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Mark Moraghan
Mark has been gracing our screens for nearly 40 years and has appeared in many British drama series including Peak Practice, Holby City, Brookside, London's Burning, Emmerdale, Casualty and Heartbeat to name just a few. Here, Life In Orpington chats with Orpington-based Mark to get to know him better – and find out his future plans… How did you get into acting – and how easy was it? In primary school, my teacher cast me as Peter Pan and that was it, I was hooked! When I was in secondary school the BBC came and auditioned us all for a Willy Russell Play and I was given the lead. From there I joined various drama groups and my career took off - About ten years later.
MasterChef, which Michel Roux Junior and Richard Corrigan found hilarious.
What celeb friends have you got on speed dial? Nicky Campbell, Ray Winston and Lewis Emerick, plus a few from almost 40 years of working with amazing people.
What are some of the roles you’ve most enjoyed playing?
What are some of your favourite things to watch?
I enjoyed playing Mr. Briggs in ‘Our Day Out’ another Willy Russell play. At The Royal Court Liverpool. One of my favourite film roles was in a film called ‘Allies’ about a mission behind enemy lines set in and around D Day. I also enjoyed playing Dr. Owen Davis in Holby, a role I played for five years.
Do you have a favourite TV series or film?
Who do you admire in the industry? Robert DeNiro, Jack Nicolson, Gene Hackman and Tom Hardy are all amazing actors.
Any close calls? Telling Marcus Wareing where to stick his rabbit leg on
I love World War 2 films, documentaries, Narcos, The Irishman and anything by Spielberg and Scorsese. My favourite film of all time is Jaws. I loved Breaking Bad and The Sopranos.
When you’re not learning your lines, what do you get up to? I’m in the gym most days or paddle boarding. I will try and get on the water every week. My children love it as well, so it’s something we can all do together. I also love cooking and spending time with my family.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to get into acting? Get involved with local theatre groups, look at different theatre schools in your area.
What can we look forward to seeing you in next? Menorca 2019
I was touring in a play called ‘By The Waters of Liverpool’ which came to an abrupt end due to Covid. It has now been put back until September 2021. I am continuing to do Thomas The Tank Engine podcasts and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to be able to carry that on from home. I am in film called ‘Beggar My Neighbour’ in which I play a ruthless underworld fixer for the big banks.
Any other upcoming projects? Only general DIY around the house and honing my cookery skills!
What do you like about Life In Orpington magazine? Paddle boarding in lockdown at Bewl Water
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It’s great to see what is going on in the local area and good for finding local businesses.
What do you most enjoy about living in the borough? The location is great for central London, the Kent Countryside on our doorstep and the coast not too far away. We have amazing neighbours and there’s a real sense of community in our part of Bromley.
December 2020 Life in... Orpington 15
