---
name: "Matthew Macfadyen"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/matthew-macfadyen"
fi1m_id: "matthew-macfadyen"
imdb_id: "nm0532193"
tmdb_id: 15576
wikidata_id: "Q314954"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "17 October 1974"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 19
average_fi1m_score: 73
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 19
updated: "2026-10-07T18:04:16.372238+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."
---

# Matthew Macfadyen

## Identity

Matthew Macfadyen

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/matthew-macfadyen
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** matthew-macfadyen
- **IMDb ID:** nm0532193
- **TMDB ID:** 15576
- **Wikidata ID:** Q314954
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Macfadyen, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314954, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0532193/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/15576

Actor. Born 17 October 1974 in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 17 October 1974, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, UK
- **Active:** 1999–present
- **Also known as:** 매튜 맥퍼딘, 馬修‧麥費狄恩, متیو مک فادین, Դևիդ Մեթյու ՄակՖադյեն, Мэттью Макфэдиен, David Matthew Macfadyen, מת'יו מקפיידן
- **Frequently works with:** [Andrew Davies](https://film.one/person/andrew-davies.md), [Eric Fellner](https://film.one/person/eric-fellner.md), [Tim Bevan](https://film.one/person/tim-bevan.md), [Brian Grazer](https://film.one/person/brian-grazer.md), [Joe Wright](https://film.one/person/joe-wright.md), [Keira Knightley](https://film.one/person/keira-knightley.md), [Nigel Stafford-Clark](https://film.one/person/nigel-stafford-clark.md), [Paul Webster](https://film.one/person/paul-webster.md)
- **BAFTA Television Awards:** 2 BAFTAs (2 won · 1 nominated)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 73, as actor, over 19 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 78 (7), 2010s 70 (9), 2020s 69 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 71 to 66 across 13 titles
- **Score spread:** 7 at 80+, 10 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 9 of 16 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 17, Crime 4, History 4, Action 3, Action & Adventure 3, Adventure 2
- **Screen time:** 16 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $2,030m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Macfadyen, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314954, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0532193/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/15576

## Streaming the US now

- **The Roku Channel:** [*The Way We Live Now*](https://film.one/tv/the-way-we-live-now.md) (82), [*Any Human Heart*](https://film.one/tv/any-human-heart.md) (73)
- **Disney+:** [*The Assistant*](https://film.one/film/the-assistant.md) (81), [*Deadpool & Wolverine*](https://film.one/film/deadpool-and-wolverine.md) (60)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Frost/Nixon*](https://film.one/film/frost-nixon.md) (81), [*The Enfield Haunting*](https://film.one/tv/the-enfield-haunting.md) (77)
- **Apple TV:** [*Howards End*](https://film.one/tv/howards-end-2017.md) (80), [*Ripper Street*](https://film.one/tv/ripper-street.md) (74)
- **HBO Max:** [*Succession*](https://film.one/tv/succession.md) (88)
- **Tubi:** [*Criminal Justice*](https://film.one/tv/criminal-justice.md) (85)
- **BritBox:** [*Little Dorrit*](https://film.one/tv/little-dorrit.md) (76)
- **Netflix:** [*Operation Mincemeat*](https://film.one/film/operation-mincemeat.md) (66)

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

## Fi1m on Matthew Macfadyen

> Matthew Macfadyen is especially good at playing men who cannot relax in company. We value the awkward comedy, though his restraint can leave his fellow actors doing more than their share of the work.

In *Pride & Prejudice* (2005), Matthew Macfadyen’s Darcy makes conversation look like an obligation he would rather avoid. Opposite Keira Knightley’s quick, engaged Elizabeth Bennet, he seems unable to settle into company. We laughed at their first meeting because her readiness to talk meets such determined reserve. Yet the hesitation sometimes goes on too long: in the early encounters, Knightley can seem to be supplying the scene’s interest on her own.

Joe Wright’s direction occasionally pushes the romance harder than the actors need, since their differences are already interesting. Paul Tothill’s brisk editing keeps the social encounters moving, while Dario Marianelli’s music supplies some of the warmth Macfadyen withholds. These collaborators matter to a performance that takes time to become persuasive. When the attraction convinces, it is because Darcy and Elizabeth seem able to unsettle one another, though we would have welcomed a little more conversational ease.

That withdrawn romantic lead brought international attention after his television breakthrough as Tom Quinn in *Spooks* (2002–2004). He prefers supporting parts for the scope they give him for comedy and villainy, which helps explain the appeal of his later work. Tom Wambsgans in *Succession* (2018–2023) combines vulnerability with menace, and the humour does not make him harmless. Macfadyen can be funny here without reassuring us that the man deserves our sympathy.

*Deadpool & Wolverine* (2024) puts that comic skill to work as Mr Paradox, whom Macfadyen plays like a middle manager who has promised his superiors something he cannot deliver. He stays funny even as the film’s studio jokes grow tiring, and we would not recommend the whole thing on the strength of his contribution. Start with *Pride & Prejudice*, and give Darcy a little time.

