Craig Parkinson Biography: Age, Instagram, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies, TV Shows, Nationality

Craig Parkinson is an English actor best known for his compelling portrayal of DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the critically acclaimed BBC police drama Line of Duty, a role that earned him widespread recognition and established him as one of British television’s most memorable antagonists.

With a career spanning film, television, and theatre, he has delivered powerful performances in projects such as Four Lions, Misfits, and Whitechapel.

Craig Parkinson
Wiki Facts & About Data
Name:	Craig Parkinson
Born:	11 March 1976 (age 50 years old)
Place of Birth:	Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Nationality:	British
Height:	1.94 m
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson
Spouse:	Susan Lynch (m. ?–2019)
Relationship:	Divorced
Occupation:	Actor
Net Worth:	$2 million

Early Life and Education

Craig Parkinson was born on March 11, 1976 in Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom, to Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson. Raised in the seaside town of Blackpool, he experienced a childhood far removed from the world of acting, with his early ambitions pointing in a different direction entirely.

Information regarding siblings has not been made publicly available. He later enrolled at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he received formal training and graduated with the skills that would launch his professional acting career.

He is of white British ethnicity, and his religious affiliation has not been publicly disclosed.

Career

Craig Parkinson began his acting career in the early 2000s, initially working in British television with guest roles on established series as he steadily built his experience and professional reputation.

His early screen appearances included parts in popular programmes such as Holby City, The Bill, and Dalziel and Pascoe, where he demonstrated a natural intensity and commitment to character work.

Parkinson‘s breakthrough in film came with his role in the biographical drama Desert Flower (2009), and he further expanded his cinematic profile in 2010 with a memorable supporting performance in Chris Morris’s acclaimed satire Four Lions, a film that has since achieved cult status.

Parkinson‘s career reached a new level of prominence through his television work in the 2010s.

He appeared in the supernatural drama Whitechapel and the beloved sci-fi comedy-drama Misfits, where his performances showcased his ability to move between gritty crime drama and offbeat genre fare with ease.

The defining role of his career came when he was cast as DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the BBC’s Line of Duty, a character that would become one of the most talked-about antagonists in modern British television.

Parkinson‘s layered performance as the seemingly affable but deeply corrupt police officer kept audiences riveted, and his work across multiple series of the show earned him industry-wide acclaim.

Following his time on Line of Duty, Parkinson has remained a prolific and sought-after actor in British drama.

His film credits include the horror thriller When the Lights Went Out (2012), and he has continued to take on compelling roles across television and independent film.

In addition to his on-screen work, Parkinson has hosted the popular podcast Two Shot Podcast, where he interviews actors, musicians, and creatives about their craft, further cementing his place within the artistic community.

Craig Parkinson‘s career reflects a steady and impressive evolution from jobbing actor to one of the most recognizable faces in British television.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @craigparkinson
• Twitter/X Handle: @craigparky

Personal Life

Craig Parkinson was previously married to Irish actress Susan Lynch, with whom he shared a relationship that remained largely private throughout its duration.

The marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 2019. Information regarding whether the couple had children has not been publicly disclosed.

Filmography

• Desert Flower (2009)
• Four Lions (2010)
• When the Lights Went Out (2012)
• Line of Duty (2012–2021)
• Misfits (2010–2011)
• Whitechapel (2009–2013)

Net Worth

Craig Parkinson has an estimated net worth of $2 million. His financial standing has been built primarily through his extensive work in British television, with his long-running role on Line of Duty representing a significant portion of his earnings.