Laurence Rickard – Biography, Wife, Children, and Ghosts Career

Laurence Rickard is a British actor, writer, and comedian best known as a principal creator and performer on the hit BBC sitcom Ghosts and the long-running children’s sketch show Horrible Histories. With a career spanning more than two decades, he has become a familiar face in British comedy, both on screen and behind the scenes as a writer and co-creator.

Born Laurence Carl “Larry” Rickard on 14 June 1975 in Brighton, England, he studied TV, Film and Drama at Brunel University, London. His career is closely tied to the comedy group behind Horrible Histories, which later expanded into other television projects and a feature film.

Rickard’s official site describes him as a BAFTA-winning comedy writer and actor with more than 20 years of experience. He first became widely known for playing Bob Hale, the fast-talking news reporter on Horrible Histories.

Who is Laurence Rickard’s wife?

Information about Laurence Rickard’s personal life, including his wife, partner, and children, is limited. Public sources are not entirely consistent on this matter. Some sources state he is married to Mary Phillips, while others refer to Mary as his partner. One source reports they have a son named Isaac, announced on Twitter on 14 May 2018. Another source says he lives in Brighton with his family and Mary, his partner. These sources are broadly consistent on the family relationship, though the wording differs between “wife,” “partner,” and “married.”

What is clear is that Rickard generally keeps his private life out of the public eye. The following overview grid and table summarise the available factual information.

Key Insights:

• Laurence Rickard is a BAFTA-winning comedy writer, actor, and performer, best known for co-creating and starring in the BBC sitcom Ghosts.
• He is a core member of the Them There collective, alongside Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, and Ben Willbond.
• Rickard’s career began with the critically acclaimed sketch show Horrible Histories, which led to other projects like Yonderland and Bill.
• Despite public interest, Laurence Rickard keeps his personal life private; limited information about his wife, partner, or children is available.
• He recently appeared in the BBC series Amandaland, expanding his television work beyond the Them There collective.

Laurence Rickard’s partner

Publicly available sources say Rickard is married to Mary Phillips. One source states they have a son, Isaac, and that this was announced on Twitter on 14 May 2018. Another source says he lives in Brighton with his family and Mary, his partner. The wording differs between “wife,” “partner,” and “married.” Because no official confirmation from Rickard himself exists, the details of his relationship status remain somewhat unclear.

Does Laurence Rickard have children?

There are no official sources confirming whether he has children. One online source states he has a son, Isaac, but this information has not been corroborated by Rickard or his management. Users should be aware that this information is not publicly available from reliable sources.

Laurence Rickard’s son

As with other family details, the existence of a son named Isaac is reported by one source but has not been independently verified. The lack of official confirmation means this remains an area of uncertainty in his biography.

What is Laurence Rickard’s role in Ghosts?

Ghosts is one of Rickard’s best-known projects. He co-created, wrote, and starred in the BBC sitcom, which launched in 2019. In the series he played two distinct characters: Robin the caveman and Sir Humphrey Bone. The show became a major success and led to international versions, including an American remake. Rickard’s performances in Ghosts showcase his range as a physical comedian and his skill with wordplay.

Laurence Rickard’s filmography: movies and TV shows

Rickard’s writing and performing credits extend beyond children’s comedy into mainstream sketch and sitcom work. His television credits include The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson, Dick and Dom’s Funny Business, All Over the Place, The Armstrong and Miller Show, Tracey Breaks the News, Murder in Successville, and Brassic. On the film side, he co-wrote and starred in Bill (2015), a comedy film based on a fictionalized early life of William Shakespeare. He is also listed in more recent screen credits for Chicken Town.

Is Laurence Rickard in Amandaland?

Yes, Laurence Rickard appears in the BBC series Amandaland, which aired in 2023. This project represents an expansion of his television work beyond the Them There collective. Further details about his specific role in the series are not widely documented.

What is Laurence Rickard’s family background?

Laurence Rickard is described as a “born-and-bred Brightonian,” indicating his deep roots in Brighton, England. He met comedy partner George Sawyer in college, and together they formed the comedy duo Larry and George. He has collaborated repeatedly with former Horrible Histories colleagues, including Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond, Simon Farnaby, and Martha Howe-Douglas. This group eventually formed the Them There collective, which has been central to his professional life.

Timeline of Laurence Rickard’s career

1. 1975: Born in Brighton, England.
2. 2009: Horrible Histories premieres; Rickard becomes a writer and performer.
3. 2013: Yonderland debuts on Sky1.
4. 2015: Film Bill released, written and performed by the Them There collective.
5. 2019: Ghosts premieres on BBC One, co-created and starring Rickard.
6. 2023: Amandaland airs on BBC One, featuring Rickard.

What is known and what remains uncertain about Laurence Rickard’s personal life?

Laurence Rickard’s career in context

Laurence Rickard’s career is defined by his collaborative work with the Them There collective, a group that has produced a distinctive brand of historical and supernatural comedy. His versatility as a writer and performer is evident in the range of projects from children’s sketch shows to prime-time sitcoms. The lack of public family information is consistent with his preference for privacy, which contrasts with the often personal nature of his on-screen characters.

What sources confirm Laurence Rickard’s biography?

“Larry is a BAFTA-winning comedy writer and actor, best known for the hit BBC1 sitcom Ghosts and the critically lauded sketch show Horrible Histories.”

— Laurence Rickard’s official website (laurencerickard.com)

“He is one of the co-creators and stars of the hugely successful BBC1 sitcom Ghosts.”

— NRH Management

“Laurence Rickard (born 14 June 1975) is an English actor, writer, and comedian best known as a member of the Them There collective.”

— Wikipedia

Wrapping up: what we know about Laurence Rickard

Laurence Rickard remains a respected figure in British comedy, known for his creative work with the Them There collective and his memorable performances in Ghosts and Horrible Histories. While his professional career is well documented, his personal life — including questions about a wife, partner, or children — is not publicly confirmed. For readers interested in similar comedic talents, you may also find our profile on Omid Djalili – Age, Wife, Net Worth and the Truth About Cancelled Rumours informative, as well as James Bolam – Biography, Career, and Personal Life.

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