Adrian Lester Age, Height, Nationality, Movies & Shows

Adrian Anthony Lester CBE, born Anthony Harvey on 14 August 1968, is a distinguished English actor, director, and writer known for his remarkable contributions to the world of theatre, television, and film. Born in Birmingham to Jamaican immigrants Monica and Reginald, Lester’s journey into the world of acting began at a young age.

From the age of nine, he showcased his musical talents as a boy treble in the choir of St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham. His passion for acting blossomed at 14 when he joined the Birmingham Youth Theatre, setting the stage for a career that would span decades.

Adrian Lester
Image Credit: Emma McIntyre | Credit: Getty Images

Lester pursued his passion for acting further by attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he honed his craft over three years of rigorous training.

Career Highlights

Theatre

Lester’s illustrious theatre career is marked by numerous accolades and critically acclaimed performances. Notable highlights include his portrayal of Rosalind in Cheek by Jowl’s all-male production of As You Like It, which earned him an Ian Charleson Award commendation and a Time Out Award. He also received praise for his performance as Paul in the UK premiere of Six Degrees Of Separation at the Royal Court Theatre, alongside Stockard Channing. Lester’s versatility as a stage actor is evident in his portrayal of iconic roles such as Henry V at the National Theatre and Brick in Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Novello Theatre.

In 2013, Lester delivered a memorable performance as Othello alongside Rory Kinnear’s Iago at the National Theatre, garnering widespread acclaim and winning the Best Actor award at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Television

Lester’s presence on television screens has been equally impactful. He gained recognition for his role as the charismatic con artist Michael “Mickey Bricks” Stone in the BBC series Hustle, captivating audiences with his charm and wit. His American television credits include appearances on Girlfriends and The Ghost Squad, showcasing his versatility as an actor across different cultural landscapes.

Film

Lester’s filmography boasts a diverse range of roles, from his portrayal of campaign manager Henry Burton in Primary Colors to his appearance in Love’s Labour’s Lost directed by Kenneth Branagh. He also featured in blockbuster films such as The Day After Tomorrow, further solidifying his status as a versatile actor with a global appeal.

Other Work

In addition to his acting career, Lester has contributed to various projects, including appearing alongside his wife, Lolita Chakrabarti, as acting mentor in the documentary When Romeo Met Juliet. He has also lent his voice to audiobooks, recording titles such as Alpha Force: Survival written by Chris Ryan.