Sean's acting career dates back to the early-1980s. The almost 6ft, blond haired, green-eyed rugged South Yorkshire man was born on 17 April, 1959 in the Richmond area of Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK. He was given the birth name: Shaun Mark Bean. He was the first child and only son of Rita and Brian Bean; his sister, Lorraine was born a few years later. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Handsworth estate. A Sheffield suburb a few miles from the city centre.

Education and Achievements

Sean's education began at Handsworth Infant School and then at Athelstan Junior School. Where Sean was a popular, quiet and shy boy, who dreamed of playing for his favourite football team, Sheffield United, The Blades as they are known. Sean's education continued at Brook Comprehensive, where his casual attitude to education was evident, as Sean himself has admitted 'I was too busy reading comics and messing about.' Though he showed a natural talent in art, which won him 1st prize and a £1.50 voucher. When Sean left Brook Comprehensive he had just 2 O'Levels, in English and art. At 15, Sean showed an interest in another sport, boxing. His father had won awards for boxing whilst serving in the army. He joined Croft House, a local boxing club. Although Sean didn't win any awards, he felt he benefited from the fitness and self-discipline of boxing.

The Early Years

Before becoming a full-time actor, Sean drifted from job to job, including his shortest employment, of just one morning, as a porter at a Marks & Spensor department store, his job was to carry heavy cheeses up from the basement to the shops delicatessen. His employment with Sheffield Council faired better, until Sean built a wall, which collapsed after a few days. Frustrated by his sons aimless drifting, Sean's father offered him the opportunity to join his welding firm, Darwin and Bean; a steel fabrication shop which manufactured plant machinery. He now had a trade to learn and started his apprentice. Although Sean enjoyed the closeness of working beside his father, whom he was opening proud of for his success in building up his business, he knew in his heart, this was not the life he wanted. Attending a day-release welding course at nearby Rotherham College of Arts and Technology did nothing to inspire him. On many occasions, Sean didn't turn up for the classes. After his parents were informed of this, he was once driven to the college, and was seen getting into his girlfriend's car, as soon as his mother's car was out of sight. During these three years, Sean learnt very little about the welding trade, he did however learn about hard-working life and gained maturity.

Rising Star

(add about attending RADA)

Like many other rising actors Sean 'cut his teeth' on The Bill, one of the longest running British TV programmes. In a 1984 Sean played villain, Horace Clarke in an episode called: Long Odds.

(change this bit)His big and small screen acting career was slow to begin with. In 1984 he played Hooker in Winter Fight. Two years later in 1986 he was Ranuccio in Caravagia. Sean had two roles in 1988; Capt. Bolton in Troubles.(TV) and Brendan in Stormy Monday.

By the early 1990s Sean had earned himself a reputation as a talented and diverse actor able to portray many different roles. His big break came in 1992, when he was offered the part of Richard Sharpe. A maverick officer and hero of the Napoleonic War, after Paul McGann; the original actor for Sharpe had to pull-out after injuring his leg on set. Sean spent five years with the cast and crew of Sharpe, in the Ukraine, Turkey, Portugal and the UK during the filming of 14 action-drama television films which were televised between 1992 and 1996. The cast and crew got together for seven weeks of filming in India in 2006, to produce a one off TV film: Sharpe's Challenge.

In 1999 Sean made a guest appearance on the Vicar of Dibley, he had one of his fans; Geraldine Granger (Dawn French) swooning. Not surprising, as Sean has been voted sexiest man by various organisations and magazines over the years.

Marital Status

Sean is a quiet almost shy person, who prefers to keep his personal life private; he rarely gives interviews. There are various rumours surrounding the break-up of his relationships and marriages, but there are very few known facts. Sean has been through three divorcees.

His first marriage was in 1981 to Debra James. It is not clear when this marriage ended. That was followed by his marriage to Melanie Hill. They were married in 1991. They had 2 daughters; Lorna and Molly, and were divorced in 1997. Third wife was Abigail Cruttenden. An actress, who played alongside Sean as his screen wife, Jane Sharpe in some of the Sharpe action-drama TV films. They were married in 1997 and divorced in 2000. They had one daughter, Evie.

Sheffield United

Sean supports his home town; Sheffield Utd (The Blades) football team. He has 100% Blade tattoo on his left shoulder¹. In the early 2000s the board of directors of Sheffield Utd invited Sean to join them, which he accepted, and is proud to be a director of the football team he has supported since he was a young lad.

Currently (2006), Sean is involved in the filming of Outlaw where he plays a rugged war-worn soldier. Outlaw is due to be released next year. He’s also on the short-list for a new Robin Hood film.