Keith Allen

Keith Howell Charles Allen was born on September 2, 1953, in Swansea, Wales. Following a very active and rebellious youth, Allen entered the entertainment world and became one of the most colorful, provocative, and versatile figures in the British entertainment industry as a comedian, actor, musician, writer, and presenter. Also the father of famous singer Lily Allen and "Game of Thrones" star Alfie Allen, Keith Allen has been known throughout his career for his mastery in portraying authority-defying, eccentric, menacing, or villainous characters. He began his professional career in the early 1980s on London's rising alternative comedy scene and made his name with his work in the legendary comedy troupe "The Comic Strip Presents." series. In the cinema world, he particularly attracted attention through his collaborations with director Danny Boyle. He witnessed significant moments in British cinema by appearing in the cult classic black comedy-thriller "Shallow Grave" (1994) and "Trainspotting" (1996), in which he portrayed a drug dealer, one of the icons of 1990s cinema.

He is also internationally recognized for his role as Mr. Marlish in Alejandro Amenábar's gothic horror film "The Others" (2001), starring Nicole Kidman. His most iconic and widely known television role is that of Sheriff Vaisey of Nottingham, portrayed in the BBC's globally popular series "Robin Hood" (2006–2009). The exaggerated, sardonic, intelligent, and ruthless villain he embodied in the show made him one of its most memorable and beloved figures. Allen sustained his television success with sitcoms such as "Roger & Val Have Just Got In" (2010–2012) and crime dramas like "Marcella" (2018). Leaving an indelible mark on music and popular culture, he wrote the lyrics for New Order's 1990 World Cup song "World in Motion" and became an integral part of English football culture with his anthem "Vindaloo" (1998), released under the group "Fat Les," which he formed with Damien Hirst and Alex James.

In recent years, he has showcased his talents in cinema with Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman in "Eddie the Eagle" (2015) as Charles, and in the action-spy sequel "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" (2017). Additionally, he once again demonstrated the depth of his dramatic acting through his portrayal of serial killer John Cooper in the true-crime drama series "The Pembrokeshire Murders" (2021).