Peter Egan

Peter Joseph Egan (born September 28, 1946) is a British actor and animal rights activist. He is best known for his television roles, including Hogarth in Big Breadwinner Hog, George IV in Prince Regent (1979), Paul Ryman in Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–89), and Hugh 'Shrimpie' MacClare in Downton Abbey (2012–15). Egan was born in Hampstead, London and attended St George's Catholic School, the London Oratory School, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His first stage performance was in Charlie Girl, and his television debut was as Seth Starkadder in a BBC adaptation of Cold Comfort Farm (1968). Egan gained notoriety as Hogarth in the controversial Granada series Big Breadwinner Hog. He continues to be active in both acting and animal rights advocacy.