---
name: "Tamsin Greig"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/tamsin-greig"
fi1m_id: "tamsin-greig"
imdb_id: "nm0340067"
tmdb_id: 120931
wikidata_id: "Q3119814"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "12 July 1966"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 77
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-10-07T16:14:13.440584+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."
---

# Tamsin Greig

## Identity

Tamsin Greig

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/tamsin-greig
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** tamsin-greig
- **IMDb ID:** nm0340067
- **TMDB ID:** 120931
- **Wikidata ID:** Q3119814
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamsin_Greig, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3119814, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0340067/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/120931

Actor. Born 12 July 1966 in Maidstone, Kent, England, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 12 July 1966, Maidstone, Kent, England, UK
- **Active:** 1999–present
- **Also known as:** Tasmin Greig, تامسین گریگ
- **Frequently works with:** [Martin Dennis](https://film.one/person/martin-dennis.md)
- **BAFTA Television Awards:** 2 BAFTA nominations
- **Average Fi1m score:** 77, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 83 (3), 2010s 73 (6), 2020s 78 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 76 to 72 across 7 titles
- **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 9, Drama 6, Animation 1, Crime 1, Family 1, History 1
- **Screen time:** 7 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $287m across 4 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamsin_Greig, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3119814, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0340067/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/120931

## Streaming the US now

- **Apple TV:** [*Riot Women*](https://film.one/tv/riot-women.md) (80), [*Friday Night Dinner*](https://film.one/tv/friday-night-dinner.md) (74)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*Green Wing*](https://film.one/tv/green-wing.md) (83)
- **Pluto TV:** [*Black Books*](https://film.one/tv/black-books.md) (82)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Episodes*](https://film.one/tv/episodes.md) (72)

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

## Fi1m on Tamsin Greig

> Tamsin Greig makes the relatively sensible person in a comedy worth watching, with timing that leaves room for hurt. We value her ensemble work most, and *Riot Women* gives it an angry, moving purpose.

*Riot Women* (2025) gives Tamsin Greig something useful to do with other actors: make music. As Holly, she joins women who have spent enough time coping and are beginning to make time for something they want. We were moved by them playing together, because the pleasure of choosing that time for themselves felt earned. Greig's contribution belongs alongside Lorraine Ashbourne's Jess and Amelia Bullmore's Yvonne, rather than above them. That willingness to be part of a group is central to what we value in her.

The comedy breakthrough came with *Black Books* (2000), as Fran Katzenjammer, and *Green Wing* (2004), as Dr Caroline Todd. Those programmes established a useful position for her: the relatively grounded person surrounded by people making normal behaviour difficult. It is a part that can shrink an actor to a succession of reactions, but her timing makes room for vulnerability as well as the joke. *Episodes* (2011), as Beverly Lincoln, and *Friday Night Dinner* (2011), as Jackie Goodman, kept comedy central to her screen work. We would be sorry to lose that side of her simply because she can do serious work.

*Much Ado About Nothing* (2007), in which she played Beatrice, and the television drama *Belgravia* (2020) make any simple story of a comedian turning serious unhelpful. *Riot Women* does not need that story. Sally Wainwright gives her a place among middle-aged women who are allowed to be angry without all becoming equally likeable. Greig learnt bass guitar and adopted a West Yorkshire accent for Holly. The preparation matters because making music together is what makes this group worth caring about.

Wainwright does not always trust the actors enough: the writing sometimes spells out what the performances have already told us. Joanna Scanlan and Rosalie Craig make the largest impression, but Greig, Ashbourne and Bullmore matter as much to the pleasure of the group. We would rather see Greig given this sort of company than asked to carry every scene herself. For anyone who knows only the sitcoms, *Riot Women* is worth an evening.

## Biography

Tamsin Greig is an English actress. She was born on 12 July 1966 in Maidstone, Kent. She is known for both comedic and dramatic roles in television and film.

