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Colin Stinton
Colin Stinton
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Colin Stinton (born March 10, 1947) is a Canadian-American actor. He is widely known for his collaborations with playwright and filmmaker David Mamet, and has worked extensively in the United Kingdom since 1985. He is a Joseph Jefferson Award winner and a Drama Desk Award nominee.

Key Information

Early life and education

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Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1947, Stinton moved to the United States as a child in 1952. He lived in a trailer with his family—traveling throughout the U.S. and finally settling in the Chicago area. There he attended Northern Illinois University, acting in several campus productions and joining an alumni group that performed in Chicago as the Dinglefest Theatre Company, which later established The Theatre Building. He spent several years as part of the Chicago theatre scene where he met and worked frequently with playwright-director David Mamet.

Career

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Stinton lived in New York, 1978–1985, during which he created the title role in Mamet's Edmond, and received a Theatre World Award for his role in Mamet's The Water Engine, on Broadway. He moved to London in 1985, where he spent several years at the National Theatre in addition to work in the West End and in film, television and radio. He returned to New York to earn a Drama Desk Award nomination for his role in the U.S. premier of Richard Nelson's Some Americans Abroad, and played Mr. Robinson in both the London and New York stage versions of The Graduate.

He was in the original stage production of Rain Man in London and a West End revival of The Pajama Game in 2014. His stage work includes premieres of new plays by David Mamet, Jean-Claude van Itallie, Richard Nelson, Dusty Hughes, David Hare, John Osborne, and Tom Stoppard.

He played Neal Daniels in The Bourne Ultimatum. Other roles include President Arthur Coleman Winters in the Doctor Who episode "The Sound of Drums", US Secretary of State Al Haig in The Falklands Play, the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom in The Trial of Tony Blair, the United States Secretary of State Traynor Styles in Spooks, and Justice Robert H. Jackson in the BBC docudrama Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial.

He appeared as Dr. Dave Greenwalt in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and the disbelieving Detective Cartert in the Arielle Kebbel horror vehicle Freakdog. He played opinionated news caster Anthony Markowitz in Broken News.

Stinton played the part of an American named Charles Lester in one of Agatha Christie's Poirot serials Poirot's Early Cases entitled "The Lost Mine". He also appears as the head judge in the 2001 music video, "Murder on the Dancefloor", by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

He appeared as Lt Colonel Hoyt Jackson for the US Justice Department, tracking a Nazi war criminal in Foyle's War Series 8, Episode 3, "Sunflower" in 2013.

Personal life

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Stinton now lives in Walthamstow, Greater London; and in Chicago.[1]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1982 The Verdict Billy
1983 Daniel Dale
1990 The Russia House Henziger
1991 Homicide Walter B Wells
1992 Flodders in America Jack
1996 In Love and War Tom Burnside
1997 Tomorrow Never Dies Dr. Dave Greenwalt
1999 The Winslow Boy Desmond Curry
2001 Spy Game Henry Pollard
2002 Ali G Indahouse US Delegate
Thunderpants Foster
The Hours Hotel Clerk
2003 Quicksand Harbinson
Belly of the Beast Jim Cox
2004 The Machinist Inspector Rogers
Closer Customs Officer
2005 The Jacket Jury Foreman
Proof Theoretical Physicist
2006 Second in Command Ambassador George Norland
The Kovak Box Encargado Consulado
Big Nothing Max
2007 The Bourne Ultimatum Neal Daniels
2008 TransSiberian Embassy Official
Freakdog Detective Cartert
2011 Captain America: The First Avenger New York Taxi Driver Uncredited
2012 City Slacker Freddie
2013 Trimming Pablo Short film
Rush Teddy Mayer
2017 Borg vs McEnroe Talk Show Host
The Current War Daniel Burnham
2018 Beirut Mr. Jones
Hunter Killer Senator from Iowa
Show Dogs NYPD Chief
2019 Adults in the Room Steve
2020 Blithe Spirit Cecil B. DeMille
Wonder Woman 1984 NORAD Colonel
2022 All the Old Knives Moscow Station Chief

