Biography
Samuel Barnett is an English actor. Born in Whitby, North Yorkshire, he trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
He originated the role of Posner in the original National Theatre production of Alan Bennett's The History Boys (2004) and reprised it in the 2006 film adaptation, as well as in Broadway and international productions. He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for the Broadway run and won a Drama Desk Award. His other stage work includes productions at the National Theatre such as His Dark Materials.
On screen, Barnett has appeared in films including Mrs Henderson Presents (2005), Bright Star (2009), Jupiter Ascending (2015) and The Lady in the Van (2015). His television roles include Renfield in Penny Dreadful (2014–2016) and the title character in Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017).
