Richard Madden: Career, Relationships, and Biography

Richard Madden first caught the world’s attention as Robb Stark in Game of Thrones, but his career – and public curiosity about his private life – has only grown since, from a Golden Globe for Bodyguard to speculation about his relationships. This article traces his journey from Elderslie to international stardom, separating confirmed facts from rumors.

Full Name: Richard Madden · Date of Birth: 18 June 1986 · Known For: Robb Stark in Game of Thrones · Award: Golden Globe for Best Actor (Bodyguard)

Below is a snapshot of Richard Madden’s key biographical details.

Who is Richard Madden’s partner?

According to GQ magazine (UK men’s lifestyle publication), when asked directly about his relationship status in 2023, Madden replied, “I don’t want to discuss my personal life.” He did not deny being in a relationship, leaving room for speculation. As of 2025, the actor has not publicly confirmed a partner.

Richard Madden and Brandon Flynn

• In early 2023, Madden was photographed multiple times with 13 Reasons Why actor Brandon Flynn. The images fueled dating rumors. Madden’s refusal to deny the connection in the GQ interview amplified the story. Neither party has confirmed a romantic relationship.

Richard Madden and Jenna Coleman

• Madden was linked to actress Jenna Coleman after they co-starred in Disney’s live-action Cinderella (2015). According to The Hollywood Reporter (American entertainment news), the two were reportedly in a relationship for a period, but neither confirmed publicly. They are believed to have parted ways around 2018.

Speculation versus confirmed relationships

• Madden has never officially confirmed or denied any romantic partner. His guarded approach to personal matters means that media reports remain largely speculative.

The implication: any claim about a partner should be treated as unverified.

Is Richard Madden Irish?

Richard Madden was born in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland, and holds Scottish nationality. However, his family roots trace back to Ireland. According to Scottish Field (Scottish heritage magazine), Madden’s ancestors come from County Donegal and County Down. He has spoken affectionately about his Irish heritage, but he is Scottish, not Irish.

The confusion often arises because his surname can be associated with Irish origins. Yet, Madden himself clarifies in interviews that he is a proud Scot with Irish ancestry. The distinction matters to many fans and media outlets.

Scottish birthplace vs. Irish family roots

• Born and raised in Scotland, Madden attended the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His father worked in the fire brigade, and his mother was a classroom assistant. The family’s Irish connection is through his grandparents.

Madden family history in Ireland

• Genealogy records from Scottish Field (Scottish heritage magazine) suggest that the Madden family migrated from Ireland to Scotland during the 19th century, settling in the west. The exact towns remain unconfirmed.

Cultural identity and public perception

• Despite not being Irish, Madden has been embraced by Irish audiences due to his surname and ancestry. He has not discouraged the association, but in official biographies he is listed as Scottish.

Thus, the distinction between nationality and ancestry remains clear.

What is Richard Madden known for?

Madden’s career took off when he was cast as Robb Stark in Game of Thrones (2011–2013), the role that brought him international fame. According to IMDb (crowdsourced film database), he played the King in the North across three seasons until his character’s shocking death at the Red Wedding.

Game of Thrones: Robb Stark

• After minor roles in Barmy Aunt Boomerang and Worried About the Boy, Madden auditioned for HBO’s fantasy epic. The show’s creator, George R.R. Martin, reportedly praised his performance. The series became a global phenomenon.

Bodyguard: David Budd

• In 2018, Madden starred in the BBC thriller Bodyguard. His portrayal of David Budd, a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial Home Secretary, earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. The show was the BBC’s most-watched drama in over a decade, as reported by BBC News (UK public service broadcaster).

Cinderella: Prince Charming

• In 2015, Madden played Prince Kit (Charming) in Disney’s live-action Cinderella. The film grossed over $540 million worldwide, introducing him to a younger audience.

Other notable roles and upcoming projects

• He has appeared in Medici: Masters of Florence, Klondike, and on stage as Romeo in 2016. His next major project is the Amazon Prime series Citadel, a global spy thriller co-starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

The pattern: each major role has expanded his range and audience.

How tall is Richard Madden?

Richard Madden stands at 1.78 meters (5 ft 10 in). This measurement is consistently listed across verified sources, including IMDb (crowdsourced film database). He was born on 18 June 1986, making him 38 years old as of 2025.

Height and physical appearance

• Madden’s height is often mentioned in articles about his roles. Despite being named “most stylish man” by GQ, he has said he tries to downplay focus on his looks. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian (British daily newspaper), he said he prefers to let his work speak for itself.

Other personal details: age, birthplace

• He was born in Elderslie, Scotland, and remains close to his family. There are no credible reports of children or a spouse.

What this means: his physical stats are secondary to his professional achievements.

Does Richard Madden have children?

As of 2025, there are no credible reports that Richard Madden has children. He has never mentioned being a father in interviews. Some misguided search queries suggest he has a daughter, but no evidence exists. According to The Telegraph (British broadsheet newspaper), Madden keeps his family life completely private.

No confirmed children

• Unlike many celebrities, Madden does not post about family on social media. His Instagram is primarily work-related. Friends and co-stars have not mentioned him having children.

Relationship history and privacy

• Madden has been linked to several women and men, but he has not been married or in a publicly documented long-term relationship that included children.

The catch: any claim of fatherhood remains unsubstantiated.

For fans and media alike, the fascination with Richard Madden goes beyond his acting talent. The persistent questions about his relationships and nationality reflect a desire to know the person behind the roles. Yet Madden’s firm boundary on privacy means that anyone expecting a candid look into his personal life will be disappointed. The choice to keep his private life separate from his public persona is a deliberate one – and it’s one he’s unlikely to change.