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1980 The American Short Story Hotel Manager Episode: "Paul's Case"
1987 Yesterday's Dreams Ed Gutman Recurring role; 2 episodes
1987 Still Crazy Like a Fox Thurmond Richards Television film
1988 A Very Peculiar Practice Charlie Dusenberry Recurring role; 6 episodes
1988 Lip Service Salesman #2 Television film
1989 Saracen Lou Grady Episode: "Infidels"
Coded Hostile Operator Television film
Mother Love Concert Hall Manager Episode: "Episode 2"
The Ginger Tree Bob Dale Episode: "Episode 3"
1990 Agatha Christie's Poirot Charles Lester Episode: "The Lost Mine"
The Tragedy of Flight 103: The Inside Story Raymond Smith Television film
1992 A Bit of Fry & Laurie Judge Episode: "Series 3, Episode 6"
Hostages Mike Mulholland Television film
Ghostwatch Dr. Emilio Sylvestri Television film
1993 Comedy Playhouse Tony Episode: "The 10%ers"
A Year in Provence Bishop Brian Stanford Miniseries; 2 episodes
Remember Art Morgan Television film
1994 99-1 Hanson Episode: "Trust Me"
The 10%ers Tony Series regular; 7 episodes
1995 The Infiltrator Aaron Breitbart Television film
1997 Jonathan Creek Scott Reisner Episode: "Jack in the Box"
Strange but True? Reconstruction Cast Episode: "Remote Viewing (David Morehouse)"
2000 Dark Realm Atwater Episode: "Skin Deep"
2001 The Armando Iannucci Shows Recurring role; 2 episodes
2002 The American Embassy John Macavoy Episode: "China Cup"
Waking the Dead Larry Karp Episode: "Special Relationship"
The Falklands Play Alexander Haig Television film
2003 Manchild Plastic Surgeon Episode: "Series 2, Episode 1"
Down to Earth Mr. Simpich Episode: "The Poseidon Effect"
Spine Chillers Gangster Episode: "Fairy Godfather"
Seven Wonders of the Industrial World Walker 'Brig' Young Episode: "The Hoover Dam"
Days That Shook the World Voiceover Episode: "The Assassination of JFK/The Resignation of Nixon"
2004 12 Days of Terror Dr. John Nichols Television film
Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets Fred Duncan Television film
2005 Broken News Anthony Markowitz Series regular; 6 episodes
2006 My Family Dr. Buck Bukowski Episode: "Bliss for Idiots"
Spooks Traynor Styles Episode: "World Trade"
A for Andromeda Kaufman Television film
Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial Justice Robert Jackson Miniseries; 3 episodes
The Wild West Lew Wallace Episode: "Billy the Kid"
Wire in the Blood Professor Sutton Episode: "Hole in the Heart"
2007 Doctor Who President Arthur Coleman Winters Episode: "The Sound of Drums"
Consenting Adults Alfred Kinsey Television film
The Trial of Tony Blair US Ambassador
2008 House of Saddam US Journalist Miniseries; 1 episode
Harley Street Mr. Stanson Episode: "Episode 4"
Wire in the Blood Radio Announcer Episode: "Prayer of the Bone"
2009 Moonshot Robert R. Gilruth Television film
2012 Trigger Point Morgan Recurring role
Chasing Leprechauns Thorpe Television film
2013 Foyle's War Lieutenant Colonel Hoyt Jackson Episode: "Sunflower"
2014 Veep US Ambassador Episode: "Special Relationship"
2017 Fearless Jack Kretchmer Miniseries; 5 episodes
Outlander Dean Jackson Episode: "The Battle Joined"
2018 Butterfly Dr. Leonard Farrow Miniseries; 2 episodes
2019 Absentia Dr. Steven Mandel Recurring role; 2 episodes
The Crown Lawrence Spivak Episode: "Bubbikins"
2020 Hanna Tom Kaladski Episode: "The Trial"
The Queen's Gambit Chennault Episode: "Adjournment"
2021 The Serpent Bastien Episode: "Episode Six"
2024 Silent Witness Ted Holmes (voice) Episode: "Kings Cross - Part 1"

