Timothy Spall - British character actor, born 27th February, 1957 - often plays grotesque roles. He specialises in the bemused type, desperately trying to make sense of the trauma going on around him. In 1982 he featured in the BBC TV Play for Today 'Home Sweet Home', directed by Mike Leigh, as has subsequently featured in many Leigh productions. He made his name as Brummie Barry in the ITV drama series 'Auf Wiedersehen, Pet' He received the OBE in 1999.