Ricky Whittle

Biography of Ricky Whittle

Ricky Whittle is a British actor and model who has become famous in his homeland through roles in the TV series "Dream Team" and "Hollyoaks." Throughout the world including Russia, the handsome and expressive actor was recognized after the premiere of the sensational fantasy series "American Gods."

Actor Ricky Whittle

Childhood and family

Whittle was born on December 31, 1981, in Oldham of Greater Manchester, Great Britain. His parents are Harry Whittle, a former soldier of the Royal Air Force of Jamaican origin, and Maggie Goodwin, a British woman. Ricky traveled a lot with his family around the world and got used to being away from home, he even said that at home he felt uncomfortable at times.

The actor said that his family was one of the few black families in the area, and he was the only black child at school. So as a child, he experienced whispering behind his back and even bullying.

Ricky Whittle could have made a career in sports

In his youth, Ricky was seriously involved in sports. He even represented England and the United Kingdom at youth football, rugby, and track-and-field athletics competitions. Whittle had a chance to get to the football clubs Arsenal and Celtic, but because of the received injury, he had to give up that project.

Instead, Whittle entered the Faculty of Criminology at the Southampton Solent University in England and continued playing football and rugby in university teams. However, Ricky never graduated from university because he dedicated himself to acting and modeling. He spent his free time on the football pitch though, taking the Running back position in the American football team "Manchester Titans."

Movie Career

In 2000, while still a university student, Whittle became the face of the Reebok campaign. After that, casting agents of the British entertainment channel Sky1 who were looking for young talents for the series "Dream Team" had noticed Ricky. This TV project was about the fictional football club "Harchester United." Finally, and the actor was approved for the role of an athlete Ryan Naysmith. To take part in the project, Whittle had to leave the university. During the shooting of the third series, he broke his leg in seven parts, so the screenwriters had to play the fact out in the script in order to continue the project.

In 2006, after an ambiguous episodic role in the series "Holby City," Whittle was invited to play in the popular British soap opera "Hollyoaks." The role of the mysterious Calvin Valentine was an important milestone in the career of the young actor, but in 2009, Whittle announced he was leaving the project. The producers decided to "kill" Ricky's character. In May 2010, the actor completed his work in "Hollyoaks."

In 2012, Ricky appeared in eight episodes of the successful series "Single Ladies," and a year later, the actor got the first, albeit very small, role in the American film project. It was the series about the adventures of the team of professional special agents "NCIS – Naval Criminal Investigative Service." After that, Ricky continued to star in the US. In 2014-2016, the actor took part in the filming of the sci-fi series "The 100." The role of Lincoln, Octavia's savior and lover brought the actor popularity all over the world.

Ricky Whittle in the TV series "Mistresses"

Whittles won female hearts with his impeccable performance in the series "Mistresses." His character was an attractive policeman.

TV

In January 2008, Whittle appeared in the famous TV show "The Weakest Link." He made it to the finale but lost to the British star of the show "Crimewatch" Ruv Wilding.

Ricky Whittle in the show "Strictly Come Dancing"

In August 2009, Whittle took part in the British dance show "Strictly Come Dancing." The actor danced in pair with Australian professional dancer Natalie Lowe. One of his rivals was Ali Bastian with whom the actor happened to star in the series "Hollyoaks." Whittle and his partner got to the finale overtaking the same Ruv Wilding, but the main prize went to TV anchor Chris Hollins and his partner Ola Jordan. Whittle and Natalie took second place.

American Gods

In 2016, Ricky was offered to star in the American fantasy series American Gods. The first series was aired on HBO on April 30, 2017. The adaptation of the most "adult" novel by the science fiction writer Neil Gaiman became one of the most anticipated premieres of the year.

Ricky Whittle in the series "American Gods" (fight scenes)

Whittle got the lead role of a former prisoner named Shadow Moon who suddenly becomes a part of the otherworldly realm of dreams. His partners in the series were such world stars as Gillian Anderson, Emily Browning, Ian McShane, Peter Stormare, Jeremy Davis, and others.

Also, together with actors Maxim Roy and Simone-Elizoy Girard, Whittle starred in the art-house film "Succulent & Savory" directed, scripted and starred by Jasmine O'Donnell

In 2017, in addition to his work on the second season of "American Gods," Ricky Whittle starred in the tragicomedy "Happily Ever After" along with Camille Guaty. The story is about a bald girl who decided to start a new life.

Ricky Whittle's personal life

In 2007, Whittle began to date an American actress Carly Stenson, his partner from "Hollyoaks." The relationship lasted more than three years. In 2011, the couple broke up when Wittle got close with Natalie Lowe, his partner in the dance show.

Ricky Whittle dated Rumer Willis

In August 2012, at the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony, the actor met an American actress Jessica Zor, the star of the series "Gossip Girl." The actors started a turbulent romance but a year later they broke up.

In 2014, Whittle spent three months dating an actress Rumer Willis, the eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. According to The Sun magazine, the reason for their breakup was the actor's tight schedule – at that time, Ricky worked for 12-15 hours on the set of the television show "The 100."

Ricky Whittle is not yet married

Immediately after the breakup with Rumer, Whittle started a relationship with a yoga trainer Kirstina Colonna whom the actor dates up to this day.

Ricky Whittle now

In 2019, the actor appeared in the new 'American Gods' season. Obviously, his fee let him pay $1,5 million for a luxury mansion in LA.

Ricky Whittle bought this house

Ronald Boyd

Ricky Whittle is that actor from `The 100`. Cool actor, he played well. Sad that he needed to leave the project.

2021-03-31 12:06:32
Joanne Anderson

I remember Whittle with his excellent work in my favorite TV series Mistresses.

2021-03-08 21:36:29
Everett Bailey

Ricky Whittle... Who is it? He has many roles? A few Oscars? I don`t understand why people are talking about him.

2021-01-19 22:23:03

Photos: Ricky Whittle