Video games

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Year Title Voice role Notes
2010 Apache: Air Assault
2011 Battlefield 3 Overwatch
Anno 2070 Trenchcoat
2015 Blues and Bullets Jim Dockers
Anno 2205 Emem Buhari English version
Randal's Monday Bruno / Narrator / Rod
2016 Deponia Doomsday Junk Wizard / Zoon English version
2021 Encased Dean Rayhet
2023 RoboCop: Rogue City
2024 Wizardry Variants Daphne English version

Music videos

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Year Title Artist Role Notes
2024 Freedom of the Night Sophie Ellis-Bextor Judge Uncredited

Audio/podcast

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Year Title Role Notes
2024 Purple Heart Warriors Col. Pence BBC Radio drama

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Colin Stinton (born March 10, 1947) is a renowned for his prolific career spanning theater, film, and television over five decades. Born in , , , Stinton immigrated to the with his family in 1952, living a nomadic early life traveling in a trailer across the country, including stints in Kansas City and suburban . He later attended and contributed to the founding of The Theatre Building in , marking the start of his professional theater involvement. Stinton's theater career highlights include performances on Broadway, in the West End, and in , where he has portrayed American characters in productions for over 30 years. Notable stage roles encompass collaborations with playwright in Glengarry Glen Ross, director in Guys and Dolls and , and David Hare in Licking Hitler, Racing Demon, and . In 2015, he appeared in Mr. Foote’s Other Leg at the , playing dual roles as and Charles Macklin. In film, Stinton has delivered memorable supporting performances, including Dr. Dave Greenwalt in (1997), Neal Daniels in (2007), and the Customs Officer in Closer (2004), alongside roles in critically acclaimed works like (1999, 97% on ) and (2013, 89%). His television credits include appearances in series such as (2007, as President Arthur Winters in "The Sound of Drums"). He has continued working in television and into the 2020s, including in (2022) and Talamasca: The Secret Order (2025). Relocating to in 1985—facilitated by his British heritage through grandparents—Stinton has balanced residences between the and while supplementing his acting income with voice-over work for video games, including .

Early life and education

Early life

Colin Stinton was born on March 10, 1947, in , , . In 1952, at the age of five, Stinton's family immigrated to the , embarking on a nomadic lifestyle that defined his . They lived in a trailer, traveling extensively across the country in search of stability and opportunities, which exposed young Colin to diverse American landscapes and communities during this formative period. The family's itinerant existence eventually led them to settle first in , before establishing roots in the suburban area, where Stinton spent much of his pre-teen and teenage years.

Education

Stinton attended . During his time at the university, he participated in several campus theatre productions, gaining early hands-on experience in . These university activities, combined with his later involvement with the Dinglefest Theatre Company in , helped solidify his decision to pursue as a professional career.

Career

Chicago beginnings

Following his graduation from Northern Illinois University, Colin Stinton launched his professional acting career in during the early 1970s, immersing himself in the city's burgeoning off-Loop theatre scene. He joined a collective of fellow alumni from , contributing to improvisational comedy performances at venues like the Body Politic Theatre, where in 1972 he memorably portrayed a human pinball machine in the satirical revue Luther Burbank Dingleberry Festival, directed by Byron Schaffer Jr. This role marked one of his initial forays into the experimental and ensemble-driven work that characterized 's alternative theatre landscape at the time. Stinton soon became a key figure in the Dinglefest Theatre Company, spending three years there as an actor, writer, and associate director, while the group performed in spaces such as the upstairs room at the Body Politic. The company, known for its irreverent and collaborative productions, evolved to establish The Theatre Building in 1977, a pioneering multi-venue complex at 1225 W. Belmont Avenue designed to support resident ensembles and foster Chicago's independent theatre community. During this period, Stinton originated the role of Dave Moss in David Mamet's The Water Engine in its 1977 world premiere at the St. Nicholas Theatre. He appeared in ensemble pieces like Verbatim and Guess Works at the Body Politic/Dinglefest, and he penned the original play Bear, which was produced by the company, showcasing his multifaceted involvement in the local scene. He also took on roles such as Jake in Green Julia (1976) at the Magic Circle Theatre, directed by Yuri Rasovsky, further embedding himself in Chicago's innovative stage offerings. Stinton's foundational contributions in garnered early recognition within the regional theatre world. In 1979, he received a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Philip Barry's at the Goodman Theatre, highlighting his growing prominence before his relocation to New York in 1978. This nod underscored the impact of his steady presence in productions throughout the decade, where he helped nurture the city's reputation as a hub for bold, actor-driven theatre.

