Richard Crispin Armitage (born 22 August 1971) is an English film, television, theatre and voice actor. He is best known internationally for his role as dwarf prince and leader Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's film trilogy adaptation of The Hobbit. However, Armitage first gained fame in Britain for his portrayal of John Thornton in the British television programme North & South (2004). He is also known for his roles as John Standring in the TV movie Sparkhouse, Guy of Gisborne in the TV drama Robin Hood, Harry Kennedy in the TV comedy The Vicar of Dibley, Lucas North in the TV drama Spooks and John Porter in the TV drama Strike Back.