---
name: "Martin Freeman"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/martin-freeman"
fi1m_id: "martin-freeman"
imdb_id: "nm0293509"
tmdb_id: 7060
wikidata_id: "Q309486"
roles: ["Actor","Producer"]
born: "8 September 1971"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 20
average_fi1m_score: 75
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 19
updated: "2026-10-22T03:18:12.302853+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Martin Freeman

## Identity

Martin Freeman

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/martin-freeman
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** martin-freeman
- **IMDb ID:** nm0293509
- **TMDB ID:** 7060
- **Wikidata ID:** Q309486
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Freeman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309486, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293509/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7060

Actor and producer. Born 8 September 1971 in Aldershot, Hampshire, England, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Producer
- **Born:** 8 September 1971, Aldershot, Hampshire, England, UK
- **Active:** 2000–present
- **Also known as:** Martin John C. Freeman, Martin John Christopher Freeman
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 20: 19 acting, 1 producing
- **Frequently works with:** [Carolynne Cunningham](https://film.one/person/carolynne-cunningham.md), [Fran Walsh](https://film.one/person/fran-walsh.md), [Guillermo del Toro](https://film.one/person/guillermo-del-toro.md), [Ian McKellen](https://film.one/person/ian-mckellen.md), [Peter Jackson](https://film.one/person/peter-jackson.md), [Philippa Boyens](https://film.one/person/philippa-boyens.md), [Richard Armitage](https://film.one/person/richard-armitage.md), [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://film.one/person/benedict-cumberbatch.md)
- **BAFTA Television Awards:** 1 BAFTA (1 won · 2 nominated)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 19 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 79 (6), 2010s 70 (11), 2020s 75 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 74 to 74 across 14 titles
- **Score spread:** 9 at 80+, 8 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 7 of 13 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 8, Action 7, Drama 7, Adventure 6, Crime 5, Fantasy 3
- **Screen time:** 21 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $6,670m across 9 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Freeman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309486, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293509/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7060

## Coming up

- *A Long Winter* (2027-01-15)

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug*](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug.md) (65), [*The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey*](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey.md) (60), [*The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies*](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-battle-of-the-five-armies.md) (54)
- **BritBox:** [*The Office*](https://film.one/tv/the-office.md) (89), [*A Confession*](https://film.one/tv/a-confession.md) (80)
- **Apple TV:** [*The Responder*](https://film.one/tv/the-responder.md) (84), [*Charles II: The Power and The Passion*](https://film.one/tv/charles-ii-the-power-and-the-passion.md) (77)
- **Disney+:** [*Black Panther*](https://film.one/film/black-panther.md) (80), [*Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*](https://film.one/film/black-panther-wakanda-forever.md) (66)
- **Peacock:** [*Shaun of the Dead*](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead.md) (85)
- **Pluto TV:** [*Black Books*](https://film.one/tv/black-books.md) (82)
- **AMC+:** [*Sherlock*](https://film.one/tv/sherlock.md) (78)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Martin Freeman

> Martin Freeman makes small reactions funny, then lets the amusement fade into discomfort. We rate his precision, though the put-upon manner works best when a role gives us reason to look past it.

In *The Office* (2001), Martin Freeman lets Tim Canterbury's amusement become a small retreat from the people around him. We can see why he is laughing and why he would rather be elsewhere. The dry delivery helps, but the precision matters: a reaction tells us how much company this man can bear. Freeman gives us a reason to watch the person listening.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's series needs that relief from its embarrassment, and Freeman supplies it without stepping outside the comedy. We were moved by Tim and Dawn's romance because he and Lucy Davis make their affection seem possible amid all that humiliation. Davis gives Dawn Tinsley a life beyond Tim's interest in her; their scenes work because both people matter. Neither actor asks the programme to become suddenly gentler just because there is something at stake.

The early supporting comedy parts, including *Love Actually* (2003) and *Hot Fuzz* (2007), gave way to leading roles which made greater use of that recognisable presence. In *Sherlock* (2010), his Dr John Watson provides a grounded counterpart to Benedict Cumberbatch. Peter Jackson casts him as Bilbo Baggins in *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey* (2012), putting an approachable figure at the centre of fantasy. These are larger settings for the task he handles so well: giving us someone through whom to take in the extraordinary.

The limitation is that the exasperation can become too easy to recognise, whatever the costume. *Fargo* (2014), with Freeman as the mild-mannered Lester Nygaard drawn into crime, offers a way beyond that familiarity. Chris Carson in the police drama *The Responder* (2022) takes him further from the lighter roles. We welcome these darker parts, which make it harder to assume that a Freeman character deserves our sympathy.

