Timothy L. McInnerny Bio
Timothy L. McInnerny (born 18 September 1956) is a British actor whose career spans stage, television, and film. He is best known for his memorable roles in the Blackadder series, where his comic timing and character work as Lord Percy Percy and Captain Kevin Darling became iconic. Born in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, he was educated at Marling School in Stroud and studied English at Wadham College, Oxford. Over the decades he has cultivated a wide range of performances from theatre and dramatic television to contemporary stage work. His versatility and longevity reflect a dedicated commitment to craft across genres.
Early Life and Background
Timothy L. McInnerny was born on 18 September 1956 in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, England. His father was William Ronald McInnerny and his mother was Mary Joan (née Gibbings). He has two sisters. He was brought up in Cheadle Hulme and in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and educated at Marling School, a grammar school in Stroud.
After completing his secondary education, McInnerny took a gap year to backpack around the world before matriculating at Wadham College, Oxford in 1976. He read English at the university, where his involvement in student theatre productions helped develop his interest in acting as a profession.
Path to Acting
McInnerny’s path to professional acting began during his time at Oxford, where he gained valuable experience in student theatre. His formal entry into the acting profession came in the early 1980s following his graduation. He prepared for his career through a combination of academic study and practical theatrical experience, building the foundation for a diverse portfolio of work.
Timothy L. McInnerny Career
Early Career (1983–1990)
McInnerny’s first major professional role came in the Blackadder series during the 1980s. He played the bumbling aristocrat Lord Percy Percy in The Black Adder (1983) and Blackadder II (1986). He made a guest appearance as the Scarlet Pimpernel in Blackadder the Third (1987) before returning to the main cast to play Captain Kevin Darling in Blackadder Goes Forth (1989). His performance in the Blackadder series established him as a skilled comic actor and brought him significant recognition in British television.
During this period, McInnerny also expanded into theatre work. In 1985 he was cast in Pravda alongside Anthony Hopkins, a significant early stage achievement. The following year he took on the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the West End production of The Rocky Horror Show, a performance recorded on the soundtrack album of that production.
Breakthrough and Growth (1990–2010)
The 1990s and 2000s saw McInnerny build a substantial career across film and television. His film credits from this era include Erik the Viking (1989), Richard III (1995), 101 Dalmatians (1996), FairyTale: A True Story (1997), Notting Hill (1999), 102 Dalmatians (2000), and The Emperor’s New Clothes (2001). In these films, he demonstrated his ability to adapt to various genres from historical dramas to family comedies.
On television, McInnerny played Oliver Mace in the spy series Spooks in 2004 and Cecil in Gunpowder, Treason and Plot the same year. He portrayed The Doge in the film Casanova (2005), Richard in Severance (2006), and Joliffe in The Devil’s Whore (2008). His performance as Hob in Black Death (2010) showcased his range in more serious dramatic material. In 2011 he appeared in Law and Order UK as a man wrongly convicted of murdering his daughter, and in 2012 he guest-starred in New Tricks.
Notable Works and Milestones
The Blackadder series remains his most iconic work, with Captain Kevin Darling becoming a beloved figure in British comedy. His dramatic work in Edge of Darkness (1985) established him as a capable serious actor, while his theatrical performances, particularly as Iago in Othello at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2007 and as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, demonstrated his versatility on stage.
International Recognition (2016–Present)
In 2016 McInnerny joined the cast of the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones in Season 6, playing Lord Robett Glover. This role introduced him to a new international audience and demonstrated his continued relevance in major television productions. That same year he appeared in the film National Treasure and Eddie The Eagle.
More recent television appearances include In the Dark (2017), Strike (2017), Harlots (2017), and Strangers (2018). He played a role in the historical drama Peterloo (2018) and appeared in The Trial of Christine Keeler (2019–2020) and Gangs of London (2020). In 2021 he appeared in The Serpent and in 2022 he was cast in Ten Percent. His most recent credits include One Day (2024) and Gladiator II (2024).
Family
Timothy L. McInnerny was born to William Ronald McInnerny and Mary Joan (née Gibbings). He has two sisters. He married Annie Gosney and has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his career.
Personal Life
McInnerny has been married to Annie Gosney for many years. He has been a patron of the Norwich Film Festival since 2012, supporting emerging filmmakers and the independent film community. In 1989 he appeared in Kate Bush’s music video for her song This Woman’s Work. He has also appeared in music videos for other artists including Westlife.