Biography
After dropping out of university, British actor Chris Barrie put his knack for impersonations to work for him. He began doing impressions in London comedy clubs, eventually making his first television appearances on the variety show "The David Essex Showcase," where he would impersonate sports personalities. In 1984, he began voicing characters on the satirical adult puppet-show "Spitting Image." He remained with the series for three years, providing the voice of Ronald Reagan, Prince Charles, Richard Attenborough, and many others. That same year, he even provided his Reagan impersonation to the band Frankie Goes to Hollywood for use on their track 'Two Tribes'. The popularity of "Spitting Image" made a star out of Barrie and when it finished in 1987, he quickly landed a new regular role. In 1988, took on the character of Rimmer, a hologram, on the cult-hit sci-fi comedy series "Red Dwarf," where he remained for 11 years, raising his profile even further. He went on to appear on shows like "Black Adder the Third" and "Grace & Favour," as well as TV specials like "Comic Relief" and "ABC Weekend Specials." In 1991, he took on a starring role in the sitcom "The Brittas Empire," and stayed with that program until 1997. In 2001, he appeared for the first time in another high-profile role, playing the butler to Angelina Jolie's title character in the action film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." Two years later, he reprised the role in the sequel, "The Cradle of Life."
