Discover the notable alumni of Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art. The list includes people like Alan Rickman, Albert Finney, Michael Sheen, Ralph Fiennes & Allison Janney. This list of notable alumni is loosely sorted by popularity and has people from different domains of life, such as film & theater personalities, writers, singers, media personalities and miscellaneous etc.

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Birthdate: February 21, 1946

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England

Died: January 14, 2016

One of the most admired British actors, Alan Rickman gained global recognition for his work on stage and screen. The late actor excelled at portraying villainous characters especially in movies like Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny. Other notable works of the versatile actor include Harry Potter film series and Truly, Madly, Deeply.

 2 

Tom Hiddleston

(British Actor Who Gained Fame for Portraying Loki in Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Birthdate: February 9, 1981

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Westminster, London, England

Best known for playing the menacing Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, English actor Tom Hiddleston is far from being menacing in real life. In fact, he is often described as the nicest person on earth, an image which he lives up to by supporting several charities and donating items for auction. He is also a UK ambassador of UNICEF.

 3 

Ralph Fiennes

(English Actor Best Known for His Films: 'Schindler's List', and 'The English Patient')

Birthdate: December 22, 1962

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Ipswich, England

A Tony Award recipient, Ralph Fiennes is one of the most respected English actors of the current generation. He is known for playing important roles in notable films, such as the Harry Potter and James Bond film series. A Stanislavsky Award recipient, he is also known for his work behind the camera.

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 4 

Anthony Hopkins

(Known for His Role as ‘Hannibal Lector’ in Jonathan Demme's ‘The Silence of the Lambs’)

Birthdate: December 31, 1937

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Margam, Wales, United Kingdom

Highly renowned Welsh actor, Anthony Hopkins is best known for his portrayal of a cannibalistic serial killer in the movie The Silence of the Lambs. The portrayal earned him prestigious awards and also a place in the list of best villains of all time. Other notable films of the celebrated character actor include Remains of the Day, Nixon and Amistad.

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Birthdate: April 17, 1959

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Handsworth, Sheffield, England

Sean Bean is an English actor known for his Yorkshire accent. Often described as surprisingly shy and a man of few words, Sean Bean is a down to earth person. Since he often portrays villainous characters that are killed violently, Sean has gained notoriety on the internet and is a subject of many internet memes.

 6 

Roger Moore

(Famous for His Portrayal as the Fictional British Secret Agent 'James Bond' in Seven Films)

Birthdate: October 14, 1927

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Stockwell, London, England

Died: May 23, 2017

Widely regarded as one of the most popular actors to play the iconic secret agent James Bond in films, Roger Moore was more than just an actor. He was also well-known for his humanitarian work, so much so that he was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to charity.

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Birthdate: August 29, 1923

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Died: August 24, 2014

Richard Attenborough is credited with making one of the greatest films of all time - Gandhi. Also an actor, Richard served as the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Apart from being honored by the British royalty, he was also honored with India's third-highest civilian award, The Padma Bhushan.

Birthdate: December 10, 1960

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Northern Irish actor, director, and producer, Kenneth Branagh, is a respected figure in Hollywood. Beginning his career as a theater artist in Northern Ireland, he eventually moved to films. He is famous for starring in several film adaptations of William Shakespeare's plays. He has been nominated for the Academy Awards five times.

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Taron Egerton

(Welsh Actor Known for His Role as Singer ‘Elton John’ in the Film ‘Rocketman’)

Birthdate: November 10, 1989

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Birkenhead, Merseyside, England

An award-winning actor, Taron Egerton is popular for playing real-life icons in biopics, such as Eddie the Eagle and Rocketman. Also known for his singing abilities, Egerton has appeared in a couple of music videos as well. Taron Egerton does not shy away from voicing his opinion on sensitive topics like misogyny and is a supporter of the LGBT community.

Birthdate: February 5, 1969

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales

Michael Sheen is a Welsh actor and started his career as a theatre artist. He rose to fame in the 2000s as a screen actor after working in various biographical films. He starred in television films like The Deal, The Queen and The Special Relationship. Some of his notable films are The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Midnight in Paris.

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Birthdate: May 23, 1933

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Paddington, London, England

Joan Collins, sister of renowned author Jackie Collins, is best known for her Golden Globe-winning role of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, an iconic soap of the 1980s. She has also written several books, including beauty books, memoirs, and novels. A seasoned theater actor, she also received the DBE and OBE.

 12 

Vivien Leigh

(British Actress Known for Her Roles in the Films: ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’)

Birthdate: November 5, 1913

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Darjeeling, India

Died: July 8, 1967

British actress Vivien Leigh gained popularity with her award winning performance in films Gone with the Wind and A Street Car named Desire and her Musical Broadway Tovarich. The beautiful actress, who went on to feature in films like That Hamilton Woman and Ship of Fools, had a troubled personal life and suffered from physical and mental health issues.

