Ed Stoppard

Ed Stoppard is an actor well known to cinema and television audiences having appeared in productions ranging from the Oscar-winning The Pianist and the recent BBC mini-series, The Politician’s Husband.

Your time at the University

I chose Edinburgh because I had holidayed in Scotland many times and knew the city. Plus Edinburgh was 400 miles from home, as well as being a top-rated University, naturally. Those were my formative years - ‘PURE’ on a Friday, Tantallen beach whenever possible, early morning pints in The Phoenix. Happy Days.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

I went to Drama school to do a 1 year post-grad course and then flung myself on the mercies of the acting world. In some respects Edinburgh helped me. I was so wrapped up with, well, having a good time, that I didn’t wind up giving my ‘Lear’ at Bedlam, hence at LAMDA I was a blank, very willing, slate.

I benefitted from those 4 years of social immersion, all of which is useful for someone in my line of work.

I benefitted from those 4 years of social immersion, all of which is useful for someone in my line of work.

I earn a living from acting, which is the most any of us can hope for. I’ve played many roles that have brought me pleasure and which I look back on with a certain amount of pride. But it is my intention to not be associated with any particular character, so I try to remain a moving target.

Alumni wisdom

Find your passion; follow it; only then figure out how to earn a living from it. Not the other way round.