Michael Kitchen Biography
Michael Kitchen is an English actor and television producer who was born and brought up in Leicester, England, United Kingdom. He is widely known for his starring role as Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle in the ITV drama ‘Foyle’s War’, which comprised eight series between 2002 and 2015. He also played the role of Bill Tanner in two James Bond films opposite Pierce Brosnan, and that of John Farrow in BBC Four’s comedy series Brian Pern.
Kitchen has also appeared in a number of films, including Out of Africa (1985), GoldenEye (1995), and The World Is Not Enough (1999). In 2009, he starred in the BBC Four comedy series Brian Pern, playing John Farrow, the manager of a fictional rock band.
Kitchen has been nominated for a number of awards for his acting, including two BAFTA Awards and an Olivier Award. In 2006, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama.
10 Quick Facts About Michael Kitchen
- Name: Michael Kitchen
- Age: 75 years old
- Birthday: October 31
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)
- Nationality: English
- Occupation: Actor and Television Producer
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net Worth: $6 Million
Michael Kitchen Age
Kitchen is 75 years old. He was born on October 31, 1948, in Leicester, England, United Kingdom. He celebrates his birthday on October 31 every year and his birth sign is Scorpio.
Michael Kitchen Height
Kitchen stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m).
Michael Kitchen Weight
Kitchen Weighs 65 kg (143 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Michael Roy Kitchen was born in Leicester, England, on October 31, 1948. His father was a toolmaker, and his mother was a housewife. He grew up in Leicester and attended Southgate School, where he showed an early interest in performing.
Kitchen attended the City of Leicester Boys’ Grammar School, where he appeared on stage in a production of Cymbeline. As a young boy, he was the head chorister in the Church of the Martyrs choir. Here he was a regular soloist.
Kitchen worked with the National Youth Theatre and the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry prior to attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. In the year 1969, while still at RADA, he won the “Emile Littler Award” for ‘outstanding talent and aptitude for the professional theatre’.
Rise to Fame
After graduating from RADA, Kitchen began his acting career on stage, appearing in productions of plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Ibsen.
In the late 1970s, Kitchen began to appear in television roles. He made his television debut in the 1978 BBC drama series The Sweeney. He went on to appear in a number of other popular British television shows, including Minder, Chancer, Inspector Morse, A Touch of Frost, Between the Lines, Pie in the Sky, and Dalziel and Pascoe.
Kitchen’s breakthrough role came in 2002, when he was cast as Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle in the ITV drama series Foyle’s War. The show was set in England during World War II and followed Foyle as he investigated crimes in the fictional town of Hastings. Foyle’s War was a critical and commercial success, running for eight series until 2015.
Michael Kitchen Family, Parents
Kitchen was born to Arthur Ernest Kitchen and Elsie Betty Kitchen in England. His father was born in 1921 in Belgrave, Leicester, United Kingdomin Leicester, Leicestershire and died in 2002. Kitchen spent his childhood with his sibling brother named Jeffrey Kitchen. He was head chorister in the Church of the Martyrs choir, where he was a regular soloist.
Michael Kitchen Wife
Kitchen is currently married to his wife Rowena Miller. The couple met while she was a dresser at the RSC in the late 1980s. They tied the knot in 1988. Michael and Rowena have two sons together. Kitchen values his privacy and rarely gives interviews concerning his family.
Michael Kitchen Children
Kitchen and his wife Miller have two children together, both sons. However, Kitchen likes to keep his personal life private hence information about his children’s names is under research. However, this information will be updated as soon as it is available.
Michael Kitchen Net Worth
Kitchen has an estimated net worth of $6 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as an actor and television producer. Through his various sources of income, Michael has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Michael Kitchen Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Michael.
Michael Kitchen Wiki
- Full Names: Michael Roy Kitchen
- Popular As: Michael
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Actor and Television Producer
- Nationality: English
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Michael Kitchen Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 75 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Date of Birth: October 31, 1948
- Place of Birth: Leicester, England, UK
- Birthday: October 31
Michael Kitchen Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)
- Weight: 65 kg (143 lbs)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Light Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Michael Kitchen Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Arthur Ernest Kitchen
- Mother: Elsie Betty Kitchen
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Jeffrey Kitchen
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Rowena Miller
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sons (Two) Daughter(s) (None)
Michael Kitchen Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $6 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Actor and Television Producer
Michael Kitchen Actor
Kitchen was discovered at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) by talent agent Peter Froggatt of Plant & Froggatt Ltd. In the early 1970s, Kitchen appeared in small roles in films such as Unman, Wittering, and Zigo (1971) and the Hammer film Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972) before becoming a fixture of British television.