Still, the work to start with is Tim. Brent's persistence can wear us down in *The Office*, but Freeman never has to make a grand appeal for our attention. He can suggest disappointment without losing the humour, which helps the romance belong in the same programme as the humiliations. Watch it for the pauses, and give Davis an equal share of the credit.

## Biography

Martin Freeman is an English actor. Born on 8 September 1971 in Aldershot, Hampshire, he trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

He gained prominence playing Tim Canterbury in the BBC mockumentary series *The Office* (2001–2003). Other notable roles include Dr John Watson in *Sherlock* (2010–2017), Bilbo Baggins in the *The Hobbit* film trilogy (2012–2014), and Everett K. Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films *Captain America: Civil War* (2016), *Black Panther* (2018) and *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022).

Freeman has won two Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, and received a Golden Globe Award nomination.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org.*

## On Fi1m (20)

### Performed in (19) — the average rests on these

- *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022), Fi1m 66, as Everett Ross — [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther-wakanda-forever.md)
- *The Responder* (2022), Fi1m 84, as Chris Carson — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-responder.md)
- *Alan Bennett's Talking Heads* (2020), Fi1m 75, as Graham — [page](https://film.one/tv/alan-bennetts-talking-heads.md)
- *A Confession* (2019), Fi1m 80, as Steve Fulcher — [page](https://film.one/tv/a-confession.md)
- *Rob & Romesh Vs* (2019), Fi1m 77, Actor — [page](https://film.one/tv/rob-and-romesh-vs.md)
- *Black Panther* (2018), Fi1m 80, as Everett K. Ross — [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther.md)
- *Captain America: Civil War* (2016), Fi1m 74, as Everett K. Ross — [page](https://film.one/film/captain-america-civil-war.md)
- *Fargo* (2014), Fi1m 82, as Lester Nygaard — [page](https://film.one/tv/fargo-2014.md)
- *The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies* (2014), Fi1m 54, as Bilbo Baggins — [page](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-battle-of-the-five-armies.md)
- *The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug* (2013), Fi1m 65, as Bilbo Baggins — [page](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug.md)
- *Toast of London* (2013), Fi1m 80, as Martin Freeman — [page](https://film.one/tv/toast-of-london.md)
- *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey* (2012), Fi1m 60, as Bilbo Baggins — [page](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey.md)
- *Sherlock* (2010), Fi1m 78, as John Watson — [page](https://film.one/tv/sherlock.md)
- *Hot Fuzz* (2007), Fi1m 84, as Met Sergeant — [page](https://film.one/film/hot-fuzz.md)
- *Shaun of the Dead* (2004), Fi1m 85, as Declan — [page](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead.md)
- *Charles II: The Power and The Passion* (2003), Fi1m 77, as Lord Shaftesbury — [page](https://film.one/tv/charles-ii-the-power-and-the-passion.md)
- *Love Actually* (2003), Fi1m 58, as John — [page](https://film.one/film/love-actually.md)
- *The Office* (2001), Fi1m 89, as Tim Canterbury — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-office.md)
- *Black Books* (2000), Fi1m 82, as Doctor — [page](https://film.one/tv/black-books.md)

### Produced (1)

- *Walking with Dinosaurs* (2013), Fi1m 42, Executive Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/walking-with-dinosaurs.md)