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Birthdate: January 22, 1940

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, UK

Died: January 27, 2017

John Hurt is best remembered for his Academy Award-nominated performances in Midnight Express and The Elephant Man. His death scene in Alien is considered one of the most memorable in history. He lent his voice to The Lord of The Rings and appeared in the Harry Potter and Hellboy films.

Birthdate: November 19, 1959

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

One of the most revered and decorated actresses of her generation, Allison Janney is famous for playing C. J. Cregg, a role which is regarded as one of the greatest female characters in the history of American television. Also known for her work as an activist, Allison campaigns for issues like addiction recovery, mental health, women's rights, and gay rights.

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 15 

Diana Rigg

(British Actress Known for Her Roles in 'The Avengers', 'Game of Thrones', 'Medea')

Birthdate: July 20, 1938

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England

Died: September 10, 2020

English actress Diana Rigg had a wide-ranging career in films, television and theatre that spanned over six decades. Memorable roles of Diana include Emma Peel in television series The Avengers, which made her a sex-symbol; Mrs. Danvers in television drama Rebecca that won her an Emmy Award; and title role in the play Medea that won her a Tony Award.

 16 

Michael Gambon

(Best Known for His Role as Professor ‘Albus Dumbledore’ in the ‘Harry Potter' Film Series)

Birthdate: October 19, 1940

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Cabra, Ireland

Actor Michael Gambon is best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the popular Harry Potter movie series. Not surprisingly, Gambon is one of the most recognized faces in the world and a favorite actor among Harry Potter fans. Ranked 28th in Ireland's greatest film actors list published by The Irish Times, Gambon was knighted for hisservices to drama, in 1998.

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Birthdate: August 2, 1932

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Leeds, England

Died: December 14, 2013

Peter O'Toole was a British actor who became popular as a Shakespearean actor with the English Stage Company and at the Bristol Old Vic. O'Toole, who holds the record for receiving the most number of Oscar nominations for acting without a win, has appeared on several greatest actors list in England and Ireland.

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Gemma Arterton

(English Actress and Producer Known for His Films: ‘Quantum of Solace’ and ‘St Trinian's’)

Birthdate: February 2, 1986

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Gravesend, England, United Kingdom

"Bond Girl" Strawberry Fields from Quantum of Solace, Gemma Arterton began her career on stage and later appeared in Prince of Persia and Clash of the Titans. Her production company creates female-centric content. The Harper's Bazaar Woman of the Year-winner has supported campaigns such as ERA 50:50, MeToo, and Time’sUp. 

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 19 

Andrew Lincoln

(English Actor Known for His TV Series: ‘This Life’, ‘Teachers’ and ‘Afterlife’)

Birthdate: September 14, 1973

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: London, England

Andrew Lincoln is best known for his Saturn Award-winning role of Rick Grimes in the horror series The Walking Dead. He has also played significant roles in the series This Life, Teachers, and Afterlife, and the movie Love Actually, and has appeared in plays such as A Christmas Carol.

 20 

Timothy Dalton

(Best Known for Playing 'James Bond' in the Films: 'The Living Daylights' and 'Licence to Kill')

Birthdate: March 21, 1946

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, Wales

While he began his career as a Shakespearean stage actor, Timothy Dalton later gained fame with his iconic role as James Bond in the movies The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. Known for his deep voice, he was often offered brooding characters. He also appeared as Rochester in the series Jane Eyre.

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Matthew Macfadyen

(Best Known for His Role as ‘Fitzwilliam Darcy’ in the Film ‘Pride & Prejudice’)

Birthdate: October 17, 1974

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England

A well-established British stage actor, Matthew Macfadyen, made his screen debut with television movie Wuthering Heights and gained fame with drama series Spooks. He later gave an award winning performance in TV series Criminal Justice II. Meanwhile, he also made his film debut and gained popularity with movies like Pride & Prejudice, Death at a Funeral and Robin Hood.

Birthdate: September 29, 1942

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Blackburn, United Kingdom

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

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Birthdate: May 9, 1936

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Salford, Lancashire, England

Died: February 7, 2019

Albert Finney was an English actor known for his contribution across all the three major acting mediums: films, television and theatre. A recipient of Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, and Emmy awards, Albert Finney also received nominations for prestigious awards, such as the Academy Award and Tony Award. 

 24 

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

(Actress and Screenwriter Best Known as the Creator, Head Writer of the BBC Sitcom ‘Fleabag’)

Birthdate: July 14, 1985

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: London, England

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is credited with creating and writing one of the greatest TV series of the 21st century, Fleabag. She is also famous for contributing as the executive producer and head writer of another highly-acclaimed TV series, Killing Eve. In 2020, she was named in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world.

