Tony Gardner (born 10 January 1964) is a British actor and comedian, known for his diverse roles across British television. Before pursuing a career in acting, Gardner was a qualified general practitioner.
Early Life and Education Born in Manchester, England, Gardner trained in medicine at St Andrews University and Westminster Medical School. He practiced as a doctor for several years, including as a general practitioner, before transitioning into the entertainment industry.
Career Gardner initially gained recognition in the field of comedy, appearing in various sketch shows and stand-up performances. His acting career has encompassed a wide range of genres, from children's television to adult comedies and serious dramas.
One of his most prominent roles was as Brian Johnson, the alien father in the long-running CBBC sitcom My Parents Are Aliens, which aired from 1999 to 2006. He also featured in the critically acclaimed political satire The Thick of It, portraying Dan Miller, a former Special Adviser.
Other significant television credits include:
- Professor Shales in the Channel 4 comedy-drama Fresh Meat (2011–2016).
- Ken in the Sky1 comedy-drama Stella (2012–2017).
- Paul Jatri in the BBC drama Last Tango in Halifax.
- Geoff, Rick Spleen's agent, in the BBC Two sitcom Lead Balloon.
- Professor Clive Koch in the Channel 4 and Netflix series The End of the F*ing World.
- Jonathan Thomas in the BBC and HBO historical drama Gentleman Jack.
- Dan in the Apple TV+ comedy-drama Trying.
Throughout his career, Gardner has appeared in numerous other British television productions, demonstrating his versatility as a character actor in both comedic and dramatic roles.