Richard Gadd Explained

Richard Gadd
Birth Date:11 May 1989
Birth Place:Wormit, Fife, Scotland
Notable Works:Baby Reindeer
Education:Madras College
Alma Mater:University of Glasgow
Parents:Geoffrey Michael Gadd[1]

Richard Gadd (born 11 May 1989) is a Scottish comedian, actor and writer, best known for creating and starring in the 2024 Netflix drama series Baby Reindeer, which was based on his one-man dark comedy show of the same name.[2] [3] [4] He earned two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for writing and acting in the series.[5] [6]

Early life and education

Richard Gadd was born in the village of Wormit, Scotland.[7] Gadd has described himself as a "middle-class guy from Fife".[8] He was educated at Madras College and studied English literature and theatre studies at the University of Glasgow.[9] He trained at the Oxford School of Drama, completing a one-year course in 2012.[10]

Career

Comedy

Gadd's early Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows were Cheese & Crack Whores (2013) and Breaking Gadd (2014), both shows went on to have runs at London's Soho Theatre. The Guardian wrote that his first two shows "purported to be autobiographical accounts of the young Scotsman’s bleak life, a roundelay of failed relationships, blackouts, abusive therapists and fratricide."[8] Writing in 2015, The Guardian described him as a "schlock comic with a name for gaudy multimedia tales of drug addiction and sexual violence, mental illness and gore".[11] Waiting for Gaddot (2015) was intentionally more mainstream than its predecessors, bringing Gadd more success and wider attention.[8] Waiting for Gaddot won an Amused Moose Comedy Award in 2015 as well as a Scottish Comedy Award for Best Solo Show in 2016.[12] [13] It was also nominated for a Malcolm Hardee Award for Innovation[14] and a Chortle Award for Innovation.

Gadd's 2016 Fringe show Monkey See Monkey Do won the Edinburgh Comedy Award[15] for Best Comedy Show and was also nominated for a Total Theatre Award for Innovation.[16] Later that year, Gadd won a Chortle Comedian's Comedian Award[17] and was nominated for an Off West End Theatre Award for Best Performer.[18] The show then had several sell-out runs at Soho Theatre,[19] toured the UK and Europe,[20] and had a run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where it was nominated for the 2017 Barry Award.[21] In 2017 it was broadcast on Comedy Central as part of their Soho Theatre Live series.[22]

While a jobbing comedian, Gadd worked as a bartender at the Hawley Arms pub in London. It was here he would encounter 'Martha', who would become the main character in Baby Reindeer.[23] Gadd's next Edinburgh fringe show, the dark comedy Baby Reindeer, chronicling his experiences with being stalked by 'Martha', and sexually assaulted by a man he met earlier in his career, would prove to be his breakout success.[24] He has said that he was later stalked and sexually assaulted by an older woman.[25] [26] [27] It won two awards: The Scotsman Fringe First Award for New Writing[28] and a Stage Award for Acting Excellence.[29] The show then went on to a five-week run at The Bush Theatre in London[30] where it won an Off West End Theatre Award for Best Video Design, as well as receiving a nomination in the Best Performer category.[31] The show later transferred to the Ambassador's Theatre in London's West End, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[32] A few months later, the show went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre.[33]

In 2024, Netflix released a seven-episode drama based on the play, and billed as a 'true story'.[34] Gadd lost 28 kilograms to play the fictionalized version of himself in order to feel "vulnerable and fragile".[35] According to a recent report by Barclays, the enormous success and popularity of Baby Reindeer resulted in a notable annual increase in spending on Netflix digital subscriptions.[36] The woman depicted in Baby Reindeer as having stalked and sexually assaulted Gadd was quickly identified as Fiona Harvey, a Scottish lawyer with a history of stalking and mental illness. Harvey has denied Gadd's accusations and depiction of her, stated that she never been to jail, as depicted in the Netflix show, and is pursuing Netflix for defamation.[37] Others familiar with the real-life people involved, have questioned Gadd's version of events, as depicted in Baby Reindeer.[23] Although not directly named in Harvey's lawsuit against Netflix, Gadd has fully supported Netflix's defence against Harvey's claims, and request to have her lawsuit dismissed, re-iterating accusations made against Harvey for stalking, and defending the veracity of 'Baby Reindeer'.[38]