New York period

In 1978, following his early professional experience in , Colin Stinton relocated to , where he established his residence until 1985. During this period, Stinton immersed himself in the vibrant New York theatre scene, forging key collaborations with playwright that became central to his career trajectory. Stinton reprised the role of Dave Moss when Mamet's The Water Engine, a radio play-style drama, transferred to Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in February 1978 as part of a double bill with Mr. Happiness. His performance earned him the Theatre World Award, recognizing outstanding debut Broadway or off-Broadway performances, which highlighted his ability to embody Mamet's terse, rhythmic dialogue and ensemble dynamics. This role solidified Stinton's reputation as a Mamet interpreter, contributing to the playwright's rising prominence in circles. In 1982, Stinton created the title role of Edmond in Mamet's Edmond, an production at the Provincetown Playhouse directed by Gregory Mosher, exploring themes of urban alienation and moral descent through episodic vignettes. Stinton's portrayal of the everyman unraveling in New York's underbelly was praised for its raw intensity, with critics noting how it captured the play's nightmarish portrayal of the city. These Mamet collaborations not only showcased Stinton's versatility in originating complex, psychologically layered characters but also elevated his visibility among New York's and Broadway audiences, positioning him as a key figure in the city's theatre renaissance of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Beyond Mamet, Stinton contributed to the broader New York stage, including a supporting role as J. Stanislaus McGahey in the short-lived Broadway comedy The Curse of an Aching Heart at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in January 1982, further demonstrating his range in ensemble-driven works.

London and international work

In 1985, Colin Stinton relocated from New York to , where he established a prolific career in British theatre, particularly at the Royal National Theatre and in West End productions. His early London work included the world premiere of Howard Brenton's The Genius at the National Theatre's Cottesloe in 1986, followed by roles in premieres of new plays by contemporary playwrights, solidifying his reputation for versatile character work in ensemble casts. Stinton's West End engagements encompassed high-profile revivals and adaptations, such as the original London production of Terry Johnson's in 2000 and Tom Stoppard's in 2005, showcasing his command of nuanced, intellectually demanding roles. Stinton's transition to international film and television expanded significantly after his London move, with breakthrough appearances in major productions that highlighted his authoritative screen presence. A notable role was as U.S. President Arthur Coleman Winters in the 2007 Doctor Who episode "The Sound of Drums," where he portrayed a beleaguered leader confronting extraterrestrial invasion, earning praise for his commanding delivery amid the series' high-stakes sci-fi drama. This performance marked a pivotal entry into British broadcasting, complemented by supporting parts in global films like The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), where he appeared as CIA Station Chief Neal Daniels, demonstrating his adaptability to action-oriented narratives with international appeal. Throughout this period, Stinton maintained ongoing collaborations with , adapting and performing in the playwright's works for stages and screens, building on their earlier New York partnership. Key examples include the British premiere of at the National Theatre's Lyttelton in 1989, where Stinton played a Hollywood executive navigating moral compromises, and the title role in the production of Edmond at the National in 2003, embodying the protagonist's descent into urban alienation. He also featured in Mamet's Romance at the in 2005, as a defense attorney in a satirical , and contributed to the 1998 staging of The Old Neighborhood, delivering a haunting portrayal of fractured family dynamics. These roles underscored Stinton's affinity for Mamet's staccato dialogue and themes of power and deception, extending their creative alliance across transatlantic productions. Stinton's career demonstrated remarkable longevity into the , with continued engagements in British television that reflected his enduring versatility. In 2024, he voiced the character Ted Holmes in the Silent Witness episode "Kings Cross - Part 1," contributing to a tense forensic investigation storyline centered on underground rail mysteries. This appearance, alongside other projects like the music video for Sophie Ellis-Bextor's "Freedom of the Night," affirmed his active presence in multimedia formats, spanning over four decades of international work since his 1985 relocation.

