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Richard Gadd

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Richard Gadd
Born (1989-05-11) 11 May 1989 (age 35)
Wormit, Fife, Scotland
EducationMadras College
Alma materUniversity of Glasgow
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • writer
Notable workBaby Reindeer
FatherGeoffrey Michael Gadd[1]
Websiterichardgadd.com

Richard Gadd (born 11 May 1989) is a Scottish actor, comedian, and writer, best known for creating and starring in the 2024 Netflix drama series Baby Reindeer, which was based on his one-man dark comedy show of the same name.[2][3][4][5] Gadd won three Primetime Emmy Awards for writing, producing, and acting in the series.[6][7]

Early life and education

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Richard Gadd was born, and brought up in the village of Wormit, in the Fife area of Scotland, United Kingdom.[8] Gadd has described himself as a "middle-class guy from Fife", and being "from a remote part of Scotland”, although Wormit is actually across the river from the central Scottish city of Dundee.[9] Gadd's father is microbiologist and mycologist Geoffrey Michael Gadd, currently professor at the University of Dundee.[1] Gadd went to school at Madras College in nearby St Andrews. During his time at Madras College, he took on the lead role in the production of Macbeth, where he was praised for his “wonderfully physical” performance.[10] Gadd then studied English literature and theatre studies at the University of Glasgow, graduating in 2011.[10][11]

Career

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Comedy career

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Gadd began performing stand-up comedy and musical comedy while he was a student at Glasgow University in 2008. He entered the Glasgow heats of the Chortle new comedian awards in 2009.[11][10][12] In 2010 Gadd performed his first Edinburgh Fringe show, Richard Gadd: 6 And Half A 7.[13] In 2011, Gadd was a Chortle Student Comedy Awards finalist.[14] In 2012, Gadd co-performed in Edinburgh Fringe show Gadd, Kirk And Winning – Well, This Is Awkward…, and trained at the Oxford School of Drama, completing a one-year course in 2012.[15][16] Gadd then moved to London to pursue his comedy career.[17] Gadd's 2013 Edinburgh Fringe show was Cheese & Crack Whores, and his 2014 show, Breaking Gadd, both of which went on to have runs at London's Soho Theatre.[9] The Guardian wrote that his first two shows "purported to be autobiographical accounts of the young Scotsman's bleak life, a roundelay of failed relationships, blackouts, abusive therapists and fratricide."[9] Writing in 2015, The Guardian described him as a "schlock comic with a name for gaudy multimedia tales of drug addiction and sexual violence, mental illness and gore".[18] Gadd's 2015 Edinburgh Fringe show, Waiting for Gaddot was intentionally more mainstream than its predecessors, bringing Gadd more success and wider attention.[9] Waiting for Gaddot won an Amused Moose Comedy Award in 2015 as well as a Scottish Comedy Award for Best Solo Show in 2016.[19][20] It was also nominated for a 'Malcolm Hardee Award' for Innovation and a Chortle Award for Innovation.[21]

Gadd's 2016 Fringe show Monkey See Monkey Do won the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Comedy Show and was also nominated for a Total Theatre Award for Innovation.[22][23] Later that year, Gadd won a Chortle Comedian's Comedian Award and was nominated for an Off West End Theatre Award for Best Performer.[24][25] The show then had several sell-out runs at Soho Theatre, toured the UK and Europe,[26] and had a run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where it was nominated for the 2017 Barry Award.[27][28] In 2017 it was broadcast on Comedy Central as part of their Soho Theatre Live series.[29]

Baby Reindeer

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While a jobbing comedian, Gadd worked as a bartender at The Hawley Arms pub in Camden Town, London. It was here he would encounter 'Martha', who would go on to become the main character in Baby Reindeer.[30] Baby Reindeer began as an Edinburgh fringe show, in 2019, a dark comedy, chronicling Gadd's experiences of being stalked by 'Martha', and sexually assaulted by a man he met earlier in his career. Baby Reindeer would prove to be Gadd's breakout success, winning two Edinburgh Fringe awards: The Scotsman Fringe First Award for New Writing and a Stage Award for Acting Excellence.[31][32] The show then went on to a five-week run at The Bush Theatre in London[33] where it won an Off West End Theatre Award for Best Video Design, as well as receiving a nomination in the Best Performer category.[34] The show later transferred to the Ambassador's Theatre in London's West End, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[35] A few months later, the show went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre.[36]