Acting and screenwriting

Gadd is also an actor, starring opposite Daniel Mays in the 2017 BAFTA-nominated BBC Two single drama Against the Law. Other acting credits include BBC Three's Clique, Sky Arts's One Normal Night, Sky One's Code 404 and E4's Tripped.[39] As a screenwriter, Gadd worked for Netflix's Sex Education, and has written episodes of Ultimate Worrier for Dave and The Last Leg for Channel 4, where he was also a correspondent. He's also had several projects aired on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland.[40]

Personal life

Gadd identifies as bisexual, and has had both same-sex and different-sex relationships.[41] [42]

Gadd has struggled with alcohol, and substance abuse, telling The Guardian in 2015 “I’m healthy and sober now. I still get real bad downers. But I feel better than I was.”[8]

Gadd is an ambassador for We Are Survivors, a UK charity dedicated to helping male survivors of sexual abuse.

Gadd is a fan of the Scotland football team.[43]

Gadd has lived in London long term.[8]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2005ConfusedScottish Guy #2Short film
2018Diane's New BoyfriendChristopherShort film
2019WhippersnapManShort film
AmazoniaShort film
2021LadybabyHarryShort film
2024Truth SerumJimmyShort film

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2014Scot SquadTybalt CamberlainSeason 1, Episode 4
2015TrippedCallumMain role
2016ViciousDelivery ManEpisode: "The Finale"
2017Against the LawEddie McNallyTelevision film
2018HumansProtesterSeason 3, Episode 4
CliqueBen HowardRecurring role; 6 episodes
2019Urban MythsGarethEpisode: "Princess Diana, Freddy and Kenny"
2020OutlanderDuffEpisode: "Mercy Shall Follow Me"
2020–22Code 404Liam CleasbyMain role
2022Wedding SeasonConrad LennoxGuest role; 3 episodes
2024A Bear Named WojtekDaveVoice role; television film
Baby ReindeerDonny DunnMain role; also writer and creator

