Richard Ridings
Biography
Richard John Ridings, born 19 September 1958 in Henley‑on‑Thames, England, is an English actor. He trained at Bretton Hall College before attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Ridings is known for television roles such as Alan Ashburn in the ITV drama Fat Friends, Bernard Green in the BBC One comedy‑drama Common as Muck, and Mr. Bumble in the BBC series Dickensian. He provides the voice of Daddy Pig in the animated programme Peppa Pig. He is also credited under the variant name Richard Riding. Ridings is the father of singer‑songwriter Freya Ridings.
Career overview
Richard John Ridings was born on 19 September 1958 in Henley‑on‑Thames, England. He pursued formal training for the stage, first at Bretton Hall College and subsequently at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Following his education, Ridings built a career in British television, appearing in a range of drama and comedy productions. He is recognised for his portrayal of Alan Ashburn in the ITV series Fat Friends and for playing Bernard Green in the BBC One comedy‑drama Common as Muck. His work on period drama includes the role of Mr. Bumble in the BBC series Dickensian.
In addition to on‑screen performances, Ridings has contributed voice work to children’s programming, providing the voice of Daddy Pig in the animated series Peppa Pig. His career spans over eighty credited appearances across film and television. Outside of his professional life, he is the father of singer‑songwriter Freya Ridings.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
85 titles- Peppa Meets the Baby Cinema Experience (2025) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Peppa's Cinema Party (2024) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Peppa Pig: Wedding Party! (2024) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas Visit (2020) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun (2019) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year (2019) as Daddy Pig
- Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience (2017) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Six Wives with Lucy Worsley (2016) as Henry VIII
- The Carer (2016) as Landlord
- The Carer (2016) as Pub Landlord
- Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots (2015) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Endeavour (2013) as DI Chesney Finch
- The Physician (2013) as Tough Guy
- Peppa Pig: The Holiday (2013) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- Peppa Pig: A Christmas Compilation (2013) Vocals
- The Scapegoat (2012) as Landlord
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) as Buck
- Isle of Spagg (2011) as Bob / Mel (voice)
- Creation (2009) as Thatcher
- Faintheart (2009) as Collin
- Merlin (2008) as Halig
- Roman Mysteries (2007) as Venalicius
- Amazing Grace (2006) as Speaker of the House
- Mayo (2006) as Mark Castello
- The Brothers Grimm (2005) as Bunst
- Oliver Twist (2005) as Warder
- ShakespeaRe-Told (2005)
- ShakespeaRe-Told: Macbeth (2005) as Maurice
- Frozen (2005) as Lorry Driver
- Peppa Pig (2004) as Daddy Pig (voice)
- New Tricks (2004)
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (2003) as Mr. Monza
- Margery and Gladys (2003) as Terry Mason
- The Royal (2003) as Malcolm Hogg
- The Pianist (2002) as Mr. Lipa
- Born and Bred (2002) as Horace Trubshaw
- The Princess and the Pea (2002) as King Windham/Button (voice)
- Puckoon (2002) as Alex Walker
- Murder in Mind (2001) as DCI Quarry
- Fat Friends (2000) as Alan Ashburn
- Nature Boy (2000) as Ted
- This Is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper (2000) as Det. Supt. Dick Holland
- This Is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper (2000) as Det. Supt. Dick Holland
- Relic Hunter (1999) as Johnny the Jackhammer
- The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) as La Hire
- The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Trenches of Hell (1999) as André
- Up 'n' Under (1998) as Frank
- The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling (1997) as Reverend Thwackum
- Fierce Creatures (1997) as Hugh
- The Wind in the Willows (1996) as The Guard
- On Dangerous Ground (1996) as Thomas Borga
- Cruel Train (1995) as Percy Cotton
- Sorry About Last Night (1995) as Greg
- Pie in the Sky (1994) as Gary Bourne
- Common As Muck (1994) as Bernard Green
- The Ink Thief (1994) as Aloysius
- A Pinch of Snuff (1994) as Brian Burkhill
- Comics (1993) as Tommy Karr
- Highlander: The Series (1992) as Silas
- Heartbeat (1992) as Thorpe
- The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992) as Andre
- Dogboy (1992) as Diner Cook #1
- King of the Wind (1990) as Jailer
- The Castle of Adventure (1990) as Nico
- Erik the Viking (1989) as Thorfinn Skullsplitter
- Red Dwarf (1988) as DNA Ship Computer (voice)
- Red Dwarf (1988) as Crazed Astro
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) as Angelo
- Out of Town (1988) as Labourer
- The Yob (1988) as Yob 1
- The Fourth Protocol (1987) as Skinhead
- Casualty (1986) as Kevin
- Casualty (1986) as Jack
- Matlock (1986) as Nicky
- Clockwise (1986) as Policeman at Crash
- Dempsey and Makepeace (1985) as Tulley's Sidekick
- Home to Roost (1985) as Millwall
- Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire (1985) as Egyptian
- The Bill (1984)
- Lassiter (1984) as German Guard
- Fairly Secret Army (1984) as Ron Boat
- Reilly: Ace of Spies (1983) as Vanderberg
- Timewatch (1982) as Elder Sextus
- The Comic Strip Presents... (1982) as Yob 1
- Minder (1979) as Warren
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Richard Ridings best known for?
Richard Ridings is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including True Grit (2010), The Physician (2013), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Blue Submarine No. 6 (1998).
When and where was Richard Ridings born?
Richard Ridings was born on September 19, 1958 in Henley-on-Thames, England, UK.
How many credits does Richard Ridings have?
Richard Ridings has accumulated over 85 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1979 to 2025.
What is Richard Ridings's background in cinema and television?
Richard John Ridings, born 19 September 1958 in Henley‑on‑Thames, England, is an English actor. He trained at Bretton Hall College before attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Ridings is known for television roles such as Alan Ashburn in the ITV drama Fat Friends, Bernard Green in the BBC One comedy‑drama Commo...