Darren 'Digger' Goodwin is an English actor and director, best known for his roles in 'Time Bandits' (1981) and 'The Bill' (1984-1998). He was born on 8th October 1951 in London, England.
Goodwin started out in theatre, appearing in productions of 'The Duchess of Malfi' at the Royal Shakespeare Company and 'The Crucible' at the National Theatre. His first television role was in the BBC sitcom 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin' (1976). He followed this up with appearances in various other British TV shows, including 'The Professionals' (1977), 'Minder' (1978-1984) and 'The Sweeney' (1978-1980).
Goodwin's big break came in the form of the fantasy adventure film 'Time Bandits' (1981). He played the role of Og, a heroic dwarf who leads a group of time-travelling adventurers on a quest to find the Supreme Being. Goodwin's performance was highly praised, and it earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Goodwin's next major role was in the popular British police drama 'The Bill' (1984-1998). He played the role of Detective Sergeant 'Digger' Goodwin, a no-nonsense copper with a thick London accent. The character was extremely popular with viewers, and Goodwin became one of the show's most recognisable faces. He also directed several episodes of the show.
In recent years, Goodwin has continued to appear on the small screen, with roles in 'Silent Witness' (2001), 'Midsomer Murders' (2008) and 'EastEnders' (2010). He has also appeared in several feature films, including 'The Golden Compass' (2007) and 'The Sweeney' (2012).
Goodwin has been married to actress and director Lesley Manville since 1992, and they have two children together. He is an avid football fan, and supports Arsenal F.C.
Darren Goodwin's long career as an actor and director has seen him become one of the most recognisable faces in British television. His distinctive London accent and no-nonsense attitude have endeared him to millions of viewers, and he continues to be a popular figure in the entertainment industry.
