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Martin Shaw

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Biography

Recent Role:
George Gently on Inspector George Gently
Gender:
Male
Born:
1-21-1945
Birthplace:
Birmingham, England UK
Martin was born in 1945, in Birmingham. He father was an engineer and his mother a champion ballroom dancer. He didn't enjoy school, except English Literature. He made his first stage appearance at three in an amateur production alongside his parents, and he enjoyed appearing in the school plays. He joined the drama society at his teacher's suggestion and keenly studied Shakespeare.

His first job was in the sales office of a chemical firm and he continued with the Pied Pipers (a commedia dell'arte group) in his spare time. The group met twice a week, discussed a plot, and

More then marched through the streets with their banners and their audience behind them. After two years he quit his job and auditioned for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)winning a place in 1963 and thoroughly enjoyed his time there. He lost his Birmingham accent and went to Hornchurch rep and very quickly was offered key roles. He went on to have an extensive and varied stage career.

From the early 70s, his number of TV roles gradually increased, including the show that brought him to the attention of the UK public - The Professionals, and by the 2000s, he continues to appear regularly on TV.

Martin first married actress Jill Allen in 1968, and they had three children: Joe Shaw (b. 1972), also a TV actor, Luke Shaw and Sophie Shaw, both stage actors. Sophie performed with her father in A Man for All Seasons a UK Theatre Tour in 2005.

His second wife was alternative therapist Mary Mandsfield, whom he married in 1985, and his current wife is Vicki Kimm (married in 1996), whom he met when she interviewed him on Pebble Mill at One.

Martin lives in a Quaker's Cottage in Norfolk, and owns a crofter's cottage in Scotland. He and third wife Vicki, share a love of flying; he has a private pilot's licence, and owns a Boeing Stearman.

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    8 Great
    40 Years of Excellence hide show

    There are many people with thoughts on Martin Shaw. I initially saw him as Judge Deed, and as not the best Commander Dalgliesh. This is not an attack on this excellent actor, but more on his predecessor Roy Marsden who shaped the role.

    Mr. Shaw as Judge Deed might seem as a first step why people would be a fan of his work, but a quick tour on the work he has done shows that Mr. Shaw has been very visible for almost half a century in different fields of acting. Some might remember him as the Doctor enjoying life (and nurses) in Doctor in the house, But he did not stop at the patients ward. He has been all over the place, from a friendly neighbourhood location called Coronation street, to being a CI5 spook in the professional. Martin has seen pretty much every corner of of the British Television realm. Looking back, i reckon that Judge Deed will be a crowning piece of work. This drama, masterful played, and with the depth that makes us look forward to a new episode. The series which seems to have abruptly ended in 2007, hopefully not permanent; as Martin seems to draw in the public, suddenly aware that watching the law might be great value in entertainment. But even if the series ends, with his participation in Apperitions and George Gently it is sure that we will see more in Martin in the time and years to come.

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