## Biography

Matthew Macfadyen is an English actor. Born on 17 October 1974 in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his professional career on stage with the Cheek by Jowl company.

He gained prominence for his portrayal of Mr Darcy in the 2005 film *Pride & Prejudice*. He played Tom Wambsgans in the HBO series *Succession* (2018–2023), receiving two Primetime Emmy Awards, two BAFTA Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the role. In 2024 he appeared as Mr Paradox in the film *Deadpool & Wolverine*.

Other screen credits include Tom Quinn in the BBC series *Spooks* (2002–2004, 2011) and Inspector Edmund Reid in *Ripper Street* (2012–2016). He is married to actress Keeley Hawes.

*Sources: britannica.com, en.wikipedia.org, radiotimes.com, themoviedb.org.*

## On Fi1m (19)

- *Deadpool & Wolverine* (2024), Fi1m 60, as Mr. Paradox — [page](https://film.one/film/deadpool-and-wolverine.md)
- *Operation Mincemeat* (2022), Fi1m 66, as Charles Cholmondeley — [page](https://film.one/film/operation-mincemeat.md)
- *The Assistant* (2020), Fi1m 81, as Wilcock — [page](https://film.one/film/the-assistant.md)
- *Succession* (2018), Fi1m 88, as Tom Wambsgans — [page](https://film.one/tv/succession.md)
- *Howards End* (2017), Fi1m 80, as Henry Wilcox — [page](https://film.one/tv/howards-end-2017.md)
- *The Enfield Haunting* (2015), Fi1m 77, as Guy Lyon Playfair — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-enfield-haunting.md)
- *The Last Kingdom* (2015), Fi1m 72, as Lord Uhtred — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-last-kingdom.md)
- *Anna Karenina* (2012), Fi1m 64, as Oblonsky — [page](https://film.one/film/anna-karenina.md)
- *Ripper Street* (2012), Fi1m 74, as Edmund Reid — [page](https://film.one/tv/ripper-street.md)
- *The Three Musketeers* (2011), Fi1m 50, as Athos — [page](https://film.one/film/the-three-musketeers-2011.md)
- *Any Human Heart* (2010), Fi1m 73, as Logan Mountstuart (Middle) — [page](https://film.one/tv/any-human-heart.md)
- *Robin Hood* (2010), Fi1m 55, as Sheriff of Nottingham — [page](https://film.one/film/robin-hood-2010.md)
- *Ashes to Ashes* (2008), Fi1m 64, as Gil Hollis — [page](https://film.one/tv/ashes-to-ashes.md)
- *Criminal Justice* (2008), Fi1m 85, as Joe Miller — [page](https://film.one/tv/criminal-justice.md)
- *Frost/Nixon* (2008), Fi1m 81, as John Birt — [page](https://film.one/film/frost-nixon.md)
- *Little Dorrit* (2008), Fi1m 76, as Arthur Clennam — [page](https://film.one/tv/little-dorrit.md)
- *Pride & Prejudice* (2005), Fi1m 82, as Mr. Darcy — [page](https://film.one/film/pride-and-prejudice-2005.md)
- *Spooks* (2002), Fi1m 77, as Tom Quinn — [page](https://film.one/tv/spooks.md)
- *The Way We Live Now* (2001), Fi1m 82, as Sir Felix Carbury — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-way-we-live-now.md)