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 25 

Sally Hawkins

(Known for Her Role as a Mute Cleaning Woman in the Film ‘The Shape of Water’)

Birthdate: April 27, 1976

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Dulwich, London, United Kingdom

Sally Hawkins is a prominent English actress who has been nominated for two Academy Awards and five British Independent Film Awards. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began her career as a stage actress and became immensely successful. She eventually ventured into films as well and acted in numerous hit films. 

 26 

John Rhys-Davies

( Best Known for Portraying 'Sallah' in the 'Indiana Jones' Movies)

Birthdate: May 5, 1944

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

John Rhys-Davies is best known as Gimli and the voice of Treebeard from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is also known for voicing Cassim in Aladdin and the King of Thieves. His other notable projects include Shōgun, Sliders, and the James Bond film The Living Daylights.

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Birthdate: January 18, 1960

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Ashford, United Kingdom

Mark Rylance is an English actor, playwright, and theatre director. He is one of the eight actors to have been honored twice with the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He is also one of the eight people to have won the British Triple Crown of Acting, having received the BAFTA Television Award, BAFTA Film Award, and Laurence Olivier Award.

 28 

Oona Chaplin

(Spanish-British Actress Known for Her TV Series: ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘The Crimson Field’ and ‘Taboo’)

Birthdate: June 4, 1986

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

Oona Chaplin, granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, is best known as Talisa Maegyr from the iconic series Game of Thrones. She had started as a Shakespearean theater actor. She has also been seen in series such as The Hour and Taboo, and has been cast in the upcoming Avatar sequels.

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 29 

Ben Whishaw

(English Actor and Producer)

Birthdate: October 14, 1980

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Clifton

Ben Whishaw is an English actor best known for his portrayal of Norman Scott in a British TV comedy-drama series titled A Very English Scandal, which earned him several prestigious awards, such as a Primetime Emmy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Award. Ben Whishaw has also received other prestigious awards, including British Independent Film Award.

 30 

Clive Owen

(English Actor Known for His TV Series ‘Chancer’)

Birthdate: October 3, 1964

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Coventry, Warwickshire, England

Clive Owen is an English actor who achieved international recognition for his performance in the 1998 neo-noir film Croupier. A patron of the Electric Palace Cinema, Clive Owen initiated a fundraiser to repair the deteriorating elements of the cinema. Also a huge fan of Liverpool FC, Owen narrated Being: Liverpool, a documentary TV series about the football club.

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 31 

James Norton

(Actor Starred as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley)

Birthdate: July 18, 1985

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: London, England

Height: 6'1" (185 cm)

 32 

Jessie Buckley

(Irish Actress and Singer Known for Her Films: ‘Beast’, ‘Wild Rose’ and ‘The Lost Daughter’)

Birthdate: December 28, 1989

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Killarney, Ireland

One of the most popular actresses from Ireland, Jessie Buckley was ranked 38th on Ireland's greatest film actors list published by The Irish Times in 2020. Also known for her singing abilities, Jessie Buckley is a member of the Tipperary Millennium Orchestra. She can also play the piano, clarinet, and harp.

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Birthdate: September 27, 1973

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Bath, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

British actress and narrator Indira Varma became a sensation with her debut film, Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love. An alumnus of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, she is a trained method actress. Besides films and TV shows, she has acted in many theater productions and is the winner of an Olivier Award.

 34 

Tom Wilkinson

(English Actor Known for His Films: ‘The Full Monty’, ‘Michael Clayton’ and ‘In the Bedroom’)

Birthdate: December 12, 1948

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Wharfedale, Yorkshire, England

Tom Wilkinson is best known for his Academy Award-nominated roles in Michael Clayton and In the Bedroom. He also gained fame with his Emmy-winning portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in John Adams. Audiences also loved him in The Full Montyand Shakespeare in Love. He has also received the OBE.

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 35 

Iain Glen

(Best Known for His Role as ‘Dr. Alexander Isaacs’ in ‘Resident Evil’ Film Series)

Birthdate: June 24, 1961

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the British theatre's preeminent men, Iain Glen is best-known for featuring in Resident Evil film series and Game of Thrones. Though he has a catalogue of splendid work but his works flew under the radar. He bagged in a Silver Bear for Best Actor for his phenomenal performance in Silent Screen at the 40th Berlin International Film Festival.

 36 

Tobias Menzies

(Best Known for His Role as ‘Prince Philip’ in the Third and Fourth TV Series ‘The Crown’)

Birthdate: March 7, 1974

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: London, England

Tobias Menzies is an English actor. Over the years, Menzies has contributed immensely to the British film, TV, and theatre industries. He was also part of one of the most popular TV series of all time, Game of Thrones. His fine acting performance has earned him Golden Globe nominations among many other honors.

