Jason Watkins is an English actor and director, known for his roles in the television series The Crown, W1A and Being Human. He has also starred in films such as The Lost City of Z, Nativity! and Pride.
Watkins was born in Albrighton, Shropshire, on 28 October 1966. He attended Wolverhampton Grammar School before studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He began his career in theatre and was an associate artist at the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has since appeared in many productions, including The Winter's Tale, The Alchemist and The Taming of the Shrew.
In 2001, Watkins made his film debut in The Lost City of Z. He went on to appear in films such as Nativity! (2009), Pride (2014) and The Lady in the Van (2015). In television, he has starred in The Crown (2016-2019) as Prime Minister Harold Wilson, W1A (2014-2017) as Siobhan Sharpe and Being Human (2008-2013) as Herrick.
In addition to acting, Watkins has also directed several television programmes and films. His directing credits include the BBC's In the Club (2014-2016), the film Love Is Thicker Than Water (2018) and the BBC's The Miniaturist (2018).
Watkins has been nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in The Lost City of Z in 2007 and two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for The Crown in 2019.
In his personal life, Watkins is married to actress Clara Francis, with whom he has two sons. He is a keen supporter of Arsenal Football Club and enjoys golf, cooking and playing the guitar.