In April 2024, Netflix released a seven-episode drama based on Gadd's play, and billed as a 'true story'.[37][4][17][38] Gadd lost 28 kilograms to play the fictionalized version of himself in order to feel "vulnerable and fragile". Baby Reindeer also featured a fictionalized version of Gadd’s parents.[39] According to a report by Barclays bank, the enormous success and popularity of Baby Reindeer resulted in a notable annual increase in spending on Netflix digital subscriptions.[40] The woman depicted as 'Martha' in Baby Reindeer, portrayed as having stalked and sexually assaulted Gadd, was quickly identified as Fiona Harvey, a Scottish lawyer with a history of stalking and mental illness.[5] Harvey denied Gadd's accusations and depiction of her, stated that she has never been to jail, as depicted in the Netflix show, and is pursuing a multi-million pound defamation claim against Netflix.[41] A former colleague has also questioned Gadd's version of events as depicted in Baby Reindeer.[30] Although not directly named in Harvey's lawsuit against Netflix, Gadd has fully supported Netflix's defence against Harvey's claims, and requested to have her lawsuit dismissed, defending the veracity of Baby Reindeer and re-iterating accusations made against Harvey for stalking.[42]

Acting and screenwriting

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As an actor, Gadd had multiple credits in various television series, television films and short films, before his breakout success in Baby Reindeer. Gadd's acting career began with a role in one episode of BBC Scotland's Scot Squad, in 2014, and continued with an appearance in four episodes of E4's Tripped in 2015. He starred opposite Daniel Mays in the 2017 BAFTA-nominated BBC Two single drama Against the Law. Gadd's other acting credits include BBC Three's Clique, Sky Arts's One Normal Night, and Sky One's Code 404. He has also appeared in several short films.[43] As a screenwriter, Gadd wrote for Netflix's Sex Education, and has written episodes of Ultimate Worrier for Dave and The Last Leg for Channel 4. In 2022, Gadd starred as Conrad Lennox in three episodes of the Disney Plus series Wedding Season.[10] Gadd has also had several projects aired on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland.[44] Following the success of Baby Reindeer, Gadd is now writing a drama for the BBC titled Lions.[10]

Personal life

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Gadd identifies as bisexual.[45][46]

Gadd has struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, telling The Guardian in 2015 "I'm healthy and sober now. I still get real bad downers. But I feel better than I was."[9]

Gadd is an avid football fan, supporting Dundee United and following the Scotland football team. Gadd was spotted at a match at Euro 2024.[47]

Gadd has lived in London long term.[9]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2024 Truth Serum Jimmy Short film [48]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2014 Scot Squad Tybalt Camberlain Season 1, Episode 4
2015 Tripped Callum Main role
2016 Vicious Delivery Man Episode: "The Finale"
2017 Against the Law Eddie McNally Television film
2018 Humans Protester Season 3, Episode 4
Clique Ben Howard Recurring role; 6 episodes
2019 Urban Myths Gareth Episode: "Princess Diana, Freddy and Kenny"
2020 Outlander Duff Episode: "Mercy Shall Follow Me"
2020–2022 Code 404 Liam Cleasby Main role
2022 Wedding Season Conrad Lennox Guest role; 3 episodes
2024 A Bear Named Wojtek Dave Voice role; television film
Baby Reindeer Donny Dunn Lead role; also writer and creator

