Arthur Holden (born August 28, 1959) is a Canadian actor and writer. He is best known for his voice work as Mr. Ratburn (Nigel Ratburn) on the long-running children's animated series Arthur (1996–2022), as well as voicing Baba-Miao in Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat, Mayor Mallard in The Little Twins, and Mr. Larkin in later episodes of What's with Andy?.
Early Life
Holden was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His father, Richard Holden (1931–2005), was a politician. His mother, Hélène Papachristidis Holden, is a Montreal novelist and a recipient of the Order of Canada.
Career
Holden began his acting career in the early 1980s and has been active continuously since 1980. His on-screen film appearances include roles in The Bone Collector (1999), The Sum of All Fears (2002), The Aviator (2004), The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005), 300 (2006), Whiteout (2009), Warm Bodies (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Race (2016), On the Basis of Sex (2018), and Beau Is Afraid (2023).
In television, he appeared in multiple episodes of Are You Afraid of the Dark? (as Ichabod Crane's ghost, Mr. Brooks the science teacher, and the Court Jester), as well as guest roles on The Hunger, Soldier of Fortune, Inc., and The Business.
Holden has extensive voice work in video games, including Assassin's Creed (as Sibrand), Assassin's Creed II (as Emilio Barbarigo), Deus Ex: Human Revolution (as Hugh Darrow), Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, Far Cry Instincts, Rainbow Six: Vegas, and For Honor.
As a writer, Holden has written for stage, film, and television. His works include the play Ars Poetica, as well as writing credits for Father Land, Out of Control, Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings, Potatoes and Dragons, Sharky and George, and Lucky Luke.
Personal Life
Holden resides in Montreal, Quebec, with his wife, Claire Holden Rothman.
Selected Filmography
Film
- The Bone Collector (1999) – Bookstore Clerk
- The Sum of All Fears (2002) – Dressler's Associate
- The Aviator (2004) – Radio Announcer
- The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005) – Club Secretary
- 300 (2006) – Partisan
- Whiteout (2009) – McGuire
- Warm Bodies (2013) – Zombie Patient
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Blue Suit Traveler
- Race (2016) – Rudolf Dassler, Announcer
- On the Basis of Sex (2018) – Dr. Leadbetter
- Beau Is Afraid (2023) – Theatre Troupe Member
Television
- Arthur (1996–2022) – Nigel Ratburn / Mr. Ratburn, Bionic Bunny (voice)
- Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat (2001–2002) – Baba Miao (voice)
- What's with Andy? (2003–2007) – Dad / Mr. Larkin (voice)
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1994–1999) – Various roles
Video Games
- Assassin's Creed (2007) – Sibrand
- Assassin's Creed II (2009) – Emilio Barbarigo
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011) – Hugh Darrow
- For Honor (2017) – Knight Warden
- Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017) – Phanos, Trireme Drummer