Awards and nominations

YearAward CategoryWorkResult
2024Gotham TV AwardsOutstanding Performance in a Limited SeriesBaby Reindeer[44]
Television Critics Association AwardsIndividual Achievement in Drama[45]
Astra TV AwardsBest Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie[46]
Best Writing in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie[47]
Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Dundee professor and dad of Fife's Baby Reindeer star recognised in King's Birthday Honours. Laura. Devlin. 14 June 2024.
  2. Web site: Baby Reindeer Cast Guide. ScreenRant.com. Klein. Brennan. 19 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419003247/https://screenrant.com/baby-reindeer-show-cast-guide/. live. 15 April 2024. 18 May 2024.
  3. Web site: Who is Richard Gadd? Meet the man behind Netflix's chilling Baby Reindeer. Tonks. Phoebe. Yahoo.com. 17 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240517103641/https://uk.style.yahoo.com/richard-gadd-meet-man-behind-180511921.html. live. 3 May 2024. 18 May 2024.
  4. News: Baby Reindeer: woman who claims to be real-life Martha sues Netflix for $170m . Yang . Maya. The Guardian. 0261-3077. 6 June 2024. 9 June 2024.
  5. News: Emmy Nominees 2024: The Complete List. The New York Times. Gonzalez . Shivani. July 17, 2024. July 17, 2024.
  6. News: What to Watch: 'Baby Reindeer,' an Astonishing Stalker Drama . Lyons. Margaret. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240424235903/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/23/arts/television/baby-reindeer-netflix.html . 24 April 2024. The New York Times. 23 April 2024. 25 April 2024.
  7. Web site: Baby Reindeer: Scottish performer Richard Gadd's new series release is. The Scotsman.com. Hepburn. David. 17 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240517105339/https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/baby-reindeer-scottish-performer-richard-gadds-new-series-release-is-4577973. live. 3 April 2024. 17 May 2024.
  8. Web site: 'Outside, looking out': the twisted world of Richard Gadd. The Scotsman. 18 October 2015. 25 July 2024.
  9. Web site: Richard Gadd: Who is Fife comedian behind Netflix hit Baby Reindeer? . . 16 April 2024. 17 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240417015241/https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/entertainment/tv-film/4949454/richard-gadd-baby-reindeer/. live. 18 May 2024.
  10. Web site: Richard Gadd - Notable Alumni. Oxford School of Drama. 24 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240424123317/https://oxforddrama.ac.uk/notable_alumni/richard-gadd/. live. 24 April 2024.
  11. Web site: Richard Gadd interview. British Comedy Guide. 15 January 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200115033023/https://www.comedy.co.uk/live/feature/richard_gadd_interview/. live. 27 November 2014. 29 December 2019.
  12. Web site: AmusedMoose Comedy Awards - Stand-up Comedy Soho Kings Cross Awards Courses. amusedmoose.com. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120424/https://www.amusedmoose.com/awards. live. 29 December 2019.
  13. Web site: Scot Squad apprehends two Scottish Comedy Awards. Bennett. Steve. chortle.co.uk. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120428/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2016/04/26/24746/scot_squad_apprehends_two_scottish_comedy_awards. live. 29 December 2019.
  14. Web site: Praise be to Gadd!. Bennett. Steve. chortle.co.uk. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120430/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2015/08/24/23102/praise_be_to_gadd!. live. 29 December 2019.
  15. Web site: Best Show – Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Premier. Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Awards. 17 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160617123236/http://www.comedyawards.co.uk/best-comedy-show. live. 29 December 2019.
  16. Web site: The Total Theatre Awards Shortlist 2016. Summerhall – Open Minds Open Doors. 18 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231018121446/https://www.summerhall.co.uk/press/the-total-theatre-awards-shortlist-2016/. live. 29 December 2019.
  17. Web site: Who won at the Chortle Awards 2017. Bennett. Steve. chortle.co.uk. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120426/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2017/03/20/27116/who_won_the_chortle_awards_2017. live. 29 December 2019.
  18. Web site: Off West End Theatre Award nominations. oxforddrama.ac.uk. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120424/https://www.oxforddrama.ac.uk/news/off-west-end-theatre-award-nominations. live. 29 December 2019. 2 May 2017.
  19. Web site: Richard Gadd: Monkey See Monkey Do at Soho Theatre. Soho Theatre. 29 December 2019. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120421/https://sohotheatre.com/shows/richard-gadd-monkey-see-monkey-do/. live.
  20. Web site: Show & Tell. showandtelluk.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20220812212929/https://www.showandtelluk.com/event/richard-gadd-monkey-see-monkey-do/. 12 August 2022. dead. 25 July 2024.
  21. Web site: Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120443/https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2017BarryGibboNomsAnnounced. dead. 29 December 2019.
  22. Web site: Comedy Central to broadcast Soho Theatre Live stand-up shows. 24 May 2017. British Comedy Guide. 29 December 2019. 13 January 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200113073442/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/2604/soho_theatre_live/. live.
  23. News: Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd’s ex-colleague claims he led ‘real Martha’ on ‘for laughs’. Metro. 18 May 2024. 25 July 2024.
