Michael Sheen is one of Wales’ biggest stars. From being an upcoming acting talent, Sheen has become an Olivier and BAFTA nominee multiple times, establishing him as a British acting icon.
You might recognise him from The Twilight Saga, his performances as Tony Blair, or his chaotic lockdown show with Good Omens co-star David Tennant. Now you’ll be able to see him on BBC’s new season of Celebrity Traitors UK releasing this autumn.
Early life
Sheen was born on 5th February 1969 in Newport, Wales. He comes from a theatrical family with both of his parents partaking in musicals and amateur operatics.
While also being a keen footballer, he was involved with the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre. He later joined the National Youth Theatre of Wales.
In 1988, Sheen moved to London to pursue acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He graduated with a BA in in Acting. He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Bursuary, a financial grant offered to exceptional acting students, by the Society of London Theatre in his second year!
Projects
Amadeus
One of Sheen’s breakthrough performance was his portrayal as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Peter Schaffer’s Amadeus.
In 1998 Sheen starred in the lead role at the Old Vic on the West End. It was later transferred to the Music Box on Broadway, leading to an Olivier nomination! He later returned to the play as Antonio Salieri in 2022, performing at the Sydney Opera House. This made him the first major star to perform both leading roles!
Sheen now returns to the West End after 20 years to reclaim his role as Salieri. In March 2027, he performs alongside Callum Scott Howells at the New Theatre Cardiff before it is transferred to the Noel Coward Theatre in April.
Playing Tony Blair
Sheen has played Tony Blair in three separate movies, including The Deal (2003), The Queen (2006), and The Special Relationship (2010).
The Deal was a Channel 4 film about the Granita pact between Blair and Gordon Brown which shaped the leadership of the Labour Party.
The success of The Deal, led to the production of The Queen which dramatised the weeks following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Sheen returned as Blair and was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
For The Special Relationship, a movie focusing on Blair’s relationship with presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Sheen was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie.
Good Omens
First releasing in May 2019, Good Omens is a fantasy-comedy series based on Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s novel of the same name. Sheen, as the angel Aziraphale, stars alongside Devid Tennant, playing the demon Crowley. The second series was released in July 2023 and in May 2026 there was a final 90-minuete programme.
Staged
In 2020, Sheen and Tennant had a six-part television meta comedy called Staged. The show was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, using video-conferencing technology as they rehearse a play over Zoom. The second and third season followed meta versions of the actors reacting to the success of the show.
Future projects
After Richard Osman stepped down from presenting House of Games, Sheen has been confirmed to be the host of the next series. As his quiz show host debut, Sheen will host over 100 episodes where celebrities compete and test their general knowledge.
Sheen will also be in the second series of Celebrity Traitors UK set to release later this year. He will compete against former Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock, fellow actor Miranda Hart, and comedian Rob Beckett.
Charity and activism
While Sheen’s (victorious) run on Great British Bake Off did help raise money Comic Relief, he has continued to support local causes throughout his career.
In 2019 Sheen sold his houses to help fund the 17th edition of the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff, after its original £2 million funding fell through.
Then in 2021, Sheen declared that he was a ‘not-for-profit-actor’ as he would be giving all his future earnings to charity.
His 2025 documentary Michael Sheen’s Secret Million Pound Giveaway saw him use £100,000 of his own money to write off £1 million of debt for people in South Wales. Furthermore, in June 2025 Sheen released a picture book called A Home for Spark the Dragon highlighting the importance of a home. For every hardback sold £1, and for every paperback 50p will be given to Shelter, a homeless charity.
FAQ
What is Michael Sheen’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $16 million or £11.8 million.
Are Michael Sheen and David Tennant friends in real life?
Sheen and Tennant had a friendly off-screen ‘bromance’ during the press tour of Good Omens. Following the debut of Good Omens they then collaborated on Staged.
Does Michael Sheen have an OBE?
Sheen was awarded an OBE in 2009 for his services to drama. In 2020, Sheen renounced his OBE after researching the relationship between Wales and the British state. He has called for the royal family to stop having the title of Price of Wales to the heir of the English throne because of the history between Wales and England.