Her television credits include Fran Katzenjammer in the Channel 4 sitcom *Black Books* (2000–2004), Dr Caroline Todd in *Green Wing* (2004–2006), Beverly Lincoln in *Episodes* (2011–2017) and Jackie Goodman in *Friday Night Dinner* (2011–2020). Film roles include Maggie in *Shaun of the Dead* (2004) and Beth Hardiment in *Tamara Drewe* (2010). She played Anne Trenchard in the 2020 ITV series *Belgravia*.

Greig is also a stage actress. She won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in 2007 for her performance in *Much Ado About Nothing*. In 2025 she appeared as Holly in the BBC series *Riot Women*.

*Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, radiotimes.com.*

## On Fi1m (11)

- *Riot Women* (2025), Fi1m 80, as Holly — [page](https://film.one/tv/riot-women.md)
- *Alan Bennett's Talking Heads* (2020), Fi1m 75, as Rosemary — [page](https://film.one/tv/alan-bennetts-talking-heads.md)
- *Official Secrets* (2019), Fi1m 68, as Elizabeth Wilmshurst — [page](https://film.one/film/official-secrets.md)
- *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* (2015), Fi1m 58, as Lavinia Beach — [page](https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel.md)
- *Inside No. 9* (2014), Fi1m 84, as Sally — [page](https://film.one/tv/inside-no-9.md)
- *Arthur Christmas* (2011), Fi1m 82, as Additional Voices (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas.md)
- *Episodes* (2011), Fi1m 72, as Beverly Lincoln — [page](https://film.one/tv/episodes.md)
- *Friday Night Dinner* (2011), Fi1m 74, as Jackie Goodman — [page](https://film.one/tv/friday-night-dinner.md)
- *Green Wing* (2004), Fi1m 83, as Caroline Todd — [page](https://film.one/tv/green-wing.md)
- *Shaun of the Dead* (2004), Fi1m 85, as Maggie — [page](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead.md)
- *Black Books* (2000), Fi1m 82, as Fran — [page](https://film.one/tv/black-books.md)

