Simon Farnaby Biography: Wife, Books, Religion, Height, Ethnicity, Movies, Parents, Net Worth, Children

Simon Farnaby is a British actor, comedian, screenwriter, and children’s author, best known as a core member of the acclaimed sketch troupe Horrible Histories and as the co-writer of the Oscar-nominated film Paddington 2.

Rising to prominence through his versatile character work on the CBBC series and its spin-off, Yonderland, he has become a distinctive voice in British comedy, blending historical absurdity with genuine heart.

Simon Farnaby
Wiki Facts & About Data
Name:	Simon Farnaby
Born:	2 April 1973 (age 53 years old)
Place of Birth:	Darlington, County Durham, England
Nationality:	British
Height:	1.88 m
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Farnaby
Spouse:	Claire Keelan (m. 2014)
Relationship:	Married
Children:	Eve Farnaby
Occupation:	Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Children's Author
Net Worth:	$4 million

Early Life and Education

Simon Farnaby was born on 2 April 1973 in Darlington, County Durham, England, to Mr. and Mrs. Farnaby. He might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

He grew up in Darlington, where he attended local primary and secondary schools.

He later pursued his higher education and dramatic training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, graduating to launch his career in classical theater, alternative sketch comedy, and screenwriting.

Farnaby is of Caucasian ethnicity; his specific religious affiliation is not publicly specified.

Career

Simon Farnaby began his career in classical theater after graduating from the Webber Douglas Academy, performing in stage productions including a notable run with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He transitioned into alternative comedy as a member of the sketch group “The Penny Dreadfuls” alongside future Horrible Histories collaborators.

His early recognition came through guest roles on British television series such as The Mighty Boosh, Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, and The IT Crowd, where his distinctive physical comedy and character work caught the attention of producers.

Farnaby’s breakout arrived in 2009 when he joined the main cast of CBBC’s Horrible Histories, a sketch series based on the popular books.

Major achievements include his nine-season run on Horrible Histories (2009–2015, plus subsequent specials), which earned multiple BAFTA Children’s Awards and became a cultural phenomenon, with Farnaby’s performances of historical figures — including a memorable Dick Turpin — becoming fan favorites.

He co-created and starred in the fantasy-comedy series Yonderland (2013–2016) with his Horrible Histories castmates, further cementing his reputation as a writer-performer.

Farnaby’s career reached new heights as co-writer of Paddington 2 (2017) alongside director Paul King; the film received universal acclaim and was named the top-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes for a period, earning a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film.

He also co-wrote The Phantom of the Open (2021), starring Mark Rylance, which won a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut.

Later work saw Farnaby continue his screenwriting partnership with Paul King, contributing to Wonka (2023), the musical fantasy prequel starring Timothée Chalamet, which grossed over $600 million worldwide.

He also reprised his role as the security guard in Paddington in Peru (2024).

His acting work includes roles in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Detectorists, and Ghosts.

Beyond screenwriting and acting, Farnaby has authored children’s books, including The Wizard in My Shed and The Wolf in Wardrobe.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @simonfarnaby

Personal Life

Simon Farnaby married English actress Claire Keelan in 2014; the couple have one daughter, Eve Farnaby, born later that same year.

Prior to his marriage to Keelan, Farnaby was married to an unnamed first wife, with that marriage ending in divorce.

He and Keelan have worked together professionally on several projects, including Horrible Histories and Yonderland. He resides in London with his wife and daughter.

Filmography

• The Mighty Boosh (2004)
• Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace (2004)
• The IT Crowd (2006)
• Horrible Histories (2009–2015)
• Yonderland (2013–2016)
• Paddington 2 (2017) – as writer and actor
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Detectorists (2014–2022)
• The Phantom of the Open (2021) – as writer
• Ghosts (2019–2023)
• Wonka (2023) – as writer
• Paddington in Peru (2024) – as writer and actor

Net Worth

Simon Farnaby has an estimated net worth of approximately $4 million USD, derived primarily from his careers as a screenwriter, actor, and author.

His income sources include screenwriting fees for Paddington 2, The Phantom of the Open, and Wonka (the latter grossing over $600 million worldwide), acting salaries for television series including Horrible Histories, Ghosts, and Yonderland, and royalties from his children’s books.