Born on March 27, 1957, in London, England, he is a distinguished British actor known for his versatility across stage, film, and television. He studied history and politics at the University of Exeter before pursuing acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Gaining acclaim for roles in films like "The Hours" and "Spy Game," he also starred in HBO's "Game of Thrones" as Stannis Baratheon. His stage work earned him a Tony Award for "The Real Thing." He is respected for his thoughtful, intense performances.