30 Facts About Nicholas Lyndhurst

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Nicholas Lyndhurst's journey into acting began at a young age. His early life and initial steps into the entertainment industry set the stage for a remarkable career.

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   Early Life and Education: Born on April 20, 1961, in Emsworth, Hampshire, Nicholas Simon Lyndhurst was the son of Joe Lyndhurst and Liz Long. His parents met at a holiday camp run by his grandfather, Francis Lyndhurst, a theatrical scenery painter and film director. They separated when Nicholas was young but later reunited before separating permanently.

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   Career Beginnings: Lyndhurst's acting career started as a child. He studied at Corona Theatre School in Hammersmith, London, and appeared in various television adverts and children’s films during the 1970s, including "The Adventures of Black Beauty" and "The Prince and the Pauper."

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   Breakthrough Role: In 1978, Lyndhurst gained national recognition when he played Raymond Fletcher, the son of Ronnie Barker’s character in the BBC sitcom "Going Straight."

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   Butterflies: From 1978 to 1983, he played Adam Parkinson, one of the teenage sons in the BBC sitcom "Butterflies."

Iconic Roles and Major Successes

Nicholas Lyndhurst's career is marked by several iconic roles that have left a lasting impact on British television.

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   The Two of Us: From 1986 to 1990, Lyndhurst starred as Ashley Phillips in the ITV comedy series "The Two of Us," alongside Janet Dibley.

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   Only Fools and Horses: His most famous role is Rodney Trotter in the BBC sitcom "Only Fools and Horses," which he played from 1981 to 2003. The show was voted Britain's Best Sitcom by TV viewers in a 2004 poll.

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   BAFTA Nominations: For his portrayal of Rodney Trotter, Lyndhurst earned three BAFTA nominations.

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   Goodnight Sweetheart: Between 1993 and 1999, he played Gary Sparrow in the time-traveling sitcom "Goodnight Sweetheart," a role that won him two National Television Awards in 1998 and 1999.

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   The Piglet Files: From 1990 to 1992, Lyndhurst starred as MI5 agent Peter "Piglet" Chapman in the ITV series "The Piglet Files."

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    After You've Gone: In 2007, he took on the role of Jimmy Venables, a divorced and single father, in the BBC sitcom "After You've Gone."

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    Rock & Chips: From 2010 to 2011, he played Freddie Robdal, the father of Rodney Trotter, in the comedy-drama series "Rock & Chips," a prequel to "Only Fools and Horses."

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    New Tricks: Lyndhurst joined the cast of the BBC police procedural series "New Tricks" in 2013, playing former undercover officer Danny Griffin until 2015.

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    Frasier Reboot: In 2023, he played Professor Alan Cornwall, a British friend of Frasier Crane, in the reboot of the American sitcom "Frasier."

Personal Life and Family

Beyond his professional achievements, Nicholas Lyndhurst's personal life has also been a subject of interest.

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    Personal Life: Nicholas Lyndhurst is married to Lucy Smith, a former ballet dancer. They met in 1992 after Lucy watched him perform in the West End show "Straight and Narrow." They married in 1999 in a small ceremony in Chichester, West Sussex.

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    Family Tragedy: The couple's son, Archie Lyndhurst, was also an actor who appeared in the CBBC series "So Awkward" as Ollie Coulton. Tragically, Archie passed away from acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 19 in 2020.

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    Height and Physical Appearance: Nicholas Lyndhurst stands approximately 6 feet 1½ inches (186.7 cm) tall.

Theater and Other Ventures

Lyndhurst's talents extend beyond television, with notable contributions to theater and other media.

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    Theater Work: In addition to his television work, Lyndhurst has appeared in several stage performances, including "The Straight and Narrow" in the West End in 1992 and "The Dresser" in 2004.

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    Advertising Career: He was the public face of the stationery store WH Smith between 1997 and 1999, starring in their adverts as all four members of one family. He won a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for his acting in the adverts.

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    David Copperfield: In 1999, Lyndhurst played the villainous Uriah Heep opposite Daniel Radcliffe and Dame Maggie Smith in the film adaptation of Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield."

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    Sky Bandits: He had a minor part in the 1986 film "Sky Bandits," which went straight to video and was never seen in British cinemas.

Lesser-Known Facts

Here are some intriguing tidbits about Nicholas Lyndhurst that might surprise even his biggest fans.

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    Going Straight: Before his fame in "Only Fools and Horses," Lyndhurst played Raymond Fletcher, the teenage son of Ronnie Barker’s Norman Stanley Fletcher, in the BBC sitcom "Going Straight."

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    The Prince and the Pauper: He gained increased national recognition two years after his debut when he played Tom Canty/Prince Edward in a BBC Television version of "The Prince and the Pauper," directed by Barry Letts and broadcast in January 1976.

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    Bequest to the Nation: Lyndhurst made his debut as an actor with an uncredited role as Shot Cabin Boy in the historical drama film "Bequest to the Nation," released on April 25, 1973.

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    National Recognition: By the late 1970s, Lyndhurst had become a household name in the UK, thanks to his roles in various children's films and television shows.

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    Peoples Phone Adverts: During his time on "Goodnight Sweetheart," Lyndhurst was also the face and voice of the TV and radio advertisements for the telecommunications chain Peoples Phone.

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    Declining The Full Monty Role: He declined an opportunity to play the lead role in the 1997 British film "The Full Monty," opting instead to continue his work on "Goodnight Sweetheart."

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    Personal Tragedy: Despite his high levels of fame, Lyndhurst often keeps his personal life out of the spotlight. However, he has spoken publicly about the personal tragedy of losing his son Archie in 2020.

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    Current Projects: As of 2023, Lyndhurst is actively involved in the reboot of "Frasier," where he plays a significant role as Professor Alan Cornwall. This marks a new chapter in his illustrious career.

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    Legacy and Impact: Nicholas Lyndhurst's impact on British television is immense. His portrayal of Rodney Trotter in "Only Fools and Horses" remains one of the most iconic characters in British comedy history. His versatility and comic timing have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

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    Continued Contributions: Despite his long-standing career, Lyndhurst continues to contribute to the world of entertainment with new projects and roles. His dedication to his craft and his enduring popularity are testaments to his enduring legacy in the world of acting.

Nicholas Lyndhurst: A Legacy of Laughter and Talent

Nicholas Lyndhurst's career is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. From his early days in children's films to his iconic role as Rodney Trotter in "Only Fools and Horses," he's left an indelible mark on British television. His performances in shows like "Goodnight Sweetheart" and "New Tricks" further showcase his range. Despite personal tragedies, including the heartbreaking loss of his son Archie, Lyndhurst continues to captivate audiences. His recent role in the "Frasier" reboot proves he's still got it. Married to Lucy Smith since 1999, Lyndhurst's personal life remains mostly private. Standing tall at 6 feet 1½ inches, he's a giant in the acting world. Whether on stage, screen, or in adverts, Nicholas Lyndhurst's contributions to entertainment are immense. His legacy of laughter and talent will inspire future generations.