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 37 

Mischa Barton

(Best Known for Her Role as 'Marissa Cooper' in the American TV Series 'The O.C.')

Birthdate: January 24, 1986

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England

British-American actress Mischa Barton rose to fame with Lawn Dogs (1997) starring opposite renowned actor Sam Rockwell. She received two Teen Choice Awards for playing Marissa Cooper in the Fox television series The O.C. her other works include Notting Hill, The Sixth Sense and Pups. She is also an ambassador for Save the Children and the One Water campaign.

Birthdate: July 1, 1899

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

Died: December 15, 1962

Charles Laughton is best known for his Academy Award-winning performance in The Private Life of Henry VIII and his Academy Award-nominated roles in Mutiny on the Bounty and Witness for the Prosecution. He played Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He was also a skilled Shakespearean theater actor.

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 39 

Joely Richardson

(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Julia McNamara’ in the TV Series ‘Nip/Tuck’)

Birthdate: January 9, 1965

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Marylebone, London, England

Joely Richardson is an English actress whose decision to turn towards acting after giving up on her ambition of becoming a tennis player has proved fruitful. Apart from being an actress, Joely Richardson is also a humanitarian; she serves as an ambassador for UK's principal charity for kids with brain injury, The Children's Trust.

 40 

Dean Norris

(Actor)

Birthdate: April 8, 1963

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

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 41 

Fiona Shaw

(Actress)

Birthdate: July 10, 1958

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Cobh, County Cork, Ireland

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

 42 

John Gielgud

(Former Actor best known for his Shakespearean roles in the theater, he first played Hamlet at the age of 26)

Birthdate: April 14, 1904

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: South Kensington, London, United Kingdom

Died: May 21, 2000

Height: 5'11" (180 cm)

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 43 

Ian Holm

(British Actor Best Known for His Role in the Film 'Chariots on Fire')

Birthdate: September 12, 1931

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Goodmayes, Essex, England

Died: June 19, 2020

Height: 5'5" (165 cm)

 44 

Deborah Ann Woll

(Actress)

Birthdate: February 7, 1985

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: New York City, U.S.

Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

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 45 

Robert Reed

(Actor)

Birthdate: October 19, 1932

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Highland Park, Illinois, United States

Died: May 12, 1992

Height: 6'3" (190 cm)

 46 

Robert Englund

(Actor)

Birthdate: June 6, 1947

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Glendale, California, United States

Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

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 47 

Glenda Jackson

(English Actress and Politician Known for Her for Role as ‘Gudrun Brangwen’ in the Film ‘Women in Love’)

Birthdate: May 9, 1936

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Birkenhead, England

Died: June 15, 2023

Glenda Jackson is best known for her Academy Award-winning roles in the films Women in Love and A Touch of Class. She has also won two Emmys for playing Elizabeth I in the TV series Elizabeth R and a Tony for her role in the play Three Tall Women.

 48 

Derek Jacobi

(Actor who has enjoyed a successful and distinguished stage career, appearing in various stage productions of William Shakespeare)

Birthdate: October 22, 1938

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Leytonstone, London, United Kingdom

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

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 49 

Sophie Rundle

(Actress)

Birthdate: April 21, 1988

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England

Height: 5'5" (165 cm)

 50 

John Thaw

(Actor)

Birthdate: January 3, 1942

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: West Gorton, Manchester, England, UK

Died: February 21, 2002

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

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The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art, also known as ‘RADA’, is one of the handful institutions around the world, which offers courses in performance art. For those interested in cinema and plays, pursuing a course at RADA could prove to be fruitful. The students are offered several facilities, such as exclusive studios for acting, sound designing and make up. This renowned institution was started back in 1904, by yesteryear actor Herbert Beerbohm Tree and has since evolved by leaps and bounds. Five theatres and a movie hall are situated in RADA’s premises, thus providing the students enough scope to exhibit their craft. The institution has produced several precious gems who have contributed immensely towards the field of art. Legendary actors like Anthony Hopkins, Peter O’Toole, Alan Rickman and filmmaker belong to the list of RADA’s notable alumni. Sir Richard Attenborough is considered a school of filmmaking by many cinema lovers. Many aspirants watch his films not merely for entertainment but for intellectual engagement and become better at their craft as well. Attenborough was also the president of the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art and did everything possible for the betterment of the institution. Anthony Hopkins is best known for his role in the thriller ‘Silence Of The Lambs’. He has also acted in several other critically and commercially acclaimed flicks. Listed below are the names of several noteworthy icons of performance art who once studied at Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art. These individuals have earned several accolades for their outstanding achievements in the field of art.