Ariyon Bakare () (born 1 July 1971) is an English actor, writer and director. He is known for his roles in shows including Doctor Who, His Dark Materials, and Doctors.
In 1998, he became the first Black man to play a lead role in a BBC period drama, portraying Mehuru in the BAFTA-nominated miniseries A Respectable Trade. In 2025, he won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Mr Loverman.
Early life and education Bakare was born on 1 July 1971 in London. He grew up in many places including the East London, Leytonstone, and Hackney with his Nigerian father who was an electrician. Growing up, he watched black and white movies with his dad which led to him having a passion for acting. When he was 15, Bakare was kicked out of his house after having conflicts with his father and spent a few years being homeless in East London.
After reconciling with his father, Bakare moved to New York City to study dance when he was 17 at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He gave up dance however after talking to a professional he respected who was retiring at an early age. Bakare went back to London at 19 to study drama at DRAMA CENTRE in Camden.
Career Film and television Bakare had his first success in acting after landing the play Ion which also starred Jude Law.
His career in television expanded with his role as Mehuru in the BAFTA-nominated BBC A Respectable Trade. Bakare then landed a role in Doctors as Dr Ben Kwarme in 2001. Other notable shows he acted for include Thirteen (TV series), Good Omens, His Dark Materials, and Mr Loverman.
Stage Bakare's acts include productions at the RSC, Young Vic, and the Royal Court Theatre. Among other theater credits include A Servant to Two Masters, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, The Dream Of The Dog, The Mountaintop and God of Carnage.
Awards and nominations In 2025, Bakare won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Mr Loverman.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1999 After the Rain Vusisizwe (Joseph) 1999 The Secret Laughter of Women Rev. Fola 1999 Dead Bolt Dead The Thug 2000–2001 Family Affairs Adrian Scott Series regular2001–2005 Doctors Ben Kwarme Series regular2006 Shoot the Messenger Elroy 2008 The Dark Knight Guard Commander 2009 Happy Ever Afters Wilson 2012 Full Firearms Laslo 2013Lewis Carl DrewEpisode “Intelligent Design”2015 Jupiter Ascending Greeghan 2015 Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Stephen Black 7 episodes2015 Dusha shpiona Sam 2015 Doctor Who Leandro Episode: "The Woman Who Lived"2016 Thirteen Chief Superintendent Burridge 4 episodes2016Silent WitnessFather Daws 2 episodes2016Death in ParadiseAstor Henri Episode: "Flames of Love"2016 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Blue Four 2017 Life Hugh Derry 2019 Frankie Ian Film2019 Good Omens Ligur Miniseries2019–2020 His Dark Materials Lord Boreal Main role2019–2023 Carnival Row Darius Recurring role (season 1-episodes 1-5 of season 2), Main role (season 2)2021 Too Close Dougie Thompson 2 episodes2022 Crossfire Paul 2 episodes2022 Karen Pirie Alex Gilbie Sr. Regular role2022 The Amazing Maurice Darktan Voice2022 Wedding Season Vince 2022 The Mosquito Coast Richard Series regular2023 Black Ops Detective Inspector Clinton Blair 2024 Mr Loverman Morris De La Roux 2025 Doctor Who The Barber Episode: "The Story and the Engine"
Stage YearTitleRolesNotes 2023 God of Carnage Alan Lyric Theatre2025HamletClaudiusMinerva Theatre
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