## Complete filmography (110)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *A Long Winter* (2027), Actor
- *The Surgeon* (2026), Actor
- *Let's Love* (2026), as Nigel
- *Flavia* (2026), as Colonel Havilland de Luce
- *Agatha Christie's Seven Dials* (2026), series, as Superintendent Battle
- *National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step* (2025), as James
- *Little Bug* (2025), as Dad
- *Momo* (2025), as Master Hora
- *Queen of Bones* (2025), as Malcolm Brass
- *Miller's Girl* (2024), as Jonathan Miller · Executive Producer
- *Secret Invasion* (2023), series, as Everett K. Ross
- *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022), as Everett Ross — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther-wakanda-forever.md)
- *Angelyne* (2022), series, as Harold Wallach
- *The Responder* (2022), series, as Chris Carson · Executive Producer — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-responder.md)
- *Jack* (2021), as Jack (voice)
- *Marvel Studios Legends* (2021), series, as Everett K. Ross (archive footage) (uncredited)
- *A Christmas Carol* (2020), as Bob Cratchit (voice)
- *Alan Bennett's Talking Heads* (2020), series, as Graham — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/tv/alan-bennetts-talking-heads.md)
- *Breeders* (2020), series, as Paul Worsley · Executive Producer
- *A Confession As Told By ITV News* (2019), as Martin Freeman - Self / Steve Fulcher
- *Ode to Joy* (2019), as Charlie
- *A Confession* (2019), series, as Steve Fulcher — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-confession.md)
- *The Operative* (2019), as Thomas
- *To Provide All People* (2018), as Consultant Cardiologist
- *Black Panther* (2018), as Everett K. Ross — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther.md)
- *Ghost Stories* (2018), as Charles Cameron / Mike Priddle
- *Cargo* (2017), as Andy
- *The Dog with the Woman* (2017), as Charlie
- *DuckTales* (2017), series, as Poe De Spell (voice)
- *Carnage: Swallowing the Past* (2017), as Jeff
- *StartUp* (2016), series, as Phil Rask
- *Captain America: Civil War* (2016), as Everett K. Ross — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/captain-america-civil-war.md)
- *Whiskey Tango Foxtrot* (2016), as Iain MacKelpie
- *Sherlock: The Abominable Bride* (2016), as Dr. John Watson
- *Stick Man* (2015), as Stick Man (voice)
- *The Jam: About The Young Idea* (2015), Actor
- *The Eichmann Show* (2015), as Milton Fruchtman
- *The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies* (2014), as Bilbo Baggins — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-battle-of-the-five-armies.md)
- *Fargo* (2014), series, as Narrator, Lester Nygaard — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/fargo-2014.md)
- *Brian Pern: A Life in Rock* (2014), series, as Young Brian Pern
- *Sherlock: Many Happy Returns* (2013), as Dr. John Watson
- *Walking with Dinosaurs* (2013), Executive Producer — Fi1m 42, [page](https://film.one/film/walking-with-dinosaurs.md)
- *The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug* (2013), as Bilbo Baggins — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug.md)
- *Saving Santa* (2013), as Bernard D. Elf (voice)
- *Toast of London* (2013), series, as Martin Freeman — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/toast-of-london.md)
- *The World's End* (2013), as Oliver Chamberlain
- *Svengali* (2013), as Don
- *The Voorman Problem* (2013), as Doctor Williams
- *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey* (2012), as Bilbo Baggins — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey.md)
- *Animals* (2012), as Albert
- *So You Want To Be A Pirate!* (2012), as The Pirate With A Scarf
- *Sherlock: Uncovered* (2012), as Dr. Watson, Self
- *The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!* (2012), as Pirate with a Scarf (voice)
- *What's Your Number?* (2011), as Simon Forester
- *Swinging with the Finkels* (2011), as Alvin Finkel
- *Sherlock* (2010), series, as John Watson — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/sherlock.md)
- *Wild Target* (2010), as Dixon
- *The Girl Is Mime* (2009), as Clive Buckle
- *Nativity!* (2009), as Paul Maddens
- *HIV: The Musical* (2009), as James McKenzie
- *Micro Men* (2009), as Chris Curry
- *I'm Running Sainsbury's* (2009), series, Actor
- *Boy Meets Girl* (2009), series, as Danny Reed
- *Svengali* (2009), as Boss
- *Backstairs Billy: The Queen Mum's Butler* (2009), as Narrator (voice)
- *Rembrandt's J'Accuse...!* (2008), as Rembrandt
- *When Were We Funniest?* (2008), series, Actor
- *Lonely Hearts* (2007), as The Pig (voice)
- *The Old Curiosity Shop* (2007), as Mr. Codlin
- *Nightwatching* (2007), as Rembrandt van Rijn
- *Comedy Showcase* (2007), series, as Greg Wilson
- *Dedication* (2007), as Jeremy
- *Rubbish* (2007), as Kevin
- *The All Together* (2007), as Chris Ashworth
- *Hot Fuzz* (2007), as Met Sergeant — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/hot-fuzz.md)
- *The Good Night* (2007), as Gary Shaller
- *Breaking and Entering* (2006), as Sandy
- *Confetti* (2006), as Matt
- *Round About Five* (2005), as The Man
- *The Robinsons* (2005), series, as Ed Robinson
- *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy* (2005), as Arthur Dent
- *Blake's Junction 7* (2004), as Vila
- *Call Register* (2004), as Kevin
- *Pride* (2004), as Fleck (voice)
- *Shaun of the Dead* (2004), as Declan — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead.md)
- *Charles II: The Power and The Passion* (2003), series, as Lord Shaftesbury — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/charles-ii-the-power-and-the-passion.md)
- *Margery and Gladys* (2003), as D.S. Stringer
- *Love Actually* (2003), as John — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/love-actually.md)
- *The Debt* (2003), as Terry Ross
- *The Debt* (2003), series, as Terry Ross
- *Hardware* (2003), series, as Mike
- *Helen West* (2002), series, as DC Stone
- *Ali G Indahouse* (2002), as Richard 'Ricky C' Cunningham
- *The Office* (2001), series, as Tim Canterbury — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-office.md)
- *Men Only* (2001), as Dwight
- *The Low Down* (2001), as Solomon
- *Black Books* (2000), series, as Doctor — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/black-books.md)
- *Lock, Stock...* (2000), series, as Jaap
- *Bruiser* (2000), series, Actor
- *I Just Want to Kiss You* (1998), as Frank
- *This Life* (1996), series, as Stuart — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/this-life.md)
- *Casualty* (1986), series, as Ricky Beck — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/casualty.md)
- *The Bill* (1984), series, Actor
- *Let God Sort It Out*, as Kyle Roberts
- *The Adam Trials*, as Executive Producer
- *Midnight of My Life*, as Steve Marriott
- *Clybourne Park*, Actor
- *Fancy dress*, as The pirate
- *Oddly Flowers*, as Walter
- *Pretend I'm Not Here*, as Wim

