Ben Whishaw is a famous English actor known for his amazing performances in movies, TV shows, and on stage. He was born on October 14, 1980, in Clifton, Bedfordshire, England, and is now 44 years old (as of 2024). His full name is Benjamin John Whishaw. He is best known for playing Q in James Bond movies like Skyfall and Spectre. He also voiced the lovable Paddington Bear in the hit Paddington movies.
Ben’s journey began when he joined a Big Spirit theatre group during his school days at Samuel Whitbread Community College. His talent shined early, and he later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Ben’s acting career includes roles in popular films like The Danish Girl and Cloud Atlas. He also received much praise for his TV work in shows like
Who is Ben Whishaw?
The Hour and Criminal Justice. On stage, he wowed audiences with his performance as Hamlet. In his personal life, Ben has a twin brother named James. In 2012, he married his partner, Mark Bradshaw, an Australian composer. Ben is open about being gay and admired for representing the LGBTQ+ community. Ben Whishaw’s net worth is around $6 million, which he has earned through his successful acting career and voice work.
Even during his early years, Ben was known for being creative and hardworking. His time at RADA helped him become the fantastic actor we know today. Ben has always been passionate about his craft, whether acting in movies or voicing characters like Paddington Bear on stage. At RADA, he learned about acting in movies, television, and theatre. He also got the chance to play many different kinds of characters, which helped him grow as an actor.
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Ben Whishaw Biography Table
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Benjamin John Whishaw |
Date of Birth | October 14, 1980 |
Age | 44 years old (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Clifton, Bedfordshire, England |
Nationality | British |
Profession | Actor, Voice Actor |
Known For | – Q in James Bond films (Skyfall, Spectre) – Voice of Paddington Bear in Paddington movies |
Education | Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) |
Notable Works | – The Danish Girl – Cloud Atlas – Hamlet (Stage) – TV shows: The Hour, Criminal Justice |
Awards | BAFTA Award for Criminal Justice |
Net Worth | $6 million (as of 2024) |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Mark Bradshaw (m. 2012) |
Siblings | Fraternal twin brother, James Whishaw |

Ben Whishaw: Early Life and Education
Ben Whishaw was born on October 14, 1980, in a small town called Clifton in Bedfordshire, England. He has a fraternal twin brother named James Whishaw, which means they were born on the same day but don’t look identical. From a young age, Ben loved acting and performing. Ben was quiet and shy as a child, but he found his voice through acting. He loved storytelling and would often perform in school plays. His parents supported his passion for the arts, and he worked hard to improve his skills.
Ben attended Samuel Whitbread Community College, where he joined a theatre group called Big Spirit Theatre Company. This was an essential step because it allowed him to act in front of audiences and learn more about performing. He played many roles in the group, and people started noticing his talent. After finishing school, Ben decided he wanted to become a professional actor. To follow his dream, he applied to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of the most famous acting schools in the world. Getting into RADA is hard, but Ben’s talent and dedication helped him succeed.
Ben Whishaw Physical Appearance Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 72 kg (159 lbs) |
Eye Color | Green |
Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Body Type | Slim |
Distinctive Features | Soft-spoken voice and delicate facial features |
Ben Whishaw: Parents, Siblings, Wife, and Children
Ben Whishaw was born into a loving family in Bedfordshire, England, on October 14, 1980. His father’s name is Jose Whishaw, and his mother is Linda Whishaw. His dad worked in sports and business, while his mom was a teacher who inspired Ben to love learning and creativity. They always supported Ben’s dream of becoming an actor. Ben has a fraternal twin brother named James Whishaw. Even though they are twins, they don’t look the same. James has been a big part of Ben’s life, and the two share a close bond. They grew up together in the quiet countryside, playing games and sharing adventures.
In 2012, Ben married his longtime partner, Mark Bradshaw, an Australian composer. Mark writes music for movies and television, and the couple shares a love for art and creativity. They first met while working on a project and quickly became close friends before falling in love. Ben and Mark live private lives and don’t share much about their personal lives with the public. They do not have any children, but they are happy and enjoy spending time together.

Ben Whishaw’s Career Highlights
Category | Details |
---|---|
Breakthrough Role | Hamlet (2004) – Acclaimed performance in the Old Vic Theatre production. |
Iconic Roles | – Q in James Bond films (Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die). |
– Voice of Paddington Bear in Paddington films. | |
– Jean Valjean in Les Misérables (BBC mini-series). | |
– Notable roles in The Danish Girl and Cloud Atlas. | |
Television Work | – The Hour (2011-2012). |
– Criminal Justice (2008), earning critical acclaim. | |
– Nathan Barley (2005). | |
Stage Performances | – Hamlet (Old Vic, 2004). |
– His Dark Materials (National Theatre). | |
Major Awards Won | – BAFTA TV Award (2013): Best Leading Actor for Criminal Justice. |
– International Emmy Award (2019): Best Actor for A Very English Scandal. | |
– Laurence Olivier Award (2005): Best Actor nomination for Hamlet. | |
Notable Nominations | – Golden Globe Nomination: Best Actor for A Very English Scandal. |
– Critics’ Choice Award Nomination: Best Supporting Actor. | |
Voice Acting Success | – Voiced Paddington Bear, loved worldwide for his heartfelt performance. |
Years Active | 1999–present |
Unique Achievements | – Voice of Paddington Bear in Paddington Films. |
Why is Ben Whishaw Famous?
Ben Whishaw is famous because he is a fantastic actor who can play many different types of characters. People love him for his talent, his kind voice, and his ability to bring every role to life. One of the main reasons Ben became famous is his role as Q in the James Bond movies like Skyfall and Spectre. Ben plays a smart and funny character in these films, helping James Bond with cool gadgets and technology. Fans love how he made this classic character feel fresh and modern.
Ben is also famous for his work as the voice of Paddington Bear in the Paddington movies. His gentle and warm voice made Paddington one of the most loved characters in children’s films, and families worldwide adore him for this role. On TV, Ben became well-known for shows like The Hour, Criminal Justice, and A Very English Scandal. He played serious and emotional characters in these shows, showing his acting talent.

