Dan Renton Skinner (born 27 January 1973) is a British actor, comedian, and writer. He is widely recognized for his character Angelos Epithemiou, a burger van owner and surrealist comedian who gained prominence on the BBC Two panel show Shooting Stars. Skinner has a diverse career spanning television, film, and live performance, often specializing in character-based comedy.
Early Life and Career
Skinner was born in London and attended the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA). In the early 2000s, he was a member of the sketch comedy trio Dutch Elm Conservatoire, alongside David Armand and Jim Field Smith. The group performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and gained a cult following. His early television appearances included roles in Smack the Pony and The Office (UK), where he played a salesman in the 2003 Christmas specials.
Angelos Epithemiou
Skinner's most famous creation is Angelos Epithemiou, a character characterized by his distinctive voice, unkempt appearance, and bizarre, often non-sequitur observations. Initially appearing in the Channel 4 sketch show That Mitchell and Webb Look, Angelos became a regular and popular fixture on the revived BBC Two panel show Shooting Stars from 2009 to 2011, replacing Matt Lucas's George Dawes. As Angelos, Skinner performed stand-up routines, interviewed guests, and contributed to the show's surreal humor. The character also embarked on successful live tours, including Angelos Epithemiou and Friends and The Angelos Epithemiou Roadshow. In 2011, Angelos released a single, "Christmas Number 1," and published the book Angelos Epithemiou's Guide to Life.
Other Television and Film Work
Beyond Angelos Epithemiou, Skinner has maintained a prolific acting career. His television credits include:
- House of Fools (2014–2015) as PC Hammer, a recurring role in Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer's surreal sitcom.
- Tracey Ullman's Show (2016–2018), where he played various characters in the sketch comedy series.
- The Last Kingdom (2017) as the Saxon warrior Aldhelm.
- Bloods (2021–2022) as Gary, a regular character in the Sky One paramedic comedy.
- The Witchfinder (2022) as various characters.
In film, Skinner's roles include:
- Swinging with the Finkels (2011)
- A Fantastic Fear of Everything (2012)
- High-Rise (2015)
- The Ghoul (2016), a psychological thriller where he played the lead role of Chris, a detective.
- Sven the Killer (2017)
- Prevenge (2016)
Skinner continues to perform live comedy and write, often collaborating with other British comedians and actors.