George Paul Blagden (born 28 December 1989) is an English actor. He is best known for his role as Louis XIV in the French-produced television series drama Versailles. He also played Grantaire in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables and Athelstan in the television series Vikings (2013–2016). He has also narrated the Penguin Classics audiobook version of Homer’s The Odyssey and an immersive audiovisual tour for the Circus Maximus in Rome written by Margaret George for the BARDEUM mobile app.
Early life and education Blagden who was raised near to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, began singing at age 13, performing in various choirs and his own rock band. After studying at Old Buckenham Hall School, Suffolk, he was accepted into Oundle School with a drama scholarship, and appeared in the school's Stahl Theatre in such roles as The Baker in Into the Woods and Marc in 'Art'. Also while at Oundle, Blagden became a member of the National Youth Theatre and was selected as one of four students to participate in a masterclass with Sir Ian McKellen. Following his graduation, he studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from which he graduated in 2011. He has a younger sister, Katie, who is a writer and filmmaker.
Career In 2011, Blagden received his first acting role as Andy in the feature film After the Dark, which was released in 2014. He has since appeared in Wrath of the Titans, Les Misérables, Vikings, and as the lead character of Louis XIV in the drama series Versailles.
Blagden played the role of PJ in the 2018 revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical comedy, Company, at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End of London.
Blagden co-stars in the upcoming musical film, The Land of Dreams, directed by Nicola Abbatangelo, with shooting underway in October 2019.
Personal life Blagden married actress Laura Pitt-Pulford on 29 September 2019. The couple have a son, Arlo Peter Blagden born in October 2020.
Blagden is a supporter of Diabetes UK; from 4–6 September 2015, he cycled from London to Paris in under 72 hours and raised nearly £5,000 for the charity.
George has also raised €13000 for the UK Charity the NSPCC by donating memorabilia and his time to promote an online auction for this cause.
Filmography + Film Year Title Role Notes 2012 Wrath of the Titans Soldier No. 1 2012 Les Misérables Grantaire National Board of Review Award for Best CastSatellite Award for Best Cast – Motion PictureWashington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best EnsembleNominated—Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Acting EnsembleNominated—Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best CastNominated—San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Performance by an Ensemble Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture 2013 After the Dark Andy 2014 Blood Moon Jake Norman 2014 Holding on for a Good Time Fellini Short 2014 The Tap Tap Lady Hugh Short 2015 Blight Fr Carey Short Winner Best Actor - FilmQuest International Film Festival 2016 2017 No Postage Necessary Sam 2019 How You Look at Me Charlie 2020 The Land of Dreams Armie Post-production2022The GalleryMorgan/DorianInteractive movie 2022 Rubikon Gavin Abbott
+ Television Year Title Role Notes 2013–2016 Vikings Athelstan Main cast (seasons 1–3)Recurring (season 4); 30 episodes 2015–2018 Versailles Louis XIV Leading role 2017 Black Mirror Lenny Episode: "Hang the DJ" 2026 Love Through a Prism Richard Church Voice; 20 episodes
+ Video game roles Year Title Role Notes 2022 The Gallery Morgan/Dorian Interactive player2023Amnesia: The BunkerHenri Clement2024Elden Ring Shadow of the ErdtreeFire Knight Queelign2025The RunMatteo
Theatre + Theatre Year Title Role Notes Location Category 2016-2017 Platinum Simon Leading role Hampstead TheatreRegional 2017 The Pitchfork Disney Presley Stray Leading role Shoreditch Town Hall 2018 Tartuffe Damis Main Cast Theatre Royal HaymarketWest End 2018-2019 Company PJ Main Cast Gielgud Theatre2023White ChristmasBobLeading RoleCrucible Theatre Regional2024The Cabinet MinisterValentine WhiteLeading RoleMenier Chocolate FactoryOff West End2026A Ghost in your EarGeorgeLeading RoleHampstead TheatreRegionalKiss of the Spider WomanValentinLeading roleUK TourLove Never DiesRaoulMain castLondon PalladiumWest End
Awards YearAwardCategoryFilmResult 2012 National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Best Acting by an Ensemble Les Misérables rowspan="2" Best Ensemble San Diego Film Critics Society Best Ensemble Performance Satellite Awards Best Ensemble, Motion Picture rowspan="2" Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Best Acting Ensemble 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
References
External links
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