  24. Web site: Our Ambassadors . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240402190914/https://www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/about-us/our-ambassadors/. We Are Survivors. 2 April 2024. 16 April 2024.
  25. Web site: Baby Reindeer review — Netflix's unsettling stalker drama makes for difficult viewing. Financial Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20240423234517/https://www.ft.com/content/ffe5cad7-f632-4755-afe1-64154d5db313 . live. 23 April 2024. 21 April 2024. 24 April 2024.
  26. News: Badshah . Nadeem . 2024-05-09 . 'Inspiration' for Baby Reindeer stalker character says she received death threats . The Guardian. 0261-3077 . 22 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522032315/https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/may/09/inspiration-for-baby-reindeer-stalker-character-says-she-received-death-threats . live. 2024-05-10.
  27. News: Richard Gadd on his stalker: 'It would be unfair to say she was awful and I'm a victim'. 10 September 2019. Logan. Brian. The Guardian. 19 April 2024. 22 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240522032222/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/sep/10/richard-gadd-stalker-baby-reindeer. live.
  28. Web site: Final Edinburgh Fringe First Award winners revealed WhatsOnStage. whatsonstage.com. 23 August 2019. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120419/https://www.whatsonstage.com/edinburgh-theatre/news/final-fringe-first-award-winners-revealed-_49743.html. live. 29 December 2019.
  29. Web site: Richard Gadd wins The Stage Edinburgh Award 2019 News. 29 December 2019. oxforddrama.ac.uk. 24 August 2019. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120423/https://www.oxforddrama.ac.uk/news/richard-gadd-wins-the-stage-edinburgh-award-2019. live.
  30. Web site: Baby Reindeer. bushtheatre.co.uk. 29 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120423/https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/baby-reindeer/. live. 29 December 2019.
  31. Web site: 2020 Awards – The Offies. 9 January 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200109150918/https://offies.london/2020-awards/. live. 29 December 2019.
  32. Web site: Baby Reindeer and The Shark Is Broken are postponed. British Theatre. 30 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230930002928/https://britishtheatre.com/baby-reindeer-and-the-shark-is-broken-are-postponed/. live. 5 April 2020. 2 March 2021.
  33. Web site: Richard Gadd wins an Olivier Award. Bennett. Steve. 2 March 2021. chortle.co.uk. 12 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210212124747/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2020/10/26/47175/richard_gadd_wins_an_olivier_award. live.
  34. News: 'I was severely stalked and severely abused': Richard Gadd on the true story behind Baby Reindeer [Interview] ]. Williams. Zoe. The Guardian. 21 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240421221928/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/apr/18/i-was-severely-stalked-and-severely-abused-richard-gadd-on-the-true-story-behind-baby-reindeer. live. 18 April 2024. 19 April 2024.
  35. Web site: Richard Gadd on 'Baby Reindeer' Phenomenon, Losing Anonymity and What He Won't Ever Comment on Again. Gardner. Chris. The Hollywood Reporter . 13 May 2024 . 19 May 2024 . 19 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240519033302/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/richard-gadd-baby-reindeer-fame-real-people-1235897317/ . live .
  36. Web site: Baby Reindeer success comes amid jump in subscription spending – Barclays. The Asian Mirror. 7 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507024333/https://theasianmirror.com/latest/51188/baby-reindeer-success-comes-amid-jump-in-subscription-spending-barclays/ . live. 7 May 2024. 7 May 2024.
  37. Web site: 2024-05-10 . Baby Reindeer: Fans horrified by Piers Morgan's 'excruciating' interview . Butler . Alexander . Murray . Tom . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240512103519/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/fiona-harvey-richard-gadd-piers-morgan-b2542713.html . 12 May 2024 . 2024-05-14 . The Independent.
  38. Web site: Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd responds to Fiona Harvey’s lawsuit against Netflix . The Guardian. 30 July 2024. 14 August 2024.
  39. Web site: Richard Gadd. IMDb. 21 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220721004258/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6876120/. live. 29 December 2019.
  40. Web site: BBC Radio 4 – Richard Gadd: Daddy Diaries. BBC. https://web.archive.org/web/20191231201449/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b8b82x. live. 31 December 2019. 29 December 2019.
  41. News: Richard Gadd on Netflix's Baby Reindeer and his real-life story of stalking and trauma: 'I've lived in a prison of self-hate'. The Independent. Chilton . Louis. 11 April 2024. 22 May 2024.
  42. The Cast of 'Baby Reindeer' Speaks Out: "You Have to Practice Self-Preservation" . Vanity Fair. Canfield . David . 2024-05-15. 22 May 2024.
  43. Web site: Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd spotted cheering on Scotland at Euro 2024... but there's no sign of Martha. www.goal.com. 24 June 2024. 19 August 2024.
  44. Web site: Verhoeven . Beatrice . May 14, 2024 . 'Baby Reindeer,' 'The Curse,' 'Shogun' Among Inaugural Gotham TV Awards Nominees . May 16, 2024 . Hollywood Reporter.
  45. Web site: 'Baby Reindeer', 'Ripley' and 'Shogun' Lead 2024 TCA Awards Nominations: Full List . . Emily . Longeretta . June 10, 2024 . June 10, 2024.
  46. Web site: The 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominations Have Arrived . . July 9, 2024 . July 10, 2024.
  47. Web site: Baby Reindeer . . July 17, 2024 . July 17, 2024.

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