Biography
As a schoolboy, Frank Jakeman dreamed of living at London Zoo and caring for the animals. In 1974, at seventeen, he made that dream a reality.
By the end of the 1970s, his passion for cinema grew, inspired by classic films of the decade, and Frank became eager to pursue acting as a career.
Leaving behind his role at the zoo for the uncertain path of acting, risking both, only fueled his determination to succeed.
He trained at East 15, one of England’s top drama schools, and since 1983, has appeared in numerous television dramas and feature films. From 1980s hits like Dempsey & Makepeace, Minder, Blott on the Landscape, and Bergerac, to The Bill, EastEnders, and Game of Thrones, Frank has been a familiar face on British television.
He worked on major films such as Death Wish 3 for Michael Winner and Brazil for Terry Gilliam in the same year, gaining firsthand experience of two directors with vastly different styles.
It became clear that lead or substantial support roles in studio films often went to established names. “If you want the opportunity to play such parts and showcase your talent, the indie film world is the place to be.”
Frank has starred in many independent films including To Dream, Nest of Vampires, Quality Indigo, Christmas Slay, Invasion of the Not Quite Dead, Breathe, Faith, Hosts, and many others.
“I love collaborating with young, emerging directors. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Each film creates a tight-knit family, a unique bond. No one is in it for the money; it’s all about the art.”
In addition to his appearance in episode 6 of Season 8 of Game of Thrones—the grand finale—in late 2019, he completed the feature film Hosts, which was released in theaters in 2020. Frank also starred as Martin in the feature Blood Highway (originally titled Faith) and appeared in Grace, Dead Man’s Grip in 2023.