His early TV appearances include roles in Play for Today (Hell’s Angels by David Agnew, 1971), Thriller, The Brontes of Haworth, 1973, in which he played Branwell Bronte), Tales of the Unexpected and Beasts.
Kitchen played the role of Martin in the original 1976 production of Dennis Potter’s Brimstone and Treacle, Peter in Stephen Poliakoff’s Caught on a Train, Edmund in the BBC Television Shakespeare production of King Lear, the Antipholi in the same series’ production of The Comedy of Errors, Private Bamforth in the 1979 BBC television play of The Long and the Short and the Tall.
Also in 1979 Kitchen appeared in an episode of the hard-hitting police drama The Professionals, the episode entitled Runner. He played the role of Duffy, a renegade former member of an organized crime network.
Other roles at this time include Larner in the film Breaking Glass (1980), Rochus Misch in The Bunker (1981), Berkeley Cole in the film Out of Africa (1985), the King of the United Kingdom in To Play the King (1993), an English land agent during the Irish Famine in The Hanging Gale (1995), and a recurring role as Bill Tanner in the Pierce Brosnan Bond films GoldenEye (1995) and The World Is Not Enough (1999).
Kitchen later films include The Russia House (1990), Fools of Fortune (1990), Enchanted April (1992), The Trial (1993), Fatherland (1994), Doomsday Gun (1994), The Hanging Gale (1995), Kidnapped (1995), Mrs Dalloway (1997), The Railway Children (2000), Proof of Life (2000), Lorna Doone (2001) and My Week with Marilyn (2011).
Kitchen appeared in the ITV mystery-drama Foyle’s War as the lead character, DCS Christopher Foyle from 2002 to 2015. He was also a producer for the show. Other noted appearances include The Buccaneers as Sir Helmsley Thwaite (1995), Dandelion Dead (1994), and A Royal Scandal (1996).
Kitchen also made appearances in The Last Contract (Sista Kontraktet,1998) a Swedish film about the assassination of Prime Minister Olof Palme. Michael was also cast in Paul Abbott’s Alibi in 2003, Andrew Davies’ dramatisation of Falling in 2005, ITV’s three-part drama series Mobile (2007), and Channel 4’s phone-hacking comedy Hacks (2012).
Kitchen starred as a guest in roles in other popular British television shows including The Professionals, Minder, Chancer, Inspector Morse, A Touch of Frost, Between the Lines, Pie in the Sky as well as Dalziel and Pascoe. Kitchen performed Richard Crane in Reckless and John Farrow in the mockumentary The Life of Rock alongside Brian Pern.
Also, he is a noted actor in British theatre. His roles have ranged from Ptolemy in Caesar and Cleopatra at the Belgrade Theatre in 1966. He also cast as Will in Howard Brenton’s Magnificence at the Royal Court in 1973. Additionally, he was William Hogarth in Nick Dear’s The Art of Success in 1986–87.
Kitchen performed Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet for the RSC at Stratford and was a member of the National Theatre Company as well as the Young Vic, where he performed Iago in Othello. In 1974, he appeared at Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre in the play Spring Awakening opposite Peter Firth, Jenny Agutter, Beryl Reid, and Cyril Cusack.
Later he performed opposite Sir Ralph Richardson and Sir John Gielgud in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land, directed by Peter Hall. In the year 1981, he starred Melchior, the manservant of Zangler, in Tom Stoppard’s play On the Razzle. In the year 1984, he played the cabin steward Dvornicheck in Tom Stoppard’s play Rough Crossing.
Michael Kitchen Out Of Africa
Kitchen starred as Berkeley Cole in the film Out of Africa in 1985. It is an American epic romantic drama film directed as well as produced by Sydney Pollack, and starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
The film is based loosely on the year 1937 autobiographical book Out of Africa written by Isak Dinesen, with additional material from Dinesen’s 1960 book Shadows on the Grass as well as other sources.
