Kris Marshall

**Kristopher Marshall** (born 11 April 1973) is an English actor, starring in films, television and on stage for more than 20 years. He has played Nick Harper in *My Family*, Colin Frissell in the 2003 film *Love Actually*, Gratiano in *The Merchant of Venice*, and Dave in the first series of *Citizen Khan* (2012). He played DI Humphrey Goodman in *Death in Paradise*, taking over the role in April 2013 for the show's third series and leaving it in February 2017 in the sixth series.[1][2]

## Contents

* 1 Early life
* 2 Career
* 3 Filmography
	+ 3.1 Film, television, and radio
	+ 3.2 Theatre
	+ 3.3 Music video
* 4 Awards
* 5 Personal life
* 6 References
* 7 External links

## Early life

Kristopher Marshall was born on 11 April 1973[3] in Bath, Somerset. His father was a Royal Air Force navigator, whose career included a posting to the Queen's Flight, eventually becoming a squadron leader.[4][5] He moved with his family to Hong Kong and later to Canada. Upon his return to England, he was educated at Wells Cathedral School as a boarding pupil. After failing his initial A-levels in his first year of sixth form,[*citation needed*] he enrolled at the Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, Berkshire.[5]

## Career

Marshall made an early career appearance on the police series *The Bill* but it was in 2000 that his major breakthrough role came as Nick Harper in the BBC sitcom *My Family*. In 2003, he appeared in the film *Love Actually* as Colin Frissell, an Englishman who goes to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the United States to find love.[6] In 2004, Marshall appeared as DS Luke Stone in the police drama series *Murder City*. From 2005 to 2011, Marshall appeared on TV and in print for BT Retail adverts, where he played the character Adam; with Esther Hall portraying his character's eventual wife Jane.[7] He also played Dave in the BBC comedy series *Citizen Khan* in 2012.

Since departing his full-time role in *My Family* in 2003, Marshall made guest appearances three times appearing in 2 episodes of season five in 2004 and his final appearance in a short *Comic Relief* special in 2005. He finished working on the film *Heist* at the end of 2006, which aired in April 2008 on BBC Four. During the summer of 2008, Marshall appeared at Trafalgar Studios in the first UK run of Neil LaBute's play *Fat Pig*. He became a regular castmember, playing the character of Ethan on the series *Traffic Light* in 2011.

In April 2013, it was announced that Marshall would be joining the cast of BBC drama *Death In Paradise* as the island's new lead detective, DI Humphrey Goodman.[1] His character was introduced in the first episode of the third series which aired on 14 January 2014, with his first case being to solve the murder of his predecessor, DI Richard Poole (played by Ben Miller).[*citation needed*] In January 2017 it was leaked that Marshall would be leaving the series citing the pressures it placed upon his family and that he would be replaced by Ardal O'Hanlon who plays DI Jack Mooney.[8]

Marshall starred as Tom Sanger in the 2015 independent British romantic comedy *Sparks & Embers*.[9] He also appeared in the film *Death at a Funeral* as a student of pharmaceuticals who inadvertently drugged a member of the family.[*citation needed*]

In July 2017, Marshall became a favourite to take over the role of The Doctor from Peter Capaldi in the BBC's long running hit sci-fi series *Doctor Who*, but the role ultimately went to Jodie Whittaker who became the first female actress to portray The Doctor, a pre-appointment condition originated by Chris Chibnall of his becoming the show's showrunner.[10]

## Awards

* 2002 – British Comedy Awards – Best Newcomer

## Personal life

Marshall married Hannah Dodkins in 2012. They have lived in Bath with their son and daughter since 2014.[13] Previously they had lived in the Long Barton area of Wells.[4]

Marshall was hit by a car in Bristol in 2008.[14] The accident happened in the early hours of 28 April as he enjoyed a night out with friends in Bristol city centre. He was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary, where a scan revealed head injuries.[15] He made a full recovery and began his performances in the play *Fat Pig* three weeks later as scheduled.[16] Marshall passionately supports Aston Villa F.C. and has said that a card from the club helped him through his recovery.[17]

In October 2011, Marshall was charged with failing to provide a breath test after police stopped his car in the Tesco car park in Wells.[18] Marshall had failed a breath test at the scene, and then refused to provide a second sample at the police station.[19] He pleaded guilty and was disqualified from driving for six months.