Rhashan Stone

Rhashan Stone (born November 3, 1969) is an American-born British actor and comedian. He is best known for appearing in many comedy shows such as Desmond's and Mutual Friends. Stone is also a stage actor who has performed in numerous productions for The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, The Royal Court and in London's West End. His roles have included the heroic soldier Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing, the drag queen Sanzo in Trance, Hero in the Sondheim musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and the king's brother Clarence in Richard III. Stone is a singer and musician in a wide range of styles, including jazz, soul and gospel. He is also a classically trained singer, musician and composer, and also works occasionally as a playwright.

Early life

Stone was born in a small town in New Jersey, United States. His mother was Joanne Stone; he never knew who his father was.

When he was six years old his mother married an English singer called Russell Oliver (later Russell Stone) and they moved to Norfolk to live with him. Together, his mother and stepfather formed the singing duo R&J Stone. They were very successful and became known for their song "We Do It". His aunt Madeline Bell was also involved in the music industry and became the lead singer for Blue Mink. Stone himself also became a multi-instrumentalist; he played the guitar, piano, drums, oboe, trumpet and trombone.

When Stone was 11 his mother died from a brain tumor. Later, Stone joined Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Even before he graduated he was offered a role in the musical Five Guys Named Moe. He has worked consistently ever since in theatre and television.

Filmography

Personal life

Stone married actress Olivia Williams in 2003. The couple have two children, Esmé Ruby and Roxana May.

External links

• Rashan Stone at The Internet Movie Database
• Accidental playwright The Telegraph
• Rhashan Stone plays De in Mutual Friends BBC News