Anthony Flanagan

Biography

Anthony Flanagan, born Tony Bonello on April 11, 1972, is a prominent English actor recognized for his memorable role as the police officer Tony in the acclaimed Channel 4 comedy-drama series, Shameless.

Hailing from Stockport, Cheshire, Flanagan faced early challenges, including a period of homelessness in London after leaving Grange Comprehensive School in Oldham. This tumultuous time deeply influenced his life, prompting him to pursue a career in acting after witnessing a performance by a friend of his sister at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

After a year of job searching, Flanagan honed his craft at Oldham College and the Capitol Theatre in Manchester, now part of Manchester Metropolitan University. He made his professional debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company during the 2001/02 season, taking on the role of Pat Harford in Peter Whelan's play A Russian in the Woods, a performance he later described as transformative, even appearing naked on stage. This experience paved the way for his collaboration with theatre critic Richard Edmonds on a one-man show about the poet Baudelaire titled King of a Rainy Country.

Throughout his diverse career, Flanagan has appeared in various notable television series, including Vincent, Cracker, Life on Mars, Foyle's War, and Doctor Who. He also starred in the short series Instinct in February 2007 and was set to perform in the West End production of Glengarry Glen Ross in October 2007, though he ultimately withdrew due to personal circumstances.