Ricky Tomlinson

Ricky Tomlinson, born Eric Tomlinson on September 26, 1939, is a British actor known for his television roles. He achieved fame for portraying Bobby Grant in the TV series Brookside from 1982 to 1988, DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker from 1993 to 2006, and Jim Royle in The Royle Family from 1998 to 2012. Additionally, Tomlinson starred as the lead character in the 2001 football mockumentary Mike Bassett: England Manager. Born in Bispham, Blackpool, Lancashire, Tomlinson spent most of his life in Liverpool. Prior to his acting career, he played banjo in various bands. Tomlinson attended Walton Technical College and had a particular fondness for English.