## Gallery

- ![Martin Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-e8b9d87f6e5c.jpg) Martin Freeman — Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Martin_Freeman-5341.jpg/1280px-Martin_Freeman-5341.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Amanda Abbington and Martin Freeman (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-659e57dc6d1d.jpg) Amanda Abbington and Martin Freeman (2013) — Sean Reynolds from Liverpool, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Amanda_Abbington_and_Martin_Freeman_%288463766601%29.jpg/1280px-Amanda_Abbington_and_Martin_Freeman_%288463766601%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Amanda Abbington and Martin Freeman (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-25036b70963b.jpg) Amanda Abbington and Martin Freeman (2013) — Sean Reynolds from Liverpool, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Amanda_Abbington_and_Martin_Freeman_%288464858680%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Amanda Abbington and Martin Freeman (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-dabaefec72b7.jpg) Amanda Abbington and Martin Freeman (2013) — Sean Reynolds from Liverpool, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Amanda_Abbington_and_Martin_Freeman_%288464858956%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Martin Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-f609f6961a75.jpg) Martin Freeman — Image via TMDB
- ![Martin Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-5c7ad7c77216.jpg) Martin Freeman — Image via TMDB
- ![Martin Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-6cd8b827dcff.jpg) Martin Freeman — Image via TMDB
- ![BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2016 at The Royal Albert Hall](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-cfdaa54196ac.jpg) BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2016 at The Royal Albert Hall — Bryan Ledgard, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Martin_Freeman%2C_BBC_Radio_2_Folk_Awards_2016_at_The_Royal_Albert_Hall_%2826118668654%29.jpg/1280px-Martin_Freeman%2C_BBC_Radio_2_Folk_Awards_2016_at_The_Royal_Albert_Hall_%2826118668654%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Actor Martin Freeman at the Berlinale 2019](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-f0f9ea89991f.jpg) Actor Martin Freeman at the Berlinale 2019 — Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Martin_Freeman-5257.jpg/1280px-Martin_Freeman-5257.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Martin Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-a43ff7ea6db1.jpg) Martin Freeman — Image via TMDB
- ![Martin Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-e95086ee55df.jpg) Martin Freeman — Image via TMDB
- ![Martin Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/60158/gallery-728c510dff60.jpg) Martin Freeman — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### BAFTA Television Awards — 1 won, 2 nominated

- 2012: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Sherlock*
- 2011: Best Supporting Actor (won), for *Sherlock*
- 2004: Best Comedy Performance (nominated), for *The Office*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won, 2 nominated

- 2014: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *Sherlock*
- 2014: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (nominated), for *Fargo*
- 2012: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (nominated), for *Sherlock*

### Other awards — 2 won, 3 nominated

- Romics d'Oro 2018: Romics d'Oro (won)
- MTV Movie Award for Best Hero 2014: MTV Movie Award for Best Hero (nominated), for *The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug*
- MTV Movie Award for Best Hero 2013: MTV Movie Award for Best Hero (won), for *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey*
- MTV Movie Award for Best Scared-As-S**t Performance 2013: MTV Movie Award for Best Scared-As-S**t Performance (nominated), for *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey*
- Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast 2004: Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast (nominated), for *Love Actually*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/martin-freeman