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Entertainment • Actor

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is an English actor known for stage, film, and television work.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ben Whishaw is an English actor known for stage, film, and television work. He has played Q in the James Bond films starting with Skyfall, voiced Paddington Bear in the Paddington franchise, and won major awards for his performance as Norman Scott in A Very English Scandal.

Early life and education

Ben Whishaw was born in Clifton, Bedfordshire, England, on 14 October 1980 with the birth name Benjamin John Whishaw. He trained for stage and screen acting and began his professional career in the late 1990s.

Career

Whishaw built his reputation through theatre before moving into screen roles in British film and television. His film and TV work includes Stoned, The Hour, Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die, London Spy, and This Is Going to Hurt.

Major roles and recognition

His most widely known roles include Q in the James Bond franchise and the voice of Paddington Bear. His portrayal of Norman Scott in A Very English Scandal brought him a BAFTA TV Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Stage work

Whishaw has remained active on stage alongside his screen career. He has performed in productions such as Hamlet and The Crucible and received critical attention for theatrical roles.

Key facts

  • Ben Whishaw is a British actor best known for playing Q in the James Bond series, voicing Paddington Bear, and starring in A Very English Scandal.
  • He won a BAFTA TV Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Norman Scott in A Very English Scandal.
  • His career includes extensive work in theatre, with notable stage performances in Hamlet and The Crucible.
  • Whishaw has appeared in projects such as The Hour, London Spy, and Women Talking.
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Canadian context

Ben Whishaw has Canadian relevance mainly through the international popularity of the Paddington films and his widely distributed television and film work in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ben Whishaw?
Ben Whishaw is a British actor known for stage, television, and film roles, including Q in the James Bond series and the voice of Paddington Bear.
What is Ben Whishaw's birth name?
His birth name is Benjamin John Whishaw.
What is Ben Whishaw best known for?
He is best known for playing Q in the Bond films, voicing Paddington Bear, and starring in A Very English Scandal.
What awards has Ben Whishaw won?
He won a BAFTA, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award for A Very English Scandal.
What other notable productions has he appeared in?
His credits include The Hour, London Spy, Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die, This Is Going to Hurt, and Women Talking.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Whishaw
    Supports: Birth date, birth name, nationality, major roles, and awards summary.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/ben-whishaw
    Supports: Birthplace, early career, theatre background, and major screen roles.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0924210/
    Supports: Birthplace, birth name, height, and career credits.
  4. Broadway.com — https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/ben-whishaw/profile/
    Supports: Stage credits and Olivier nomination for Hamlet.