The comedian and actor is best known for his role in Gavin and Stacey, but what do we know about him away from the cameras?
Rob Brydon is an actor and comedian (Image: Getty)
He’s best recognised for his roles as a game show host and as Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, but Rob Brydon is embarking on an epic adventure across the US in his new TV series.
The comedian and actor is the star of a new BBC Two series, Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip, where he delves into the southern states of America to mark 100 years of country music.
Throughout the three-part series, Rob will rub shoulders with stars, delve into the roots of the music genre, and immerse himself in its culture.
As we welcome him back onto our TV screens, let’s take a glimpse at Rob’s life off-camera….
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Early years
Rob was born in Baglan, Glamorgan, in May 1965 to parents Joy and Howard.
His mother was a schoolteacher, while his father was a car dealer. Rob has a younger brother, Peter, who was born in 1973, reports the Mirror.
Rob attended two private schools before moving to Porthcawl Comprehensive School when he was 14. It was here that he met Ruth Jones, who would later become his co-star on Gavin and Stacey.
The pair also studied alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Rob continued his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff. He left after a year to join Radio Wales at the tender age of 20.
Career
Rob kick-started his career on BBC Radio Wales, where he spent six years. During this period, he worked as a disc jockey, hosted his own shows, and featured in comedy shows. He also served as a stand-in presenter for other radio hosts.
In the 1990s, he had a brief stint as a presenter for the Home Shopping Network and also began his voice-over career, with Rob’s voice featuring in numerous commercials over the years.
His big break came with the BBC TV comedy Human Remains. He co-wrote the show with Julia Davis and also starred in it. Following this, Rob took on a role in the comedy Marion and Geoff.
His career quickly escalated, leading to roles in A Cock and Bull Story and Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive, as well as appearances on shows such as I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue.
Rob played Bryn in Gavin & Stacey
Perhaps his most recognised role, Rob was cast as Uncle Bryn in the BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey in 2007, marking a significant turning point in his acting career.
Since 2009, Rob has been the host of the game show Would I Lie to You? and has made appearances on other programmes, including QI and Have I Got News for You.
Beyond TV and radio, Rob has taken to the stage in plays like The Painkiller and published his first book, Small Man in a Book, in 2011. In the film industry, Rob has featured in films such as Days of the Bagnold Summer, Early Man, and Swimming with Men.
In more recent years, Rob has starred in Barbie and Prime’s My Lady Jane, and also became the host of BBC One game show Destination X.
Family
Rob’s first marriage was to Martina Fitchie. They wed in 1992, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2000.
Rob and Martina have two daughters, Amy and Katie, as well as a son, Harry.
Rob with wife Claire Holland (Image: Getty)
Rob tied the knot with his second wife, Clare Holland, a former producer on The South Bank Show, in 2006. Their nuptials were held at a church in Windsor, Berkshire.
The couple now live in Strawberry Hill and are parents to two sons, Tom and George.
Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip airs on Sunday, 5 October on BBC Two at 9PM
