Amanda Abbington

Amanda Abbington (born Amanda Jane Smith), is an English actress, and the only child of Patsy and John, a cab driver. She was born at Edgeware General Hospital on February 28th 1974. Abbington initially started out as a dancer, but had a groin injury and had to give it up. She has been quoted as saying ‘It’s such a strong discipline, but in turn that discipline has helped with the acting.’ Following her injury, Abbington performed in a play alongside a friend who’s agent took her on.

Her extensive television credits include appearances on many of Britain’s popular productions and series, including “Sherlock,” “Being Human,” “Casualty” and “Coupling.” PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery! viewers may remember her from 2011′s “Case Histories” and the Hercule Poirot mystery “Cat Among the Pigeons.” On UK television, she starred in ITV’s dramas “Married. Single. Other.” and “Picking up the Pieces,” BBC’s comedies “After You’ve Gone” and sketch show “Man Stroke Woman,” and the Channel 4 comedy, “20 Things to Do Before You’re 30.” In addition, she had recurring roles in “The Bill,” “The Robinsons,” “Bernard’s Watch” and “Always and Everyone.”

On stage, Abbington has performed in “Love Me Tonight” at Hampstead Theatre, “The Safari Party” at Scarborough / Hampstead Theatre, “Something Blue” at Scarborough, “The Taming of the Shrew” at Queen Mother Theatre, and “Tin Soldiers” at New End Theatre.

Abbington and longtime partner Martin Freeman met on the set of a movie called “Men Only” in 2000. They and their two children live in Hertfordshire.