Adam Gillen (born 11 September 1985) is a British actor, best known for his role as Liam Conroy in the ITV hit series Benidorm, Brian in the Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat and Gavin in BBC's Prisoners' Wives. In 2019, Gillen was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Killer Joe.
Early life Gillen grew up in Gatley, Stockport. He studied acting at Stockport College, before going on to graduate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2007.
Career In 2000, Gillen was nominated for a TMA Award for Best Supporting Performance in a play for the Royal Exchange Theatre Company's A Taste of Honey. In 2011 he appeared as Moses in The School for Scandal.
Gillen is best known for his role as Liam in Benidorm from 2011 to its conclusion in 2018. Gillen's other television work includes The Gemma Factor, Oliver Twist, Just William and The Sarah Jane Adventures. In 2010, Gillen appeared in Noel Clarke's 4.3.2.1.. He appeared in Age of Heroes in 2011.
In 2014, Gillen appeared in Lotty's War (written by Giuliano Crispini and directed by Bruce Guthrie) at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford.
In October 2016, he appeared as Mozart in the National Theatre production of Peter Shaffer's Amadeus and reprised the role when the production returned from February to April 2018. A filmed performance from the Olivier Theatre was later used in 2020 as part of the National Theatre at Home online series.
In 2022, Gillen starred as the title role in William Shakespeare and John Fletcher's Henry VIII, performed at Shakespeare's Globe theatre, London. The production garnered mixed reviews from critics.
Personal life In 2023, Gillen became engaged to fellow Benidorm star Laila Zaidi; their relationship had been initially reported on in 2018. They married in 2026.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2007 Oliver Twist Noah Claypole 2009 The Sarah Jane Adventures Toby Silverman Story: "The Eternity Trap"2010 Last Call Pullingswryth Short 4.3.2.1 Geek Brett Supporting Role Just William Hector The Gemma Factor''' || Lee || |- | rowspan="2"|2011 || This Is Jinsy || Jinsy Player || rowspan="2"|Recurring role |- | Fresh Meat || Brian |- | 2011–2015, 2016–2018 || Benidorm || |Liam Conroy || Regular role, 44 episodes |- | rowspan="3"|2012 || Prisoners' Wives || Gavin || |- | Sport Relief 2012 || Liam Conroy || Benidorm meets Britain's Got Talent |- | We Are the Freaks || Splodger || Filming |- | rowspan="2"|2013 || Way to Go || Neil || |- | Love Matters || Clive || Episode: "Miss Wright" |- | 2017–present || Game of Clones || Narrator || 20 episodes |- |2018 |Vita & Virginia|Duncan Grant |- |2023 |Boat Story|Vinnie Douglas |3 episodes |- |2026 | Criminal Record'' Kieran 6 episodes
Theatre Year Title Role Stage Notes 2007 The Five Wives of Maurice Pinder Vincent National Theatre (Cottesloe Stage) 2008 The Lion's Mouth Ben Royal Court Theatre The Good Soul of Szechuan Wang the Waterseller Young Vic War and Peace Alex Royal Court Theatre Proper Clever Matthew Liverpool Playhouse A Taste of Honey Geoffrey Royal Exchange Manchester 2009 For King and Country Arthur Hamp Plymouth Theatre Royal & national tour 2010 The Door Never Closes Collins Almeida Theatre 2011 The School for Scandal Moses Barbican Theatre 2013 Lee Harvey Oswald Lee Finborough Theatre 2015 Wendy and Peter Pan Martin Royal Shakespeare Company 2016 Amadeus Mozart National Theatre (Olivier Stage) 2018 Killer Joe Chris Trafalgar Studios 2018–2019 Benidorm Live Liam Conroy UK Tour 250 shows 2021 Romeo and Juliet Mercutio Shakespeare's Globe 2022 Henry VIII Henry VIII 2024–2025CabaretThe EmceePlayhouse Theatre2025–2026Les MiserablesThenardierSondheim Theatre2026How the Other Half LovesWilliam FeatherstoneThe Old Vic
References
External links
National Theatre - Company Members - Adam Gillen