Martin Freeman
English Actor Best Known for the UK's "The Office," "Sherlock" and "The Hobbit" Film Trilogy
Born in England in 1971, Martin Freeman acted in a number of British television series before his big break.
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Full Bio
Born in England in 1971, Martin Freeman acted in a number of British television series before his big break, being cast as Tim Canterbury on the BBC series The Office. Since then, he has become known for roles in films like Love Actually (2003) and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). Freeman has also developed a following for his portrayal of Dr. John Watson opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in the popular British television series Sherlock.
Born in Aldershot, England on September 8, 1971, actor Martin Freeman grew up near London as the youngest of five children. His parents split up when he was little, and he lost his father when he was only 10 years old. Freeman attended Catholic school before enrolling at the Central School of Speech and Drama. In his early career, he performed in several productions at London’s National Theatre.
In 2001, Freeman had a major career breakthrough with the British television series The Office. Created by Ricky Gervais, the comedy proved to be a big hit. Freeman especially endeared himself to audiences with his portrayal of Tim Canterbury, a lovable, underachieving sales rep with a crush on the company’s receptionist.
Freeman has also won over audiences with roles on the silver screen. In 2003, he was part of an all-star ensemble cast in the romantic comedy Love Actually. In 2005, he appeared in the film adaptation of Douglas Adams’s novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Freeman enjoyed another wave of television success with Sherlock, which debuted in 2010. In this modern-day reimagining of the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he played Dr. John Watson, the trusty aide to master detective Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch). Freeman won a BAFTA award in 2011 and received Emmy Award nominations in 2012 and in 2014 for his work on the series.
Taking on another literary role, Freeman was cast as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. This film, directed by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, is slated to be released in December 2012. The actor has been cast to play the same character in two follow-up films of The Hobbit franchise, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smog hit theaters in 2013 and The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies will be out in late 2014. The film series is based on the award-winning fantasy novel by famed English writer J.R.R. Tolkien, who also wrote the well-received Lord of the Rings book series.
In 2014, Freeman appeared on American television in the series Fargo. The show is based on the 1996 Coen brothers film by the same name. Freeman plays an insurance salesman who gets mixed up with a dangerous drifter (Billy Bob Thornton). For his work on the series, Freeman received a lead actor Emmy nomination in 2014. And he won an Emmy that year for his role as John Watson on the PBS program Sherlock.
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Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
An Evening With Martin Freeman
Videos
Raw video: Martin Freeman discusses role in ‘Fargo’
The Hobbit Star Martin Freeman Loves His Slippers - 'The Desolation of Smaug' Interview (2013)
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