Ben Whishaw (born Benjamin John Whishaw) is a versatile and acclaimed English actor known for his sensitive, intelligent performances across stage, film, and television.
He gained widespread recognition as Q in the James Bond films starting with Skyfall, voiced the beloved Paddington Bear in the hit film franchise, and delivered award-winning turns in productions such as The Hour, London Spy, A Very English Scandal, and Black Doves, earning multiple BAFTA awards for his nuanced portrayals of complex characters.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Benjamin John Whishaw
- Stage Name: Ben Whishaw
- Born: October 14, 1980
- Age: 45 years old
- Birthplace: Clifton, Bedfordshire, England
- Nationality: British
- Ethnicity: Caucasian (English on mother’s side; French, German, and Russian descent)
- Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor
- Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Linda Whishaw (née Hope) and Jose Whishaw
- Siblings: James Whishaw
- Spouse: Mark Bradshaw(former) and Kadiff Kirwan
- Children: None
- Relationship: Dating
- Net Worth: $4 million USD
Early Life and Education
Benjamin John Whishaw was born on October 14, 1980, in Clifton, Bedfordshire, England, and raised there and in neighbouring Langford. He is the son of Linda Whishaw (née Hope), who worked in cosmetics, of English ancestry, and Jose Whishaw, who worked with young people in sports and information technology, of French, German, and Russian descent.
As part of a Caucasian family blending English roots with broader European heritage, he was brought up with Christian influences common in British households of that era. He has a fraternal twin brother, James Whishaw.
From a young age, he developed a passion for acting and joined the Bancroft Players Youth Theatre at age 13. He attended Samuel Whitbread Community College before training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 2003 and establishing himself as a promising stage actor.
Career
Ben Whishaw began his professional career on stage and gained early acclaim for his breakthrough performance as Trevor in the film My Brother Tom and as Hamlet in a critically praised production.
He rose to international prominence with roles in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Bright Star (as John Keats), and The Hour.
Ben joined the James Bond franchise as the quirky quartermaster Q in Skyfall (2012), reprising the role in Spectre and No Time to Die. As the voice of Paddington Bear, he has starred in Paddington (2014), Paddington 2 (2017), and Paddington in Peru (2024).
His television work includes standout performances inLondon Spy, A Very English Scandal (as Norman Scott, earning a BAFTA), and the Netflix series Black Doves (2024–present) as Sam.
In 2025, he appeared in Peter Hujar’s Day alongside Rebecca Hall. His theatre credits include acclaimed performances in Bluets and other productions, earning an Olivier Award nomination. He is known for his ability to convey vulnerability, intelligence, and emotional depth across genres.
Award and Nominations
- Primetime Emmy Award (2018) – Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for A Very English Scandal (Won)
- BAFTA TV Award (2019) – Best Supporting Actor for A Very English Scandal (Won)
- British Independent Film Award (BIFA) – Best Supporting Actor for Bright Star (Won)
- Golden Globe Award (2019) – Best Supporting Actor in Series, Miniseries or TV Film for A Very English Scandal
- British Independent Film Awards – Nominations for Perfume: The Story of a Murderer and Lilting
- Laurence Olivier Award – Nominated for his stage performance in Hamlet
- Critics’ Choice Television Award – Nominated for A Very English Scandal
Social Media
Ben Whishaw does not have a social media account.
Personal Life
Ben Whishaw, 45 years old, is currently in a relationship, with reports linking him romantically to actor Kadiff Kirwan (known for This Is Going to Hurt and Fleabag), with whom he has been to be dating since around 2023–2024 after meeting on a previous project; the pair have kept the relationship private with limited public confirmation.
He was previously in a long-term relationship with Australian composer Mark Bradshaw, whom he met while filming Bright Star; they entered a civil partnership in 2012 and separated amicably in 2022 after about 10 years together due to hectic work schedules, though they reportedly remained on good terms.
No other significant past relationships are widely documented, and he has generally maintained a private personal life focused on his craft. He stands at a height of 5’9” (175 cm).
Net Worth
Ben Whishaw’s net worth is estimated at $4 million USD. He earns income primarily through his high-profile acting roles in major film franchises such as James Bond and Paddington, acclaimed television series, theatre productions, voice work, and occasional producing or soundtrack contributions.
Filmography
- Peter Hujar’s Day (2025) as Peter Hujar
- Paddington in Peru (2024) as Paddington Bear (voice)
- Black Doves (2024–present) as Sam
- Limonov: The Ballad (2024)
- Passages (2023)
- No Time to Die (2021) as Q
- Spectre (2015) as Q
- Skyfall (2012) as Q
- Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) as Paddington Bear (voice)
- A Very English Scandal (2018) as Norman Scott
- The Hour (2011–2012)
- Bright Star (2009) as John Keats