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2024 Astra TV Awards Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie Baby Reindeer Pending [49]
Best Writing in a Limited Series or TV Movie Pending
Gotham TV Awards Outstanding Performance in a Limited Series Nominated [50]
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series Won [51]
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Won
Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Won
Television Critics Association Awards Individual Achievement in Drama Nominated [52]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Devlin, Laura (14 June 2024). "Dundee professor and dad of Fife's Baby Reindeer star recognised in King's Birthday Honours". Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  2. ^ Klein, Brennan (15 April 2024). "Baby Reindeer Cast Guide". ScreenRant.com. Archived from the original on 19 April 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  3. ^ Tonks, Phoebe (3 May 2024). "Who is Richard Gadd? Meet the man behind Netflix's chilling Baby Reindeer". Yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b Badshah, Nadeem (9 May 2024). "'Inspiration' for Baby Reindeer stalker character says she received death threats". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b Yang, Maya (6 June 2024). "Baby Reindeer: woman who claims to be real-life Martha sues Netflix for $170m". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  6. ^ Gonzalez, Shivani (17 July 2024). "Emmy Nominees 2024: The Complete List". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  7. ^ Lyons, Margaret (23 April 2024). "What to Watch: 'Baby Reindeer,' an Astonishing Stalker Drama". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  8. ^ Hepburn, David (3 April 2024). "Baby Reindeer: Scottish performer Richard Gadd's new series release is". The Scotsman.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Logan, Brian (18 October 2015). "'Outside, looking out': the twisted world of Richard Gadd". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Richard Gadd: Who is Fife comedian behind Netflix hit Baby Reindeer?". The Courier. 16 April 2024. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Our alumni - Richard Gadd". Glasgow University. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  12. ^ "Richard Gadd - Chortle Student Comedy Award 2009". 14 March 2009. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  13. ^ Bennett, Steve. "Richard Gadd: 6 And Half A 7". chortle.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  14. ^ Bennett, Steve. "Chortle Student Comedy Award Final 2011". chortle.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Richard Gadd - Notable Alumni". Oxford School of Drama. Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Gadd, Kirk and Winning: Well, This is Awkward..." 6 August 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  17. ^ a b Logan, Brian (10 September 2019). "Richard Gadd on his stalker: 'It would be unfair to say she was awful and I'm a victim'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  18. ^ "Richard Gadd interview". British Comedy Guide. 27 November 2014. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  19. ^ "AmusedMoose Comedy Awards - Stand-up Comedy Soho Kings Cross Awards Courses". amusedmoose.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  20. ^ Bennett, Steve (26 April 2016). "Scot Squad apprehends two Scottish Comedy Awards". chortle.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  21. ^ Bennett, Steve. "Praise be to Gadd!". chortle.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  22. ^ Premier. "Best Show – Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Awards". www.comedyawards.co.uk. Archived from the original on 17 June 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  23. ^ "The Total Theatre Awards Shortlist 2016". Summerhall – Open Minds Open Doors. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  24. ^ Bennett, Steve (20 March 2017). "Who won at the Chortle Awards 2017". chortle.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  25. ^ "Off West End Theatre Award nominations". oxforddrama.ac.uk. 2 May 2017. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  26. ^ "Show & Tell". showandtelluk.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  27. ^ "Richard Gadd: Monkey See Monkey Do at Soho Theatre". Soho Theatre. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  28. ^ "Melbourne International Comedy Festival". Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  29. ^ "Comedy Central to broadcast Soho Theatre Live stand-up shows". British Comedy Guide. 24 May 2017. Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  30. ^ a b Iftikhar, Asyia Iftikhar (18 May 2024). "Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd's ex-colleague claims he led 'real Martha' on 'for laughs'". Metro. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  31. ^ "Final Edinburgh Fringe First Award winners revealed". whatsonstage.com. 23 August 2019. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  32. ^ "Richard Gadd wins The Stage Edinburgh Award 2019". oxforddrama.ac.uk. 24 August 2019. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  33. ^ "Baby Reindeer". bushtheatre.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  34. ^ "2020 Awards – The Offies". Archived from the original on 9 January 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  35. ^ "Baby Reindeer and The Shark Is Broken are postponed". British Theatre. 5 April 2020. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  36. ^ Bennett, Steve (26 October 2020). "Richard Gadd wins an Olivier Award". chortle.co.uk. Archived from the original on 12 February 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  37. ^ "Baby Reindeer review — Netflix's unsettling stalker drama makes for difficult viewing". Financial Times. 21 April 2024. Archived from the original on 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  38. ^ Williams, Zoe (18 April 2024). "'I was severely stalked and severely abused': Richard Gadd on the true story behind Baby Reindeer [Interview]". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  39. ^ Gardner, Chris (13 May 2024). "Richard Gadd on 'Baby Reindeer' Phenomenon, Losing Anonymity and What He Won't Ever Comment on Again". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  40. ^ "Baby Reindeer success comes amid jump in subscription spending – Barclays". The Asian Mirror. 7 May 2024. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  41. ^ Butler, Alexander; Murray, Tom (10 May 2024). "Baby Reindeer: Fans horrified by Piers Morgan's 'excruciating' interview". The Independent. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  42. ^ Keenan, Claire (30 July 2024). "Baby Reindeer's Richard Gadd responds to Fiona Harvey's lawsuit against Netflix". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  43. ^ "Richard Gadd". IMDb. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  44. ^ "BBC Radio 4 – Richard Gadd: Daddy Diaries". BBC. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  45. ^ Chilton, Louis (11 April 2024). "Richard Gadd on Netflix's Baby Reindeer and his real-life story of stalking and trauma: 'I've lived in a prison of self-hate'". The Independent. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  46. ^ Canfield, David (15 May 2024). "The Cast of 'Baby Reindeer' Speaks Out: "You Have to Practice Self-Preservation"". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  47. ^ "Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd spotted cheering on Scotland at Euro 2024... but there's no sign of Martha". www.goal.com. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  48. ^ Yossman, K. J. (29 May 2024). "Richard Gadd Short Film 'Truth Serum' Snapped Up by Omeleto (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  49. ^ "The 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominations Have Arrived". Hollywood Creative Alliance. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  50. ^ Verhoeven, Beatrice (14 May 2024). "'Baby Reindeer,' 'The Curse,' 'Shogun' Among Inaugural Gotham TV Awards Nominees". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  51. ^ "Richard Gadd". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  52. ^ Longeretta, Emily (10 June 2024). "'Baby Reindeer', 'Ripley' and 'Shogun' Lead 2024 TCA Awards Nominations: Full List". Variety. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
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