Biography of Ricky Whittle
Ricky Whittle is a British actor and model who first made his mark in the UK with roles in the TV series "Dream Team" and "Hollyoaks". He broke into international stardom with the hit fantasy series "American Gods", which premiered in 2017.
Childhood and Family
Ricky Whittle was born on December 31, 1981, in Oldham, United Kingdom. The son of Harry Whittle, a former Royal Air Force serviceman of Jamaican descent, and Maggie Goodwin, who is British, Ricky traveled extensively with his family around the world, though he sometimes felt out of place at home.The actor has shared that his family was one of the few Black families in the area, and he was the only Black child in his school, so the sideways glances and whispers behind his back were just part of what Ricky had to endure growing up.
Instead, Whittle enrolled in the Criminology department at Southampton Solent University in England, where he continued to play football and rugby for the university teams. Ricky did not finish university, dedicating himself entirely to acting. Still, in his free time, Ricky hit the football field, playing as a running back for the American football team Manchester Titans.
Acting Career
In 2000, while still at university, Ricky Whittle became the face of a Reebok campaign. This caught the attention of casting agents from British entertainment channel Sky1, who were scouting young talent for the TV series "Dream Team" – a show about the on-field and off-field drama of fictional football club "Harchester United." Whittle landed the role of athlete Ryan Naysmith.
In 2006, following a controversial guest stint on "Holby City," Whittle landed a role in popular British soap opera "Hollyoaks." Playing enigmatic Calvin Valentine became a major career milestone for the young actor, but in 2009, Whittle announced he was leaving the show. The writers decided to kill off Ricky's character, and in May 2010, the actor wrapped his work on "Hollyoaks."
In 2012, Ricky appeared in eight episodes of hit series "Single Ladies," and a year later, he scored his first American role – a small part in the special agents series "NCIS: Los Angeles."
In 2016, Ricky landed the lead role in American fantasy series "American Gods," which premiered on HBO on April 30, 2017. The adaptation of Neil Gaiman's darkest novel became one of the year's most anticipated premieres.
Whittle also starred with actors Maxim Roy and Simona-Elise Girard in the art-house film "Succulent & Savory," directed, written by, and starring Jasmine O'Donnell.
Television Career
In January 2008, Ricky Whittle competed on the hit TV show "The Weakest Link," making it to the final before losing to British "Crimewatch" star Rav Wilding.
Ricky Whittle's Personal Life
In 2007, Whittle began dating American actress Carley Stenson, his "Hollyoaks" co-star. The relationship lasted for over three years. In 2011, the couple split when Whittle grew close to his dance partner Natalie Lowe.
In 2014, Whittle briefly dated actress Rumer Willis, eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, for three months. According to The Sun, the breakup was due to the actor's demanding schedule – Ricky was pulling 12-15 hour days on "The 100" set at the time.
Ricky Whittle Now
In early 2024, Ricky Whittle appeared in the action thriller "Land of Bad" as Sergeant Bishop.
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