Michael Kitchen Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- 1971 – Unman, Wittering and Zigo Bungabine Drama
- 1972 – Dracula A.D. 1972 Greg Horror
- 1974 – King Thrushbeard and the Proud Princess King Thrushbeard TV film
- 1975 – Savages Carlos Esquerdo TV film
- 1976 – A Divorce Laurence TV film
- 1978 No Man’s Land Foster TV film
- 1980 Caught on a Train Peter TV Play
- 1981 – The Bunker Rochus Misch TV film
- 1985 – Out of Africa Berkeley Romantic drama
- 1989 – Dykket Bricks Thriller
- 1990 – Fools of Fortune Mr Quinton Rom-Com
- 1991 – The War That Never Ends 2nd Athenian representative TV film
- 1992 – Enchanted April George Briggs Drama
- 1993 – The Trial Block Thriller
- 1994 – Fatherland Max Jäger TV film
- 1995 – GoldenEye Bill Tanner Thriller
- 1997 – Mrs Dalloway Peter Walsh Romantic drama
- 1998 – The Last Contract (“Sista Kontraktet”) John Gales alias Ray Lambert Thriller (Swedish)
- 1999 – The World Is Not Enough Bill Tanner Action adventure
- 2000 – New Year’s Day Robin Drama
- 2011 – My Week with Marilyn Hugh Perceval Biopic drama
- 2013 – Clowning Around Clive Davies, Head of Clowns (voice over)
TV Shows
- 1970 – Thirty-Minute Theatre Waller 1 episode: Is That Your Body?
- 1971 – Man at the Top Trevor 1 episode: The Prime of Life
- 1972 – ITV Sunday Night Theatre 1 episode: The Web
- 1973 – Country Matters Henry Batley 1 episode: The Four Beauties
- 1974 – Fall of Eagles Leon Trotsky 2 episodes
- 1975 – Centre Play The Student 1 episode: The Imp of the Perverse
- 1979 – The Professionals Duffy 1 Episode: “Runner”
- 1981 – Tales of the Unexpected Arthur S4 E4: The Best of Everything
- 1984 – Weekend Playhouse Ed 1 episode: As Man and Wife
- 1989 – Minder Maltese Tony 1 episode: Fiddler On The Hoof
- 1991 – Chancer Roman 2 episodes
- 1992 – Boon Donald Blake 1 episode: Shot in the Dark
- 1993 – The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles Lloyd George 1 episode: Paris, May 1919
- 1994 – Shakespeare: The Animated Tales Polixenes/ Narrator 2 episodes
- 1995 – The Buccaneers Sir Helmsley Thwaite 5 episodes
- 1996 – A Touch of Frost Jonathan Meyerbridge 1 episode: The Things We Do for Love (1996)
- 1997 – Harry Enfield and Chums David the Director 1 episode #2.6
- 1998 – Dalziel and Pascoe Philip Swain – Bones and Silence (1998)
- 1999-2002 – Always and Everyone Jack Turner 18 episodes
- 2000–2006 – Faking It Narrator 7 seasons
- 2002–2015 – Foyle’s War Christopher Foyle 28 episodes
- 2003 – Faking It USA Narrator
- 2007 – Mobile David West episode: The Soldier
- 2012 – White Heat Jack (Present Day) episode: The Sea of Trees
- 2014 – The Life of Rock with Brian Pern John Farrow 8 episodes
- 2016 – The Collection Frederic Lemaire The Scent (2016)
- 2017 – Brian Pern John Farrow
- 2020 = The Kemps: All True Harvey Stickles
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Michael Kitchen has had a long and successful career as an actor, appearing in countless television shows, movies, and stage productions. But what many people don’t know is that he’s also an avid traveler who has visited some of the most amazing places in the world. Let’s take a look at some of his most notable travel experiences:
- Climbing the Great Wall of China: Kitchen has always been fascinated by Chinese culture, so he was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China in 2008. He found the experience to be both awe-inspiring and humbling, and he was amazed by the sheer scale and engineering of the wall.
