Trivia

Was offered a part in Minority Report (2002) by Steven Spielberg, but had to turn down the role because he had already signed to star in Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001).

He has lived in Liverpool all his life and has said he has never wanted to live anywhere else.

Before becoming involved in trade unionism he was a member of the National Front, which he now bitterly regrets and puts down to being "politically naive" and "poorly educated".

Signed a deal worth £800,000 sterling for his autobiography with Time Warner and is due to be published in Autumn 2003. (March 2002)

Before becoming an actor, Ricky Tomlinson was a militant trade unionist. In 1973 he was imprisoned for 15 months for organising flying pickets as part of a building workers' strike. An MI5 / Special Branch file at the time described him as "a subversive... a left-wing activator, prone to violence, and a political thug".

He supports Liverpool Football Club.

He worked as a plasterer on building sites for many years.

Turned down a five-figure sum to pose nude for a British magazine.

Did not start acting until he was in his forties.

He is a staunch and outspoken supporter of left-wing political movements.

Presented a political television broadcast for the Socialist Labour Party during the 2001 General Election campaign.

Best Actor Award at Stockholm Film Festival 1999 for Nasty Neighbours.