Keith Allen
Born on 2 September 1953 in Gorseinon, Glamorgan, Wales, Keith Allen is one of British entertainment’s most versatile and recognisable figures. An actor, comedian, musician, singer-songwriter, artist, director, author and television presenter, Allen has built a career spanning several decades across film, television and beyond.
Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins
Allen joined the Rise of the Footsoldier franchise in Origins, bringing considerable weight and experience to the production. His reputation for portraying sharp, compelling characters made him a natural fit for the gritty world of the series.
Film Career
Allen first made a significant impression on cinema audiences with his appearance in Shallow Grave (1994), in which he played Hugo. He followed that with a memorable turn in Trainspotting (1996), playing the Dealer. Both films helped cement his status as a serious and sought-after screen presence.
His film work has continued to span a wide range of genres. He appeared in The Others (2001) as Mr. Marlish, the comedy-drama 24 Hour Party People (2002) as Roger Ames, the family adventure Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004) as Diaz, the British sporting biopic Eddie the Eagle (2016) as Terry, and the blockbuster sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) as Charles.
Television and Beyond
On television, Allen has been equally busy, with notable roles including Harry Marx in Midsomer Murders, Neil Jenkins in Death in Paradise, and appearances on Top Gear. He also notably hosted Top of the Pops, further demonstrating his range beyond straight acting.
Family and Personal Life
Allen is the father of celebrated singer-songwriter Lily Allen and actor Alfie Owen-Allen. He is also the brother of Kevin Allen, the Welsh actor, screenwriter, film director and film producer. Creative talent clearly runs deep in the Allen family, making Keith something of a patriarch in a remarkable Welsh entertainment dynasty.