?
He played Prince Kit (the Prince) opposite Lily James in Disney’s 2015 live-action adaptation.
What was Richard Madden’s first film?
He made his screen debut in the 2000 film Complicity.
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