Philip Glenister

Philip Glenister
Born	Philip Haywood Glenister
Spouse	Beth Goddard (2006—present)
Website	http://www.philip-glenister.com

Philip Haywood Glenister (born February 10, 1963) is a British actor, best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in British television series Life On Mars and its sequel Ashes To Ashes. He appeared on Jo Russell's Absolute Radio show and said he'd like to bring back the TV show Magnum and he'd like to play the lead role.

Early life

He was born in Harrow, Middlesex, England and brought up in Hatch End in the London Borough of Harrow, north-west London. He went to Hatch End Comprehensive School (now Hatch End High School - his brother went to a grammar school instead) and the Central School of Speech and Drama. Philip is the son of director John Glenister and the brother of actor Robert Glenister. His interest in acting came from seeing his brother in a production about the Sex Pistols called Killing Time at the Soho Poly. He worked for the entertainment entrepreneur Robert Stigwood then worked as a films publicist until he was 23. The (former) wife of his brother, the actress Amanda Redman, persuaded him to apply for the Central School of Speech and Drama, and coached him for his audition. At the Central, he was a contemporary of Graham Norton and Rufus Sewell. He also shared a flat with the actor Jamie Glover.

Television and films

Glenister has appeared in the television drama series, The Stepfather (2005 playing Dougie Molloy), Clocking Off (playing the factory boss), Island at War (playing Baron Heinrich von Rheingarten), State of Play, Hornblower, Sharpe, Roger Roger and Vincent, and the film Calendar Girls (playing the photographer). He is probably best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in Life On Mars, alongside John Simm's Sam Tyler. Glenister also worked with Simm on State of Play and Clocking Off. He reprised the role of Gene Hunt in the spin-off series Ashes To Ashes, which began on February 7 2008, and once more worked with Simm on the 1980s-set crime film Tuesday. Upon announcement of the film, Glenister joked that he and Simm were contractually obliged to work with each other once a year. Tuesday premièred in the UK on 10 October 2008.

In the Autumn of 2007 he starred as Mr Carter in the BBC1 costume drama Cranford, playing a farmer's son and social reforming estate manager for Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis). In 2009, Glenister played Rupert Galvin, an ex-CIA operative, in a six part prime time ITV1 drama - Demons.

Glenister has also appeared on Top Gear as the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car, as well as a Mamma Mia! spoof sketch for Comic Relief in 2009.

Publications

A book by Glenister on 1970s and 80s culture, Things Ain't What They Used to Be, was published in October 2008.

Personal life

Glenister married actress Beth Goddard in 2006 after a nine-year relationship. They met at a birthday party of Jamie Glover in July 1997. They have two children, Millie (born March 2002) and Charlotte (born April 2005), and live in East Sheen, near Richmond. He supports Arsenal F.C. and is a keen golfer.

His brother, Robert Glenister is also a British television actor.

On 28 October 2008 on the Paul O'Grady TV show he claimed to be a fan of non-league football team Wealdstone FC.

External links

• Philip Glenister Official Website
• Philip Glenister Index
• Philip Glenister at IMDb
• Life on Mars at the BBC
• BBC Ashes To Ashes official website