Mr. Townsend was born in August 1961, commencing a journey that would lead him to become a renowned figure in the world of theatre and television. His academic pursuits took him to Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied Engineering and Maths, unwittingly laying the groundwork for his future involvement in amateur dramatics. It was during this time that he co-founded the Rough Magic Theatre company with writer Declan Hughes and director Lynne Parker, a venture that would ultimately lead to his appearances at both the Gate and Abbey Theatres in Dublin.
As his career progressed, he began to make a name for himself on the British stage, receiving critical acclaim for his performances in Sam Mendes' production of 'The Plough and the Stars', 'Guys and Dolls' for Richard Eyre, and Rufus Norris's 'Under the Blue Sky'. His talents did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself appearing on British television screens, initially in Irish-set dramas such as 'Ballykissangel' and 'Rough Diamond', in which he played a leading role as a wily race horse trainer.
His television credits continued to grow, with appearances in a wide range of populist dramas, including 'Sherlock', 'Call the Midwife', and 'New Tricks', often taking on international roles that showcased his versatility as an actor. One such role was his portrayal of Saddam Hussein in the one-off drama 'Saddam's Tribe'. In his personal life, he married the actress Orla Charlton, who had previously appeared alongside him in 'Ballykissangel'.