## Complete filmography (56)

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

- *The Miniature Wife* (2026), series, as Les Littlejohn · Executive Producer
- *Death by Lightning* (2025), series, as Charles Guiteau
- *Holland* (2025), as Fred Vandergroot
- *Deadpool & Wolverine* (2024), as Mr. Paradox — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/deadpool-and-wolverine.md)
- *Stonehouse* (2023), series, as John Stonehouse · Executive Producer
- *Operation Mincemeat* (2022), as Charles Cholmondeley — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/operation-mincemeat.md)
- *Quiz* (2020), series, as Charles Ingram
- *The Assistant* (2020), as Wilcock — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-assistant.md)
- *The Nutcracker and the Four Realms* (2018), as Benjamin Stahlbaum
- *Succession* (2018), series, as Tom Wambsgans — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/succession.md)
- *The Current War* (2018), as J.P. Morgan
- *Howards End* (2017), series, as Henry Wilcox — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/howards-end-2017.md)
- *Revolution: New Art for a New World* (2017), as Vladimir Lenin (voice)
- *Churchill's Secret* (2016), as Randolph Churchill
- *The von Trapp Family: A Life of Music* (2015), as Georg von Trapp
- *The Last Kingdom* (2015), series, as Lord Uhtred — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-last-kingdom.md)
- *The Enfield Haunting* (2015), series, as Guy Lyon Playfair — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-enfield-haunting.md)
- *Lost in Karastan* (2014), as Emil Forester
- *If I Don't Come Home:  Letters from D-Day* (2014), as Narrator (voice)
- *Ambassadors* (2013), series, as POD
- *Ripper Street* (2012), series, as Edmund Reid — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/ripper-street.md)
- *Anna Karenina* (2012), as Oblonsky — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/anna-karenina.md)
- *The Three Musketeers* (2011), as Athos — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/the-three-musketeers-2011.md)
- *Any Human Heart* (2010), series, as Logan Mountstuart (Middle) — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/any-human-heart.md)
- *The Pillars of the Earth* (2010), series, as Prior Phillip
- *Robin Hood* (2010), as Sheriff of Nottingham — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/robin-hood-2010.md)
- *Enid* (2009), as Hugh Pollock
- *Little Dorrit* (2008), series, as Arthur Clennam — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/little-dorrit.md)
- *Frost/Nixon* (2008), as John Birt — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/frost-nixon.md)
- *Criminal Justice* (2008), series, as Joe Miller — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/criminal-justice.md)
- *Ashes to Ashes* (2008), series, as Gil Hollis — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/tv/ashes-to-ashes.md)
- *Incendiary* (2008), as Terrance
- *The Blair Years* (2007), series, as Narrator
- *Death at a Funeral* (2007), as Daniel
- *Secret Life* (2007), as Charlie
- *Grindhouse* (2007), as Hatchet Victim (segment "Don't") (uncredited)
- *Mr. Bean's Wedding* (2007), as Daniel
- *Middletown* (2007), as Gabriel Hunter
- *Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial* (2006), series, as Narrator
- *Pride & Prejudice* (2005), as Mr. Darcy — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/pride-and-prejudice-2005.md)
- *Agatha Christie's Marple* (2004), series, as Inspector Neele
- *In My Father's Den* (2004), as Paul Prior
- *The Reckoning* (2004), as King’s Justice
- *The Project* (2002), series, as Paul Tibbenham
- *The Project* (2002), as Paul Tibbenham
- *Spooks* (2002), series, as Tom Quinn — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/spooks.md)
- *The Way We Live Now* (2001), series, as Sir Felix Carbury — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-way-we-live-now.md)
- *Perfect Strangers* (2001), series, as Daniel
- *Enigma* (2001), as Cave
- *Maybe Baby* (2000), as Nigel
- *Warriors* (1999), as Pte. Alan James
- *Warriors* (1999), series, as Private Alan James
- *Wuthering Heights* (1998), as Hareton Earnshaw
- *Séance on a Wet Afternoon*, as Billy Savage · Executive Producer
- *You Are Here*, series, as Michael · Executive Producer
- *Legacy of Spies*, series, as George Smiley · Executive Producer

## Gallery

- ![Matthew Macfadyen](https://film.one/media/person/707/gallery-1eae0e6a859a.jpg) Matthew Macfadyen — Tomaholic, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Matthew_Macfadyen_2007.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Bust of Matthew Macfadyen as Fitzwilliam Darcy from the 2005 film adaption of Pride and Prejudice.](https://film.one/media/person/707/gallery-781d2241fef5.jpg) Bust of Matthew Macfadyen as Fitzwilliam Darcy from the 2005 film adaption of Pride and Prejudice. — Therese C from Geneva, Switzerland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Bust_of_Matthew_Macfadyen_as_Fitzwilliam_Darcy.jpg/1280px-Bust_of_Matthew_Macfadyen_as_Fitzwilliam_Darcy.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Star of Succession, Frost/Nixon, and Death at a Funeral. NYC April '19. (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/707/gallery-74b30055d7bc.jpg) Star of Succession, Frost/Nixon, and Death at a Funeral. NYC April '19. (2019) — Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/Matthew_Macfadyen_%2847653791352%29.jpg/1280px-Matthew_Macfadyen_%2847653791352%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Star of Succession, Frost/Nixon, and Death at a Funeral. NYC April '19. (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/707/gallery-67d4eac5ba3b.jpg) Star of Succession, Frost/Nixon, and Death at a Funeral. NYC April '19. (2019) — Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Matthew_Macfadyen_2019.jpg/1280px-Matthew_Macfadyen_2019.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Matthew Macfadyen](https://film.one/media/person/707/gallery-78f6b9ad1ce8.jpg) Matthew Macfadyen — Image via TMDB
- ![Matthew Macfadyen](https://film.one/media/person/707/gallery-36e8d2901755.jpg) Matthew Macfadyen — Image via TMDB
- ![Nicholas Braun and Matthew Macfadyen of Succession at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards](https://film.one/media/person/707/gallery-73fb7b7484bf.png) Nicholas Braun and Matthew Macfadyen of Succession at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards — Max, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Nicholas_Braun_and_Matthew_Macfadyen_2024_Emmys_01.png?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)

## Awards

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

- 2022: Best Supporting Actor (won), for *Succession*
- 2010: Best Supporting Actor (won), for *Criminal Justice*
- 2008: Best Actor (nominated)

### Golden Globes — 1 won

- 2023: Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (won), for *Succession*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won

- 2023: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (won), for *Succession*

### SAG Awards — 1 won, 1 nominated

- 2022: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (won), for *Succession*
- 2009: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (nominated), for *Frost/Nixon*

### Other awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- British Independent Film Awards 2005: Best Performance by an Actor in a British Independent Film (nominated), for *In My Father's Den*

*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/matthew-macfadyen