## Complete filmography (75)

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

- *Riot Women* (2025), series, as Holly — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/riot-women.md)
- *Largo* (2025), as Grace
- *Legend Has It* (2025), as Nisibi
- *Bing & Friends: Birthday Celebration* (2024), as Molly (voice)
- *The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin* (2024), series, as Helen Gwinear
- *Sexy Beast* (2024), series, as Cecilia Logan
- *My Happy Ending* (2023), as Nancy
- *The Tiger Who Came to Tea* (2022), as Mummy (voice)
- *Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War* (2022), Actor
- *Suspect* (2022), series, as Natasha Groves
- *The Amazing Mr. Blunden* (2021), as Mrs. Wickens
- *National Theatre Live: Romeo and Juliet* (2021), as Lady Capulet
- *Days of the Bagnold Summer* (2020), as Astrid
- *Alan Bennett's Talking Heads* (2020), series, as Rosemary — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/tv/alan-bennetts-talking-heads.md)
- *Belgravia* (2020), series, as Anne Trenchard
- *Love Monster* (2020), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Official Secrets* (2019), as Elizabeth Wilmshurst — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/official-secrets.md)
- *To Provide All People* (2018), as GP
- *Revolting Rhymes* (2017), as Grandma (voice)
- *Diana and I* (2017), as Mary McDonald
- *National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night* (2017), as Malvolia
- *Revolting Rhymes* (2016), series, as Grandma
- *Breaking the Bank* (2016), as Penelope
- *Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King* (2016), as Narrator (voice)
- *Behold the Monkey* (2016), as Narrator
- *Wellington: The Iron Duke Unmasked* (2015), as Narrator
- *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* (2015), as Lavinia Beach — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel.md)
- *Bing* (2014), series, as Molly (voice)
- *Last Gasp* (2014), as Sally
- *Inside No. 9* (2014), series, as Sally — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/inside-no-9.md)
- *Royal Cousins at War* (2014), series, as Narrator
- *The Guilty* (2013), series, as DCI Maggie Brand
- *Magnificent Machines: The Golden Age of the British Sports Car* (2012), as Narrator
- *Elementary* (2012), series, as DCI Athelney Jones
- *The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II* (2012), as Narrator
- *White Heat* (2012), series, as Beth
- *Arthur Christmas* (2011), as Additional Voices (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas.md)
- *Going Postal 2in1* (2011), as Miss Cripslock
- *Friday Night Dinner* (2011), series, as Jackie Goodman — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/friday-night-dinner.md)
- *Episodes* (2011), series, as Beverly Lincoln — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/episodes.md)
- *Cuckoo* (2010), as Simon
- *Tamara Drewe* (2010), as Beth Hardiment
- *Cats of Claw Hill* (2010), series, as Narrator, Samantha
- *Going Postal* (2010), series, as Miss Cripslock
- *Mental: A History of the Madhouse* (2010), as Narrator
- *Emma* (2009), series, as Miss Bates
- *The Diary of Anne Frank* (2009), series, as Edith Hollander-Frank
- *The Diary of Anne Frank* (2009), as Margot Frank
- *Prince John:  The Windsors' Tragic Secret* (2008), as Narrator (voice)
- *Captain Eager and the Mark of Voth* (2008), as Jenny
- *Verity Lambert: Drama Queen* (2008), Actor
- *Green Wing Special* (2007), as Caroline Todd
- *The Secret Policeman's Ball: The Ball in the Hall* (2006), as Dr. Caroline Todd
- *Falling Apart* (2006), as Jackie
- *Love Soup* (2005), series, as Alice Chenery
- *Doctor Who* (2005), series, as Nurse — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who-2005.md)
- *Green Wing* (2004), series, as Caroline Todd — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/green-wing.md)
- *Ready When You Are, Mr McGill* (2004), as Lianne
- *When I'm Sixty-Four* (2004), as Denny
- *The Lenny Henry Show* (2004), series, Actor
- *Shaun of the Dead* (2004), as Maggie — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/shaun-of-the-dead.md)
- *Black Dolls* (2004), as Fran Katzenjammer (Voice)
- *Pure* (2002), as Liaison Officer
- *Miranda* (2002), as Receptionist
- *Happiness* (2001), series, Actor
- *Black Books* (2000), series, as Fran — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/black-books.md)
- *People Like Us* (1999), series, as Sarah
- *The Great Egyptians* (1998), series, as Cleopatra
- *Blind Men* (1997), series, Actor
- *This Is the Sea* (1997), as (voice)
- *Jonathan Creek* (1997), series, as Pam — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/jonathan-creek.md)
- *Neverwhere* (1996), series, as Lamia
- *Wycliffe* (1994), series, as Dr. Hinkley
- *Blue Heaven* (1992), series, as Prof. Wiseman
- *Natural World* (1983), series, as Narrator, Narrator (voice)

## Gallery

- ![Cast of TV series "Episodes" at the 2010 Summer Session of the Television Critics Assocation.](https://film.one/media/person/26964/gallery-7adef4082a88.jpg) Cast of TV series "Episodes" at the 2010 Summer Session of the Television Critics Assocation. — Thomas Atilla Lewis at https://www.flickr.com/people/51761894@N00, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Episodes_cast_TCA_2010.jpg/1280px-Episodes_cast_TCA_2010.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Tamsin Greig](https://film.one/media/person/26964/gallery-bfcc4c42636e.jpg) Tamsin Greig — Episodes_cast_TCA_2010.jpg: Thomas Atilla Lewis at https://www.flickr.com/people/51761894@N00
derivative work: Electroguv (talk), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Tamsin_Greig_2010.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Tamsin Greig](https://film.one/media/person/26964/gallery-9272e47e671f.jpg) Tamsin Greig — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### BAFTA Television Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated

- 2012: Best Female Comedy Performance (nominated), for *Friday Night Dinner*
- 2005: Best Comedy Performance (nominated), for *Green Wing*

### Other awards — 1 won, 2 nominated

- Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress 2011: Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress (nominated)
- British Independent Film Awards 2010: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Tamara Drewe*
- Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress 2007: Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress (won)

*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/tamsin-greig