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Mathew Baynton
Matt-baynton
Baynton in 2013

Name:

Mathew John Baynton

Born

18th November, 1980
Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England

Spouse

Kelly Robinson

Children

Bo Baynton, Ida Baynton

Nickname(s)

Mat

Mathew John "Mat" Baynton (Born 18 November 1980) is an English actor, writer, comedian, singer, and musician. He is best known for the CBBC historical sketch show Horrible Histories between 2009 and 2013. Along with his fellow co-stars he has gone on to create, write and star in two comedy series, Yonderland and Ghosts and one feature film Bill, and also starred in "The Wrong Mans" with James Corden.

Early Life and Career[]

Baynton was born on 18 November 1980 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. He has two older brothers Daniel and Andrew. After finishing school at Southend High School for Boys, Baynton went on to attend the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama where he graduated with first-class honours. He is also trained in clowning, having attended École Philippe Gaulier in Paris. Baynton's first acting role was as Howard in a BBC drama called Learners (which also starred his fellow Horrible Histories co-star Sarah Hadland)

Horrible Histories[]

Baynton is best known for his work on Horrible Histories, a CBBC historical sketch show. Baynton appeared in all five series of the original Horrible Histories between 2009 and 2013 but did not return for the revival series in 2015. Aside from being one of the regular cast members, Baynton was also an occasional writer on the series. Some of Baynton's best-known characters that he portrayed were Charles II of England, Phillip II of Spain and William Shakespeare.

Characters[]

Season 1[]

  • Mick Wall
  • Black Bart
  • George II
  • Grunt
  • Captain Scott
  • Charles I
  • Mr Miserable

Season 2[]

  • Elagabalus
  • William Shakespeare
  • Guy Fawkes
  • Henry I
  • Charles II

Season 3[]

Season 4[]

Season 5[]

Later Career[]

During his time on Horrible Histories, Baynton and his co-stars had become very close, both personally and professionally. Eventually, this led them to continue working together after Horrible Histories ceased full-time production, creating, writing and starring in the TV series Yonderland and Ghosts and feature film comedy Bill (in which Baynton reprised his role as William Shakespeare). Baynton also wrote and co-starred in The Wrong Mans, a comedy-thriller for BBC Two that premiered in Autumn 2013, with fellow actor and comedian, James Corden[1].

Aside from acting, Baynton is also a singer and songwriter, having been a member of the band Special Benny as a vocalist and guitarist[2]. Their debut album Toys was released in 2010. Baynton now performs solo under the name of Dog Ears. His debut, self-written solo EP, So It Goes, was released in November 2011.

In 2023, Baynton has played the role as Fickelgruber in the 2023 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel, Wonka. His Horrible Histories co-star, Simon Farnaby, appeared in Wonka, and also helped write the screenplay for the film.

Personal Life[]

Baynton is married to Kelly Robinson who is a film historian. Together they have two children, a son called Bo and a daughter called Ida.

Baynton has been quoted as saying "[Bo] thinks work is putting on a beard. One day his eyes will be opened, but I do find it wonderful that that’s his view of work." He commented during the same interview that while many actors do not want their children to become an actor as well, but Baynton has said that he sees no problem with his son following in his footsteps by stating that "[he] enjoy[s] it, so why shouldn't I let him?".

Baynton tries to keep Bo and Ida out of the spotlight. However, Baynton raised awareness about breaking gender barriers after Bo was mocked in the park for wearing a pink bicycle helmet. Baynton expressed his belief that he lets his son express his likes and dislikes freely without categorising toys and colours in gendered categories. Baynton stated "I won't be teaching my boy how to be a 'boy.'[3]

Awards[]

In 2012, Baynton was nominated for a Children BAFTA Award for Best Performer in Horrible Histories. He lost out to Khalil Madovi for 4 O'Clock Club[4].

In 2013 he won the Royal Television Society Programme Award for Best Comedy Writer.[5]

He was also nominated for a BAFTA twice in 2014 for Best Writer – Comedy and Best Male Comedy Performance both for The Wrong Mans.[6][7]

References[]

External Links[]

Mathew Baynton on Wikipedia
Mathew Baynton on Twitter
Mathew Baynton on IMDB
Mathew Baynton's personal website

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