Ricci Harnett
Born on 8 February 1973 in London, England, Ricci Harnett is an English actor, writer and director whose name is synonymous with one of British crime cinema’s most iconic roles.
Rise of the Footsoldier
Harnett is the heart of the Rise of the Footsoldier franchise, portraying Carlton Leach in both Rise of the Footsoldier (2007) and Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II (2015). His commitment to the role extends beyond acting; he also directed Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II, demonstrating a creative investment in the series that goes far beyond simply appearing on screen. The films chart the real-life story of Carlton Leach, and Harnett’s commanding performance across both pictures has made him a central figure in British gangster cinema.
Early Career
Harnett made his screen debut in 1991 in The Object of Beauty, appearing alongside Hollywood star John Malkovich, playing the role of Steve Finn. It was a notable entry point into the industry for a young London actor.
Other Notable Film Roles
Beyond the Footsoldier franchise, Harnett has built an impressive body of film work. Perhaps his most widely seen credit is 28 Days Later (2002), in which he played Corporal Mitchell in the landmark British horror film. Further credits include Joy Division (2006) as Sgt Harry Stone, Flick (2008), Breathe (2009) in which he played lead character Carroll Bailey, Psychosis (2010) as Peck, Top Dog (2014) as Mickey, and Vendetta (2013) as Joe Windsor. More recently, he appeared in Jodie (2024).
Television Work
On television, Harnett has appeared in several popular British series, including The Thin Blue Line, Casualty, and The Bill, as well as Dunkirk, Roger Roger, and The Hack.
His range across film and television, combined with his enduring association with the Rise of the Footsoldier series, makes Harnett one of the most distinctive faces in contemporary British crime drama.