Sean Pertwee was born into a renowned British theatrical family, his father being the celebrated comedy actor Jon Pertwee, who gained fame for his starring roles in Doctor Who, Worzel Gummidge, the radio comedy series "The Navy Lark", and appearances in several "Carry On" films. His uncle, Michael Pertwee, and grandfather, Roland Pertwee, were prolific screenwriters and playwrights, and his father's cousin, Bill Pertwee, was a regular cast member of the beloved sitcom, Dad's Army. Pertwee's sister, Dariel Pertwee, is also an actress with numerous screen credits.
After completing his training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Pertwee began his acting career with the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company, notably starring in Titus Andronicus, directed by Deborah Warner. Following a three-year tour, Pertwee continued his classical training by playing Julius Caesar for the BBC and Macbeth for Michael Bogdanov's production for C4 films. Since then, he has become instantly recognizable for his film and television work.
Pertwee's film credits include Prick Up Your Ears, Shopping, Event Horizon, Soldier, Doomsday, Love, Honor and Obey, and the lead role in Neil Marshall's Dog Soldiers. Other notable film roles include Deadly Voyage, Wild Bill, Blue Juice, Formula 51, and Alan Partridge. Pertwee has also appeared in Wild Bill, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ewan McGregor.
In television, Pertwee has played iconic roles such as Lestrade in the CBS show Elementary, and starred in The Musketeers, Poirot, Luther, and had recurring roles in Cold Feet and Skins. His other television credits include Bodyguards, Jo, Chancer, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Clarissa, and Camelot.
Pertwee has also appeared as Alfred Pennyworth, the unflappable butler, in the Warner Bros. series Gotham, which explores the story behind Commissioner James Gordon's rise to prominence in Gotham City before Batman's arrival. Additionally, Pertwee is a skilled voiceover artist, frequently lending his voice to documentaries, animated films, commercials, TV series, and video games, including Fable, Killzone, and Assassin's Creed.
