Biography
Sidney John Kean is an award-winning* actor, born on October 1st 1950 in London, UK.
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Sidney was born in Hackney, East London, to parents John and Bettina. Soon after his birth, he was quickly diagnosed with talipes of both feet, also known as ‘Clubfoot’. He was quickly admitted to Great Ormond Street hospital, and, subsequently, Queen Mary’s Hospital For Children. While here, he underwent six operations and years of painful physiotherapy, wearing surgical boots every day to help aid his recovery. His determination paid off as he was discharged from Great Ormond Street at the age of 13. Not to be held back, Sidney joined the Alexander Boys Club in Stoke Newington as their five-a-side goalkeeper.He was eventually offered a trial for Fulham FC, but respectfully declined as he felt his newly-recovered feet wouldn’t withstand the pressure of professional football.
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As a teenager, Sidney began working at the prestigious London law firm, Linklaters, formally known as Linklaters & Paines. It was here he met Mr. H.E Bates, who persuaded him to pursue a career in acting full time. Upon viewing a student production of Hamlet, portrayed by Leigh Lawson, husband of British supermodel Twiggy, Sidney’s decision to become a professional actor was set in stone.
Now an alumnus of the leading UK drama school, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, headed by Dame Judi Dench, Sidney’s career has spanned over five decades, with extensive work in film, television and theatre.
After his first role in the BBC’s Play Of The Month in 1972, Sidney appeared in a string of popular television dramas, including Minder, Blake’s 7, Grange Hill and Lovejoy, before moving into feature films, where he starred in the romantic comedy, Queen Of Hearts, director Tobe Hooper’s cult sci-fi classic, Lifeforce and the family adventure film Hanuman, alongside Scottish actor Robert Cavanah.
He has since appeared in a number of long-running televisions series, Agatha Christie’s Poirot, ITV’s Silent Witness and BBC’s Casualty, as well as popular British soaps, including Eastenders, Coronation Street, The Bill, A Touch Of Frost and Doc Martin, alongside Sir David Jason and Martin Clunes, respectively.
Critically acclaimed appearances include Channel 4’s crime drama The Fear, award-winning Italian comedy The Unlces and BBC’s award-winning series The Long Firm, alongside Lena Headey of Game Of Thrones.
In recent years, Sidney’s theatrical career has proved highly successful, with starring roles in numerous West End productions. Recent credits include Lorenzo in Berberian Sound Studio (2019) at The Donmar Warehouse and Mr Perry in Conor McPhereson’s highly acclaimed, award-winning production of Girl From The North Country (2019).
Alongside his professional career, Sidney volunteers for various charities, including Quarantine Kids Story Time UK, who actively help to immerse children and young adults in the world of literature throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sidney currently resides in the South-East of England.
He is married to Margaret and they have three daughters.
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*Tergiversation (2017), Southern Shorts Awards, Georgia, USA
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