Mark Gatiss
Mark Gatiss | |
|---|---|
 Gatiss in 2017 | |
| Born | 17 October 1966 Sedgefield, County Durham, England |
| Other names | Rondo Haxton |
| Alma mater | Bretton Hall College of Education |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Spouse |
Ian Hallard (m. 2008) |
Biography
Mark Gatiss, born on October 17, 1966, in Sedgefield, County Durham, England, is a British actor, screenwriter, director, and novelist best known for his work in television, particularly in the realms of horror, science fiction, and crime drama. A multifaceted talent, Gatiss is renowned for co-creating the acclaimed BBC series Sherlock and as a member of the comedy team The League of Gentlemen.
Gatiss studied Theatre Arts at Bretton Hall College, part of the University of Leeds, where he met future collaborators Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, and Jeremy Dyson. Together, they formed The League of Gentlemen, a darkly comic ensemble that debuted on BBC Radio in the late 1990s before transitioning to a cult-hit television series, earning a BAFTA and Royal Television Society awards.
A lifelong fan of science fiction and horror, Gatiss fulfilled a personal dream by writing for the revived Doctor Who series, contributing multiple episodes from 2005 onward and even appearing in the show as an actor. His deep love for genre storytelling also led him to create documentaries on horror cinema and Doctor Who history for the BBC.
In 2010, Gatiss co-created Sherlock with Steven Moffat, a modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. He also played Sherlock’s older brother, Mycroft Holmes. The show became a global success, praised for its writing, performances, and stylistic innovation.
Beyond television, Gatiss has appeared in stage productions, including Coriolanus and The Madness of George III, and authored several novels and audio dramas. Known for his wit, intelligence, and love of the macabre, Mark Gatiss remains a vital and influential figure in British entertainment, continually blending genres with sharp storytelling and a deep respect for classic and contemporary narratives.
Music (likes)
BBC's Desert Island Discs (2011)
- There is a Light that Never Goes Out - The Smiths (Morrissey, Johnny Marr)
- The theme to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service - John Barry
- If I Loved You - Shirley Jones (and Gordon MacRae)
- Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis - The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan
- Beautiful Child - Rufus Wainwright
- Come to Me (I am woman) - Su Pollard
- Yes - McAlmont & Butler
- So In Love - Marin Mazzie [1]
Literature (likes)
Miscellaneous
- Complete Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Mark Gatiss". Desert Island Discs. 29 October 2011. BBC.