- Exploring the Amazon Rainforest: In 2012, Kitchen embarked on an adventure to the Amazon Rainforest, where he spent several days trekking through the jungle and learning about the local flora and fauna. He was struck by the beauty and diversity of the rainforest, and he felt a deep sense of connection to nature.
- Visiting the Taj Mahal: Kitchen has always been a fan of Indian culture, so he was excited to visit the Taj Mahal in 2016. He found the mausoleum to be breathtakingly beautiful, and he was impressed by the intricate details of its architecture.
- Experiencing the Northern Lights: In 2018, Kitchen traveled to the Arctic Circle to witness the Northern Lights. He was amazed by the beauty and intensity of the lights, and he described the experience as being truly magical.
- Exploring the ancient city of Petra: In 2021, Kitchen visited Jordan to explore the ancient city of Petra. He was fascinated by the city’s history and its incredible architecture, and he felt a sense of awe as he walked through the Treasury and other well-preserved ruins.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Michael Kitchen is an accomplished actor who has achieved great success in his career. However, he is not one to rest on his laurels. He is always looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow as an actor. Here are a few of his future aspirations and goals:
- Continue to work in challenging and rewarding roles: Kitchen is always looking for roles that will push him as an actor and allow him to explore new depths of his craft. He is particularly interested in roles that are complex and nuanced, and that allow him to connect with audiences on a deep level.
- Work with more young filmmakers and actors: Kitchen is passionate about supporting and mentoring the next generation of talent. He is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with young filmmakers and actors, and to help them develop their skills and achieve their own goals.
- Travel and explore new cultures: Kitchen is an avid traveler, and he is always eager to learn about new cultures and experiences. He hopes to continue traveling in the years to come, and to use his experiences to inform his work as an actor.
- Write and direct: Kitchen is interested in exploring other aspects of the filmmaking process, such as writing and directing. He believes that this would allow him to have a more creative voice in his work, and to create projects that are truly personal to him.
- Give back to the community: Kitchen is committed to using his platform to raise awareness of important issues and to support charitable causes. He hopes to continue to use his voice to make a positive impact on the world.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Michael Kitchen has used his platform as an actor to support various philanthropic, charitable, and community initiatives. He is a passionate advocate for several causes, including education, arts and culture, and environmental protection.
Education
Kitchen is a strong believer in the importance of education. He has supported numerous educational organizations, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he trained. He has also donated his time to mentor aspiring actors and to give talks at schools and universities.
In 2010, Kitchen was appointed President of the Friends of Leicester Grammar School, his former school. He has been an active supporter of the school, raising funds and helping to promote its programs and initiatives.
Arts and Culture
Kitchen is a passionate advocate for the arts and culture. He has served on the boards of several arts organizations, including the National Theatre and the English National Opera. He has also been a vocal supporter of government funding for the arts.
In 2015, Kitchen was awarded the Arts Council of England’s Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre. This award recognized his contributions to the British theater industry over the course of his career.
Environmental Protection
Kitchen is an advocate for environmental protection. He is a supporter of several environmental organizations, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. He has also been a vocal critic of climate change and has called for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2018, Kitchen was appointed a Patron of the Wildlife Trusts. This organization works to protect wildlife and wild places in the UK.
Additional Philanthropic and Charitable Involvement
Kitchen has also supported a number of other philanthropic and charitable causes, including:
- Cancer research: Kitchen has supported several cancer research organizations, including Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.
- Homelessness: Kitchen has supported several organizations that work to help the homeless, including Centrepoint and St Mungo’s.
- Child welfare: Kitchen has supported several child welfare organizations, including UNICEF and the NSPCC.
Michael Kitchen Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Here is a summary of Michael Kitchen’s awards accomplishments and achievements:
Theatre
- 1987: Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in “The Norman Conquests”
Television
- 1997: BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama for his performance in “Between the Lines”
- 2004: BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama for his performance in “Foyle’s War”
Other Awards and Honors
- 2006: CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to drama
In addition to these formal awards and honors, Michael Kitchen has also received numerous accolades from critics and audiences alike. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected actors of his generation.
