Science Fiction Sitcom Actor, Impressionist, Voice Artist on Spitting Image, Presenter of Massive Machines & Corporate Event Host

Chris Barrie is best known for playing the painfully neurotic Arnold Rimmer in the cult science fiction comedy Red Dwarf. Rimmer’s tragic self-importance and endless bad luck made him one of the show’s most memorable characters; at one point he famously claimed he had only ever made love once, and only because the woman involved had been hit on the head by a winch. Chris also became a household name as the officious and gloriously irritating leisure centre manager Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire. The role allowed Chris to showcase his flair for tightly controlled chaos, where Brittas’ determination to keep everything running smoothly usually led to the opposite result.

Chris also appeared on the big screen as the loyal butler Hillary in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life alongside Angelina Jolie. Earlier in his career Chris made his name as an impressionist performing at The Comedy Store London. A memorable appearance on Jasper Carrott’s Election Night Special soon led to Chris becoming part of the original voice team on Spitting Image. During his time on the programme Chris voiced a wide range of public figures including Ronald Reagan, Prince Charles, David Coleman, Paul Daniels, Barry Norman and John Cole.

In 2004 Chris returned to television as the presenter of Massive Engines and Massive Machines on the Discovery Channel. The programmes explored some of the largest and most powerful machines ever built and proved hugely popular with audiences. Chris later fronted Massive Speed in 2006, followed by two series of Britain’s Greatest Machines which aired in 2009 and 2010. These shows highlighted Chris’s genuine enthusiasm for engineering and mechanics, something that also reflects his personal interest in classic vehicles.

Alongside his television career, Chris is a highly sought-after host and after-dinner speaker. Chris regularly appears at corporate events, awards ceremonies and conferences, bringing humour, warmth and sharp comic timing to the stage. Recent hosting roles include the Network Rail Awards, the Utility Industry Achievement Awards and the Specialists in Construction Awards, with clients ranging from Mercedes-Benz to Vodafone. Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Chris now lives near Maidenhead with his wife and children, two dogs, and a growing collection of classic cars and motorbikes. Red Dwarf returned with the original cast in 2009 on the Dave and later continued with the 2020 special Red Dwarf: The Promised Land, keeping Chris closely tied to one of British television’s most loved comedy series.

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