Ben Whishaw Net Worth Table
Category | Details |
---|---|
Estimated Net Worth | $6 million (as of 2024) |
Primary Income Source | Acting in films, TV, and stage productions |
Notable Earnings | – James Bond films (Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die) – Voice work in Paddington film series |
Additional Income | – Voice acting – Endorsements and sponsorships |
Financial Achievements | Recognized for balancing blockbuster films with indie projects, contributing to steady career growth |
Wealth Growth | Increased significantly after roles in major franchises like James Bond and Paddington. |
Ben Whishaw: Future Plans and Projects
Ben Whishaw has always been a hard-working and talented actor. He loves taking on new challenges, and even though he is already famous, he wants to keep growing as an actor by working on exciting new projects. Ben has hinted that he enjoys playing characters different from him because it helps him grow as an actor. Fans hope to see him return as Q in future James Bond movies, where he plays the tech expert who helps James Bond on his adventures.
Ben is also passionate about theatre. He has performed in many plays, like Hamlet, and hopes to continue acting on stage. Theatre is where Ben started his career, and he loves the energy of performing live in front of an audience. Ben also loves doing voice work, like his role as Paddington Bear. Fans are excited about the next Paddington movie, where Ben will again bring the beloved bear to life with his warm and kind voice.
Ben Whishaw’s Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username/Handle | Status | Followers (Approx.) |
---|---|---|---|
Not Publicly Available | No verified account | N/A | |
Not Publicly Available | No verified account | N/A | |
Not Publicly Available | No verified account | N/A | |
Other Platforms | Not Publicly Available | No verified account | N/A |
Ben Whishaw Hobbies
- Acting in movies and plays
- Reading books especially plays and novels
- Watching movies and documentaries
- Listening to music
- Playing musical instruments
- Travelling to new places
- Spending time in nature
- Watching sports, especially football (soccer)
- Gardening and growing plants
- Doing arts and crafts, like drawing or painting
Ben Whishaw’s Favorite Things
- Favourite food: Pizza
- Favourite colour: Dark Blue
- Favourite movie: The Godfather
- Favourite actor: Daniel Day-Lewis
- Favourite place to visit: London
- Favourite animal: Dogs
- Favourite hobby: Reading books
- Favourite music: Classical music
- Favourite season: Spring
- Favourite book: Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Interesting Facts About Ben Whishaw
- He is a fraternal twin with his brother, James.
- Ben plays the voice of Paddington Bear in the Paddington movies.
- He starred in the famous James Bond films as Q.
- He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), a renowned acting school.
- Ben loves theatre and has acted in many stage plays.
- He won a BAFTA TV Award for his role in Criminal Justice.
- He is known for keeping his personal life private and doesn’t share much on social media.
- Ben is a vegetarian, meaning he doesn’t eat meat.
- He won an International Emmy Award for his A Very English Scandal role.
- He starred in the Oscar-nominated movie The Danish Girl.
FAQs About Ben Whishaw
What is Ben Whishaw’s full name?
Ben Whishaw’s full name is Benjamin John Whishaw.
When was Ben Whishaw born?
Ben Whishaw was born on October 14, 1980.
How old is Ben Whishaw?
Ben Whishaw is 44 years old (as of 2024).
Does Ben Whishaw have any siblings?
Yes, he has a fraternal twin brother named James Whishaw.
Who is Ben Whishaw married to?
Ben Whishaw is married to Mark Bradshaw, an Australian composer.
Does Ben Whishaw have any children?
No, Ben Whishaw and his husband do not have any children.
What is Ben Whishaw famous for?
He is renowned for his roles as Q in the James Bond films and the voice of Paddington Bear in the Paddington movies.
What awards has Ben Whishaw won?
Ben has won the BAFTA TV Award and the International Emmy Award.
Where did Ben Whishaw go to school?
He went to Samuel Whitbread Community College and then studied at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art).
What other TV shows has Ben Whishaw been in?
He was in The Hour, Criminal Justice, and Nathan Barley.
Is Ben Whishaw on social media?
No, Ben Whishaw does not have public social media accounts.
What is Ben Whishaw’s favourite movie?
His favourite movie is The Godfather.
Has Ben Whishaw ever been in a Shakespeare play?
Yes, he played Hamlet in a famous stage production.
Does Ben Whishaw like sports?
Yes, he enjoys watching football (soccer).
Is Ben Whishaw a vegetarian?
Yes, Ben is a vegetarian.
Conclusion
Ben’s acting journey began at a young age, and he has worked hard to become one of the most respected actors of his generation. He has also received numerous awards, including BAFTA TV and International Emmy; he values his privacy and doesn’t share much about his personal life on social media. In the future, Ben will continue to surprise audiences with his fantastic acting skills. He has already achieved so much in his career, but there is no doubt that he will keep growing and challenging himself in new projects. Whether he’s acting in a blockbuster film or a stage play, Ben Whishaw’s future looks bright, and his fans can’t wait to see what’s next!