Colin Salmon is a British actor known for playing Charles Robinson in three James Bond films and currently appearing as George Knight in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. This article covers his career highlights, personal life, net worth, and answers the most common questions about him.
What is Colin Salmon’s role in EastEnders?
Colin Roy Salmon
6 December 1961
James Bond films, EastEnders, Arrow
George Knight in EastEnders (2023–present)
Colin Salmon joined the cast of EastEnders in 2023 as George Knight, co-owner of the Queen Victoria pub. The role brought him to a new generation of viewers and marked a significant shift from his earlier action and sci-fi parts.
- Colin Salmon is best known for playing Charles Robinson in three James Bond films and currently appears as George Knight in BBC’s EastEnders.
- He stands at an estimated 6’2″ (188 cm) and is married to actress Fiona Hawthorne; they have three children.
- His net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million from decades of film, TV, and stage work.
- He has also appeared in Arrow, The Bill, Strictly Come Dancing, and as a guest on Alan Carr’s talk show.
- He played James “One” Shade in the Resident Evil film series across four films.
- Salmon is one of the few actors to appear in multiple Bond films without being the lead villain or hero.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Spouse | Fiona Hawthorne (married 2003) |
| Children | Three (names not public) |
| Net Worth | Est. $1–5 million |
| Birthplace | Bethnal Green, London |
| Breakout Role | Prime Suspect 2 (1992) |
| First Bond Film | Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) |
| Current TV Role | George Knight in EastEnders |
| Notable TV Series | Arrow, The Bill, Doctor Who |
| Strictly Come Dancing | Contestant in 2023 (partner Amy Dowden) |
Who did Colin Salmon play in Arrow?
In the CW series Arrow, Salmon played Walter Steele, the stepfather of Oliver Queen (Green Arrow). He appeared from 2012 to 2014, bringing a calm, authoritative presence to the role.
Was Colin Salmon in The Bill?
Yes, Colin Salmon appeared in The Bill during 2006–2007 as DC Charlie Price. Some sources may miscredit the role, but his time on the long-running police drama is confirmed.
Did Colin Salmon appear on Strictly Come Dancing?
He is confirmed as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, partnering with professional dancer Amy Dowden. The show introduced him to a wider family audience.
Did Colin Salmon appear on Alan Carr?
He was a guest on Alan Carr: Chatty Man but not a regular co-host. The appearance was a one-off interview.
Who is Colin Salmon’s wife?
Colin Salmon is married to actress Fiona Hawthorne. The couple wed in 2003 and have three children together. Hawthorne has appeared in various British television productions, though she maintains a lower public profile than her husband.
Salmon and Hawthorne keep their children’s names and details out of the public eye. The actor has stated in interviews that he values family privacy.
How tall is Colin Salmon?
Colin Salmon’s height is often a point of curiosity. According to multiple sources, he stands at approximately 6’2″ (188 cm). His tall frame has made him a natural fit for authoritative roles such as Charles Robinson and Walter Steele.
Does Colin Salmon have children?
Yes, he has three children with his wife Fiona Hawthorne. Their names and ages have not been publicly disclosed, consistent with the family’s preference for privacy.
What is Colin Salmon’s net worth?
Estimates place Colin Salmon’s net worth between $1 million and $5 million. This is based on his extensive career in film, television, and stage work. No official disclosure has been made, and figures remain speculative.
Net worth figures for actors are often rough estimates. In Salmon’s case, the lack of public financial documents means any specific number should be treated as an approximation.
What movies has Colin Salmon been in?
Colin Salmon’s filmography spans more than three decades, with notable roles in blockbuster franchises and independent films. Below is a closer look at his most significant movie appearances.
James Bond films
Salmon played Charles Robinson, M’s Chief of Staff, in three Pierce Brosnan-era Bond films: Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002). His character provided a calm, professional presence in MI6, and he is one of the few actors to appear in multiple Bond films without being the lead villain or hero.
Resident Evil series
He portrayed James “One” Shade, the squad leader, in four films: Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), and Resident Evil: Retribution (2012). The role cemented his status in the action-horror genre.
Other notable films
- Alien vs. Predator (2004) – Maxwell Stafford
- Punisher: War Zone (2008) – Paul Budiansky
- Exam (2009) – The Invigilator
- London Has Fallen (2016) – Commissioner Kevin Hazard
- Mortal Engines (2018) – Chudleigh Pomeroy
- Prey for the Devil (2022)
Some online sources may incorrectly list Salmon in films he did not appear in. Cross-reference with his IMDb or Wikipedia page Wikipedia – Colin Salmon for accuracy.
What is the timeline of Colin Salmon’s career?
- 1961 – Born in Bethnal Green, London.
- 1992 – Breakout role in Prime Suspect 2 as DS Bob Oswalde, winning critical acclaim.
- 1997 – First James Bond film: Tomorrow Never Dies.
- 2006 – Recurring role in BBC’s The Bill as DC Charlie Price.
- 2013 – Plays Walter Steele in Arrow.
- 2023 – Joins EastEnders as George Knight.
- 2023 – Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing.
What are the facts and what remains unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Colin Salmon appeared in The Bill (2006–2007) as DC Charlie Price. | Some sources may miscredit the exact role or duration. |
| He is a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, partnering with Amy Dowden. | No official confirmation of his participation beyond media reports and his own social media. |
| He appeared as a guest on Alan Carr: Chatty Man. | He is not a regular co-host. |
| Net worth figures are estimates; no official disclosure. | Exact financial details are unknown. |
What is the background and context of Colin Salmon’s career?
Colin Salmon’s career shows a steady transition from stage and film to long-running television dramas. His portrayal of Charles Robinson in the Bond films provided a non-stereotypical depiction of a senior MI6 officer, while his current role in EastEnders brings him a new audience. Salmon is also a musician and charity ambassador, reflecting a multifaceted public persona. He serves as an ambassador for the Notting Hill Carnival, highlighting his connection to London’s cultural scene.
Where do the sources and quotes come from?
“Another tumultuous week on @bbceastenders. Sharing these stories & how they impact our lives helps us process…”
Colin Salmon’s X/Twitter, Feb 2024
The following sources were used to compile this article:
- Wikipedia – Colin Salmon
- IMDb – Colin Salmon
- BBC EastEnders – Colin Salmon
- Notting Hill Carnival Ambassadors
- Colin Salmon on X/Twitter
- Screendollars – Colin Salmon
What is the summary of Colin Salmon’s life and career?
Colin Salmon remains an active actor with a long-standing career in British and international film and television. He is particularly recognized for his commanding presence in sci-fi, action, and drama genres. For more on his current role, see the EastEnders cast and characters page. To explore his Bond history, visit James Bond actors and characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Colin Salmon?
He was born on 6 December 1961, making him 63 years old.
What is Colin Salmon’s real name?
His full name is Colin Roy Salmon.
Where was Colin Salmon born?
He was born in Bethnal Green, London, England.
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