Filmography

Film

Colin Stinton's feature film appearances span over four decades, primarily in supporting roles that often highlight his versatility in dramatic and thriller contexts. Following his transition to international work in during the 1990s, he contributed to several high-profile action and spy films, including and franchises. His credited roles in theatrical feature films, organized chronologically, include:
  • The Verdict (1982) as Billy, a minor supporting character in the legal drama directed by .
  • Flodders in America! (1992) as Jack, portraying an American contact in the Dutch comedy sequel.
  • In Love and War (1996) as Tom Burnside, a supporting role in the romance starring and .
  • Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) as Dr. Dave Greenwalt, a technician in the thriller with , notable for its high-stakes action sequences.
  • The Winslow Boy (1999) as Desmond Curry, a solicitor in the period drama adaptation directed by .
  • Spy Game (2001) as Henry Pollard, a CIA operative in Tony Scott's thriller starring and .
  • The Machinist (2004) as Inspector Rogers, investigating the psychological thriller's central mystery alongside .
  • Closer (2004) as Customs Officer, a brief authoritative role in Mike ' romantic drama.
  • Proof (2005) as a at the party, supporting the intellectual drama with .
  • The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) as Neal Daniels, a CIA deputy in the action-packed sequel, pivotal to the conspiracy plot with .
  • Freakdog (2008) as Detective Cartert, a figure in the British .
  • City Slacker (2012) as Freddie, a mentor-like character in the .
  • Rush (2013) as Teddy Mayer, team principal in Ron Howard's Formula One racing drama.
  • The Current War (2017) as , an architect in the about electricity pioneers.
  • Borg vs. McEnroe (2017) as Talk Show Host, appearing in media segments of the tennis biopic.
  • Hunter Killer (2018) as Senator from , a political figure in the thriller with .
  • Show Dogs (2018) as NYPD Chief, supervising the comedic family adventure.
  • Adults in the Room (2019) as Steve, a negotiator in ' political drama on the Greek financial crisis.
  • Blithe Spirit (2020) as , a cameo as the famed director in the remake.
  • All the Old Knives (2022) as Moscow Station Chief, a CIA official in the thriller directed by Janus Metz.

