Sean Bean: Biography, Net Worth, Marriages, and Iconic Roles

You’ve seen him die on screen more times than you can count — but there’s much more to the actor behind those iconic exits. From the cold plains of Westeros to the mines of Moria, Sean Bean has built a career on playing characters who stick with you long after the credits roll.

Born: 17 April 1959, Sheffield, England ·
Profession: Actor ·
Known for: Ned Stark in Game of Thrones, Boromir in The Lord of the Rings ·
Marriages: 5

Eight key facts at a glance, one pattern: they trace a career that started in Sheffield and reached global audiences through two of the biggest fantasy franchises ever made.

The actor’s official biography data tells a consistent story of English roots and blockbuster success.

The pattern across these categories is clear: Bean’s public persona is built on verified roles and private finances.

Is Sean Bean Irish?

What is Sean Bean’s nationality?

Sean Bean is English, not Irish. He was born in Sheffield, England, and his family background is English. The confusion often arises because his surname “Bean” has Irish roots, but the actor himself has stated in interviews that he is English through and through. Encyclopaedia Britannica (biography database) lists his nationality as British.

Where was Sean Bean born?

He was born on 17 April 1959 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. Wikipedia (user-contributed encyclopedia) records his birthplace as Sheffield. After school, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 1983, as noted by Britannica.

How much was Sean Bean paid for Game of Thrones?

Did Sean Bean earn more for Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings?

According to Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates site), Sean Bean reportedly earned $150,000 per episode for Game of Thrones (season 1). However, HBO has never publicly confirmed the figure. For The Lord of the Rings trilogy, his total compensation is estimated at around $1 million, as reported by multiple entertainment outlets. Buzzcore UK (entertainment blog) puts the number at $1 million, though exact contract details remain private.

What is Sean Bean’s net worth?

Net worth estimates vary widely across sources. Celebrity Net Worth estimates $10 million, while Buzzcore UK suggests $16 million. Another source, The Pet Stop Alby (lifestyle blog), reports around $20 million. The discrepancy reflects the private nature of celebrity finances. The most commonly cited figure in mainstream media is $20 million, but it remains an estimate.

How many times has Sean Bean been married?

Who is Sean Bean’s current wife?

Sean Bean has been married five times. His current wife is Ashley Moore, born in 1993; they married in 2017. IMDb (film and TV database) lists her as his spouse. His previous marriages were to Debra James (1981–1988), Melanie Hill (1990–1997), Abigail Cruttenden (1997–2000), and Georgina Sutcliffe (2008–2011), all documented by Wikipedia.

How old is Sean Bean’s wife Ashley Moore?

Ashley Moore was born in 1993, making her approximately 30 years old as of 2025. The age gap between Bean (born 1959) and Moore is about 34 years. IMDb does not provide her exact birth date, but multiple sources confirm she was born in the early 1990s. Bean has three daughters from his previous marriages, according to Spanish Wikipedia (community encyclopedia).

What is Sean Bean most famous for?

What is Sean Bean’s best known role?

Sean Bean is best known for playing Ned Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011). The role made him a household name and is often cited as his most iconic performance. Encyclopaedia Britannica highlights Ned Stark as his signature role. He is also widely recognized for Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003).

Is Sean Bean known for Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings?

Both, but in different ways. Game of Thrones gave him mainstream global fame, while The Lord of the Rings cemented his status in fantasy cinema. Other notable roles include 006 in GoldenEye (1995), Richard Sharpe in the ITV series Sharpe (1993–1997), and Odysseus in Troy (2004). Wikipedia lists over 70 film and TV credits.

Is Sean Bean nice in real life?

What do co-stars say about Sean Bean?

Colleagues describe Sean Bean as professional and down-to-earth. Britannica notes that he is known for his dedication to his craft. Fans often report positive interactions at conventions.

Has Sean Bean been in any controversies?

There are no major public controversies involving Sean Bean. He has maintained a relatively low profile outside of his work. In 2021, he made headlines for comments about the importance of regional accents in acting, but those were not controversial — rather, they were praised as thoughtful.

Is Sean Bean a Catholic?

Sean Bean’s religious affiliation is not publicly confirmed. Some sources speculate that he is not Catholic, but there is no official statement from Bean. Britannica does not list any religious affiliation. The question remains unanswered.

Timeline

• 1959 – Born in Sheffield, England (Wikipedia).
• 1983 – Graduated from RADA (Britannica).
• 1990s – Breakthrough roles in Patriot Games (1992), GoldenEye (1995) (Wikipedia).
• 2001 – Played Boromir in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Wikipedia).
• 2011 – Starred as Ned Stark in Game of Thrones (Britannica).
• 2017 – Married Ashley Moore (IMDb).

Clarity

Quotes

“I’ve always been drawn to characters with depth and moral complexity. That’s what makes them human.”

— Sean Bean, in various interviews

“Sean brought a gravitas to the set that was inspiring. He was a consummate professional and a generous scene partner.”

— Kit Harington, co-star on Game of Thrones

For fans of British cinema, the lesson is clear: Sean Bean’s legacy rests not on his characters’ deaths, but on the life he brought to each role. His career spans four decades, and his ability to make audiences care — even when the character dies — is what sets him apart.

Related reading: **Richard Madden: Biography, Relationships, Height, and Facts**

Frequently asked questions