Impressionist, comedian, actor and sports commentator Alistair McGowan is one of the busiest men in British television. He has published books, recorded radio shows, lent his voice talents to television series’ and made guest appearances on satirical quiz and panel shows. He has also produced and written for a host of shows. An accomplished impressionist comedian, McGowan impersonated some of the cultural icons of the past decades, including Gary Lineker, Tony Blair, Prince Charles and Terry Wogan.
Alistair McGowan’s impersonations of celebrity footballer David Beckham and former England football managers Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello are considered legendary. One of the most impressive British comedy actors, Alistair McGowan has gained acclaim across the board, winning a BAFTA award for his BBC series The Big Impression in 2003, whilst also receiving a nomination for a prestigious Olivier Award for his appearance in the West End production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Alongside his work as a comedian and impressionist, Alistair McGowan has established a notable career as an actor in more dramatic roles. Beginning in the mid-2000s McGowan began to make regular appearances in British television dramas, including an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. He joined the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company in 2008 and appeared in a musical version of the Merry Wives of Windsor as part of a special Christmas performance alongside Dame Judi Dench and Simon Callow.
He has also played leading roles in stage productions of Measure for Measure and Art and Cabaret. McGowan has also worked as a television presenter, appearing on the BBC satirical quiz show Have I Got News for You, and as a radio presenter for a variety of productions. He provided voice-overs for a number of sporting events and has appeared on Match of the Day. Alistair McGowan has demonstrated his talents as a comedy writer, sketch writer. He has not only written his own material but also published the book A Matter of Life and Death. His play, Timing, was nominated for a Best New Comedy Award.
As well as working as a comedian and television host, Alistair McGowan has used his position in the public eye to campaign for a number of environmental issues, working closely with the global organisation Greenpeace.
