Summary

• MacFadyen shines in romantic period dramas, carving a niche in sensitive male roles from youth.
• His portrayal as Tom in Succession elevated his U.S. presence and may define his legacy.
• MacFadyen's performances in Frost/Nixon, Wuthering Heights, and Little Dorrit showcase his diverse talent.

The British actor Matthew MacFadyen has made a name for himself in television shows and movies alike, but only certain performances are highlighted as his best. Similarly to many other actors from the U.K., MacFadyen has a background in theater, which has greatly influenced the way he performs his on-screen characters. Many of MacFadyen's early roles include stints in period romance films and TV shows based on classic works of literature, which stand out as examples of his typecast in his youth.

However, it's clear after the prevalence of Succession and the many accolades he received for his performance, MacFadyen has many more years of excellent work ahead of him.

MacFadyen is best known for his role as Tom, who made his final appearance in the HBO show in the Succession season 4 finale in 2023. This role was the first time he's achieved major prominence in the U.S. and international market, as MacFadyen has long been heralded for his work in the U.K. However, it's clear after the prevalence of Succession and the many accolades he received for his performance, MacFadyen has many more years of excellent work ahead of him.

10 Frost/Nixon (2008)

As John Birt

Frost/Nixon tells the true story of a series of interviews between Richard Nixon and the British TV reporter David Frost. In the film, MacFadyen plays John Birt, the producer of Frost's TV show, as well as a friend to the journalist. Taking on a role based on a real person requires an actor to decide if they want to go for exactness or emulation of the individual and deliver a unique take on them. Birt wasn't a well-known figure, so MacFadyen was able to put his own spin on the role and offered an interesting exploration of the film.

9 Wuthering Heights (1998)

As Hareton Earnshaw

Although it isn't the best-known take on Emily Brontë's classic novel, the 1998 TV movie Wuthering Heights features a delightfully youthful MacFadyen. He plays Hareton Earnshaw, a misunderstood youth who's dedicated beyond belief to the woman he loves. This role is significant because MacFadyen would come to be known for his romantic portrayals of sensitive men in period films, and this is an early example of that typecasting. Whether it's something about his demeanor or the sincerity in his performances, it's well-suited to the melodrama of a narrative like Wuthering Heights.

Watch Wuthering Heights on Peacock.

8 Little Dorrit (2008)

As Arthur Clennam

Little Dorrit includes a collaboration between MacFadyen and Claire Foy before they booked their most famous roles. Foy gained recognition for her performance as Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. The miniseries adapts a classic tale by Charles Dickens that's full of hardship and woe, but MacFadyen's Arthur is a continuous spot of brightness throughout the episodes, even if he is unaware of Amy's (Foy) feelings for him. What makes this iteration of the story, and MacFadyen's performance, stand out is the faithfulness to the text and the ability to make a story about an older period feel relevant.

Watch Little Dorrit on Tubi.

7 Any Human Heart (2010)

As Logan Mountstuart

Three actors are used to portray Logan Mountstuart, the protagonist of Any Human Heart, based on the novel of the same name by William Boyd. MacFadyen plays the middle-aged Logan, and as the series chronicles his storied life, Logan comes into contact with many famous writers and creatives and experiences all the love and loss that life has to offer. The series garnered great popularity while it was airing, and MacFayden's portrayal has been highlighted as a master of showcasing the transition between the follies of young adulthood and the responsibility that one faces with age.

6 Ripper Street (2012 - 2016)

As Detective Inspector Edmund Reid