Television

Stinton began his television career in the 1980s with guest spots on British series, marking his transition from stage work in Chicago and New York to opportunities in the UK. Over the decades, he appeared in a wide range of U.S. and UK productions, frequently cast as authoritative figures such as senators, presidents, and intelligence officers, reflecting his commanding presence and American accent. His roles spanned procedural dramas, political series, and science fiction, with notable highlights including his portrayal of U.S. President Arthur Winters in the BBC's Doctor Who and recurring appearances in forensic thriller Silent Witness. During his London-based career phase starting in the late 1990s, Stinton increasingly focused on television guest roles alongside international film work. The following table catalogs selected television appearances chronologically, emphasizing key series and episodes where he played significant or recurring characters.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1986The Two of UsUnknownGuest appearance in British sitcom series.
1987The Ruth Rendell MysteriesUnknownGuest in episode of the crime anthology series.
1989The BillUnknownGuest spot in the police procedural series.
1990CasualtyUnknownAppearance in the medical drama series.
1992GhostwatchDr. Emilio SylvestriSupporting role in the BBC Halloween hoax TV special.
1997Jonathan CreekUnknownGuest in the mystery comedy-drama series.
2001–2006The West WingSenator from IndianaRecurring guest role across six episodes, including "The Stackhouse Filibuster" (2001), "Commencement" (2002), "The U.S. Poet Laureate" (2003), "The Long Goodbye" (2003), "The Supremes" (2004), and "Election Day Part 1" (2006).
2001The Armando Iannucci ShowsEnsemble ActorAppearances in episodes 6 and 8 of the sketch comedy series.
2003The Inspector Lynley MysteriesDr. Paul FraserGuest in "A Suitable Vengeance" (Season 2, Episode 2).
2004SpooksCIA OfficerGuest in "Episode #3.5" (Season 3, Episode 5).
2006A for AndromedaKaufmanRole in the sci-fi miniseries remake.
2007Doctor WhoPresident Arthur WintersGuest as the U.S. President in "The Sound of Drums" and "Last of the Time Lords" (Series 3).
2007The CompanyAllen DullesSupporting role in the TNT espionage miniseries.
2007The Trial of Tony BlairUnknownAppearance in the satirical TV film.
2011The HourSenator Wendell MeeksGuest in "Episode #1.1" (Season 1 premiere).
2014Midsomer MurdersUnknownGuest in an episode of the crime drama series.
2017Silent WitnessTed HolmesGuest pathologist in "Legacy" two-parter (Series 20).
2018ButterflyUnknownRole in the Channel 4 drama miniseries.
2019HannaCIA Deputy DirectorRecurring in Season 1 of the Amazon action thriller series.
2024Silent WitnessTed HolmesReturn as pathologist in recent episodes.
2025Talamasca: The Secret OrderSuttleRecurring role in TV series.
2025Down Cemetery RoadBobGuest role in TV series.

Other media

Stinton expanded his portfolio into non-traditional media during his London-based career, contributing voice work to video games, , and audio projects starting in the early . His earliest notable credit in this area was as the lead judge in Sophie Ellis-Bextor's for "Murder on the Dancefloor" in 2001, where he portrayed an authoritative figure overseeing a competition. In audio narration, Stinton provided voices for the abridged audiobook of Ken Follett's Jackdaws (2001), sharing narration duties with in this World War II thriller. He later narrated Dan Brown's bestselling for its 2003 audiobook release, delivering the full text in a measured, authoritative style suited to the novel's intrigue. Stinton's voice acting in video games began in the 2010s. He contributed additional voices to Apache: Air Assault (2010), a game. In 2011, he voiced the Overwatch announcer in Battlefield 3, providing tactical updates during multiplayer sessions, and played the character Trenchcoat in the city-building strategy game Anno 2070. His role expanded in Anno 2205 (2015), where he voiced Emem Buhari, a key narrative figure in the sequel's futuristic economy simulation. Later video game credits include additional voices in Encased (2021), a sci-fi post-apocalyptic RPG, and in Wizardry Variants Daphne (2024), an English-localized dungeon crawler. In audio dramas and podcasts, Stinton portrayed Lieutenant Johanssen in the 2023 Resonance FM series Dingus, a six-part sci-fi exploring experimental themes. He narrated episodes of 4's Book of the Week adaptation of Daniel Everett's Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes in 2009, recounting the linguist's experiences with the . More recently, in the 2024 podcast Purple Heart Warriors, Stinton voiced multiple roles including Colonel Pence, Earl Finch, and Colonel Miller, in this time-traveling drama inspired by Japanese American soldiers in . He reprised a judging role, uncredited, in Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 2024 "Freedom of the Night."

Personal life

Family

Details on Stinton's immediate family remain limited in public records. He has grandchildren. Stinton has noted the role of his grandparents' British heritage in facilitating his move to in 1985.

Residences

Stinton established his early career base in during the 1970s. In 1978, he relocated to , residing there until 1985 to pursue opportunities in the American theater and film scenes. That year, he moved to , , enabling greater access to international productions in the and Europe. As of 2025, Stinton maintains dual residences in London, England, and Chicago, Illinois. These transatlantic homes reflect the demands of his bicoastal and international acting career, which spans North American and British stages, films, and television. His Canadian birth and decades of U.S. residency have supported mobility in North America, while his British ancestry has facilitated work opportunities in the UK.

References

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