Larry Lamb – Most Famous Movies and TV Shows

Larry Lamb is an English actor and radio presenter, born Lawrence Douglas Lamb on 1 October 1947 in Edmonton, London. He is best known for playing the villainous Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap EastEnders. In 2024, he appeared in the Channel 5 drama Curfew and reprised his role as Mick Shipman in the final season of Gavin & Stacey. His son, George Lamb, is a well-known broadcaster and presenter.

Lamb’s career spans more than 50 years, from early film roles to a late-career breakthrough as one of British television’s most memorable antagonists.

Key insights about Larry Lamb’s career

• Larry Lamb is best known for portraying the villainous Archie Mitchell in BBC’s EastEnders (2008–2010, returning in 2020).
• He also appeared in Superman (1978) as a police officer and has had roles in various British TV series and films.
• Larry’s son, George Lamb, is a well-known British TV presenter and radio host.
• He is currently active on Instagram @larrylambofficial and published a novel titled All Wrapped Up in 2023.
• Lamb nearly lost the role of Archie Mitchell but received a call from the BBC that changed his career while he was still filming Gavin & Stacey.
• He appeared in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016, showcasing his resilience and popularity.

Snapshot facts

Who is Larry Lamb’s partner/wife?

Details of Larry Lamb’s martial status have been reported inconsistently across sources. What is publicly recorded comes from Wikipedia and IMDb, though information about a current partner remains unclear.

Past marriages

Lamb was previously married to Linda Martin from January 1979 until their divorce in 1996. He also had a relationship with Anita Wisbey (sometimes spelled Wisbey), but the nature and duration of that relationship are not fully documented. He has one son, George Lamb, with Linda Martin.

Children

Larry Lamb has one publicly acknowledged son, George Lamb, born from his marriage to Linda Martin. No other children are listed in major biographies.

Who is Larry Lamb’s son?

George Lamb is a well-known British broadcaster, journalist, and presenter. He has hosted shows such as The George Lamb Show, Good Morning Britain, and The One Show, and is also a musician and author. For more on his son’s career, see George Lamb – TV Presenter and Radio Host.

George Lamb’s career and connection to EastEnders

George remains active in British media as of 2024, hosting various programs and appearing as a guest on talk shows. Notably, he presented the live aftershow EastEnders Live: The Aftermath in 2010 and appeared on screen with his father after Archie Mitchell’s death.

What was Larry Lamb like when he was young?

Larry Lamb was born in Edmonton, London, the son of Ronald Douglas Lamb. He has drawn on his own childhood experiences in his acting work. He based the character of Archie Mitchell on his own father, using his personal history of abuse to portray the character’s dark past.

Early career

Lamb began his acting career in theatre and film. His first credited role was as a 1st Reporter in Superman (1978). He later appeared in Superman III (1983) as a 2nd Miner, and in films such as Buster (1988) and Essex Boys (2000).

Transition to television

His television roles include guest appearances in New Tricks as Ted Case and a starring role in The Hatton Garden Job as Brian Reader. But it was his role as Archie Mitchell in EastEnders that brought him widespread recognition later in life.

What is Larry Lamb doing now?

Larry Lamb remains active in the entertainment industry. In 2024, he reprised his role as Mick Shipman in the final season of Gavin & Stacey (22 episodes total) and appeared in 6 episodes of Curfew on Channel 5 as Rhys. He also guest-hosted The Lewis Nicholls Show and appeared in Whitstable Pearl.

Key events in his life and career:

1. 1947 – Born in Edmonton, London.
2. 1978 – Appears in Superman as a police officer.
3. 2008–2010 – Joins EastEnders as Archie Mitchell; becomes a central villain.
4. 2010 – Character killed off; leaves EastEnders.
5. 2020 – Returns to EastEnders as a hallucination/ghost.
6. 2023 – Publishes debut novel All Wrapped Up.

What is known and what remains uncertain about Larry Lamb’s life?

What is the background and context of Larry Lamb’s career?

Larry Lamb’s career began in theater and film, with a small role in Superman. He gained widespread recognition later in life through EastEnders, a classic late-career breakthrough. He has also worked as a radio presenter and published fiction, showing versatility. Public perception often sees him as a respected character actor, and his role as Archie Mitchell made him a household name in the UK. Interest in his personal life largely stems from his son’s fame.

Where can I find reliable sources about Larry Lamb?

“Lawrence Douglas Lamb is an English actor and radio presenter.”

— Wikipedia

“Actor, Author, Presenter, Poet”

— Larry Lamb’s Instagram bio

“Best recognized for his acting roles in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.”

— Curtis Brown

Summary: Who is Larry Lamb?

Larry Lamb is a veteran English actor and radio presenter, best known for his iconic portrayal of Archie Mitchell in EastEnders. With a career spanning over 50 years, he has appeared in films such as Superman and Essex Boys, and in television series including Gavin & Stacey and Curfew. He is also the father of broadcaster George Lamb. In 2023, he published his debut novel All Wrapped Up and remains active on social media.

Frequently asked questions about Larry Lamb