Additional Accomplishments
- Starred in the critically acclaimed ITV drama series “Foyle’s War” for eight seasons
- Played the role of Bill Tanner in two James Bond films opposite Pierce Brosnan
- Appeared in a number of other popular British television shows, including “Minder,” “Chancer,” “Inspector Morse,” “A Touch of Frost,” “Between the Lines,” “Pie in the Sky,” and “Dalziel and Pascoe”
- Continues to be an active actor and appears in television and film productions
Legacy
Michael Kitchen will be remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation. He was known for his ability to bring complex and nuanced characters to life, and he was equally at home in stage productions, television shows, and films.
Acting Legacy
Kitchen’s most famous role was as Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle in the ITV drama series “Foyle’s War.” He played the role for eight seasons, and he was praised for his portrayal of the intelligent, dedicated, and compassionate detective.
Kitchen also starred in a number of other popular television shows, including “Minder,” “Chancer,” “Inspector Morse,” “A Touch of Frost,” “Between the Lines,” “Pie in the Sky,” and “Dalziel and Pascoe.” He also appeared in films such as “Out of Africa,” “GoldenEye,” and “The World Is Not Enough.”
Kitchen was a highly respected actor, and he was nominated for numerous awards for his work. He won two BAFTA Awards and an Olivier Award, and he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2006 for his services to drama.
Philanthropic Legacy
In addition to his acting career, Kitchen was also a passionate advocate for several causes, including education, arts and culture, and environmental protection. He supported a number of philanthropic and charitable organizations, and he was a vocal supporter of government funding for the arts.
Kitchen’s philanthropic work is a testament to his commitment to making the world a better place. He was an inspiration to others, and he is sure to continue to have a positive impact on the world in the years to come.
Hobbies and Interests
Michael Kitchen is a versatile actor who has enjoyed a long and successful career in film, television, and theater. Outside of his work, he is also known for his passion for the arts, his love of travel, and his commitment to social justice.
Here are some of Michael Kitchen’s hobbies and interests:
- Arts and Culture: Kitchen is a passionate advocate for the arts and culture. He enjoys attending theater performances, visiting art galleries, and listening to classical music. He has also served on the boards of several arts organizations, including the National Theatre and the English National Opera.
- Travel: Kitchen is an avid traveler who has visited some of the most amazing places in the world. He has climbed the Great Wall of China, trekked through the Amazon rainforest, and explored the ancient city of Petra. He is always on the lookout for new and exciting places to visit.
- Social Justice: Kitchen is committed to using his platform as an actor to raise awareness of important issues and to support charitable causes. He is a passionate advocate for education, environmental protection, and social justice. He has supported a number of philanthropic and charitable organizations, including Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Centrepoint, St Mungo’s, UNICEF, and the NSPCC.
- Music: Kitchen is a fan of classical music and enjoys playing the piano. He has also been known to sing and dance, and he has appeared in several musicals.
- Sailing: Kitchen is an avid sailor and enjoys spending time on the water. He has sailed in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Ocean.
- Writing: Kitchen is a keen writer and has written several short stories and plays. He is also working on a memoir about his life and career.
Personal Beliefs
Michael Kitchen has not publicly shared his personal beliefs in detail. However, through his actions and words, he has expressed a strong commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and the arts. He has also supported a number of philanthropic and charitable organizations that align with these values.
Here are some examples of how Michael Kitchen’s actions and words reflect his personal beliefs:
- Education: Kitchen has supported numerous educational organizations, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he trained. He has also donated his time to mentor aspiring actors and to give talks at schools and universities.
- Arts and Culture: Kitchen is a passionate advocate for the arts and culture. He has served on the boards of several arts organizations, including the National Theatre and the English National Opera. He has also been a vocal supporter of government funding for the arts.
- Environmental Protection: Kitchen is an advocate for environmental protection. He is a supporter of several environmental organizations, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. He has also been a vocal critic of climate change and has called for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Social Justice: Kitchen has used his platform as an actor to raise awareness of important issues and to support charitable causes. He is a passionate advocate for education, environmental protection, and social justice. He has supported a number of philanthropic and charitable organizations, including Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Centrepoint, St Mungo’s, UNICEF, and the NSPCC.
Quotes
Conclusion
Michael is a trailblazer. He is not afraid to break the mold and do things differently. He is an inspiration to us all to follow our own path and to never let anyone tell us that we can’t achieve our dreams.
Michael Kitchen Contacts
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