History of martin clunes

Long-limbed, hefty of build and possessed of jug ears and pug-like features, Martin Clunes was never romantic leading man material, but has carved out a successful niche in the world of sitcom and comedy drama, first as the oafish Gary in Men Behaving Badly (ITV, 1992; BBC, 1994-99) and latterly as middle-aged curmudgeon Doc Martin (ITV, 2004-2009).

He was born into a theatrical family; his father, actor Alec, died when Martin was just eight years old.

When he decided to become a thespian he was encouraged by his mother's cousin, actor Jeremy Brett, who generously offered to pay for an operation to pin Clunes' ears back. He politely declined, and following rep at Colchester made his television debut as a spoiled aristocrat in the Doctor Who story 'Snakedance' (BBC, 1983).

However, employment was irregular - he initially supplemented his income by working as a model for artists Gilbert and George - until his role as William Gaunt's son in the undemanding domestic si