List of The Tudors characters - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The following is a list of characters from the Showtime television series The Tudors
The Tudors
The Tudors is a Canadian produced historical fiction television series filmed in Ireland, created by Michael Hirst and produced for the American premium cable television channel Showtime...

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Characters

The main cast are listed in credits order.

Character name	Portrayed by	Historical basis	First appearance	Last appearance
Click links on the character name to view the full profile

King Henry VIII	Jonathan Rhys Meyers (2007–2010)	Henry VIII of England Henry VIII of England Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...	Episode 1.01	Episode 4.10
As the young and virile king of one of the most powerful nations in the world, King Henry VIII of England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... seems to have it all. However, he is troubled by religious unrest in his own kingdom, as well as by political struggles and changing allegiances with other countries. Weighing most on his mind is his failure thus far to produce a male heir with his Queen, Katherine of Aragon. She is a pious and dutiful Queen who is popular with the people, but the difficult pursuit of a divorce Divorce Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties... approved by the Pope Pope The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle... attracts Henry when he meets, falls in love with, and later seduces Anne Boleyn. Determined that Anne will be his wife and will provide him with the legitimate son he so desperately craves, Henry separates himself from his wife and the Catholic faith causing friction with the pope and a clash of religious opinions. Henry is presented as a spoiled and indulged ruler who after his marriage to Anne will not allow anyone to contradict him, having tasted an intoxicating sample of absolute power. So when he fails in his attempts to have a son with her, he is quick to lay the blame at Anne's door and then by chance meets Jane Seymour, a sweet, shy girl, and falls in love with her. Convinced that his future lies with Jane, Henry takes the chance to be rid of Anne when his longtime friend Charles Brandon tells him rumors suggest that she has been unfaithful. Anne is quickly brought to trial, found guilty and executed. Although Henry's personal life improves with his marriage to Jane Seymour, who helps reunite him with his daughters, his position is threatened when Catholics in the north start to rebel against him. He crushes the rebellion and brutally punishes all those involved. Finally Henry's wish comes true when Jane gives him the one thing that his last two wives couldn't: a son. But his joy is short lived when Jane falls sick and soon dies from childbed fever, leaving Henry in a deep state of depression. He remains a widower for three years until Cromwell pushes him into a fourth marriage with the German Anne of Cleves. With promises of her beauty, he agrees to wed her but is disgusted by her when he finally meets her. Unable to escape the betrothal, he marries Anne but starts divorce proceedings soon after. He then notices the extremely young and seductive Katherine Howard and decides to marry her because she makes him feel young again. The marriage to Katherine Howard didn't last. She was executed once her hidden past relations with Francis Derham and her adulterous affair with Thomas Culpeper came to light. Henry later marries his sixth and final wife Catherine Parr, a wealthy widow closer to Henry's age. She was a loving wife and stepmother to all three of Henry's children and was made Queen Regent during Henry's absence at Boulogne. Some suspected Catherine Parr of heresy and she was almost arrested for it (by Bishop Gardiner).

Cardinal Wolsey	Sam Neill Sam Neill Nigel John Dermot "Sam" Neill, DCNZM, OBE is a New Zealand actor. He is well known for his starring role as paleontologist Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III.... (2007)	Thomas Wolsey	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.10
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey of York is King Henry VIII's primary and most trusted adviser, but the Cardinal's personal power (and influence over the King) has aroused the ire of several noblemen in Henry's court, and even of Queen Katherine herself. He desperately tries to find a way for Henry to free himself of his marriage, but fails and his enemies pounce. He is subsequently arrested for treason against the King and commits suicide by slashing his neck during prayer. His name is mentioned again in the seventh episode of season two by Anne, alluding to his charitable work when she reprimands Cromwell for being greedy with assets taken from dissolved abbeys.

Sir Anthony Knivert	Callum Blue Callum Blue Daniel James Callum Blue , better known as Callum Blue, is an English film and television actor, best known for his roles on the Showtime series The Tudors and Dead Like Me as well as for his role as Zod in the American television series Smallville and British... (2007)	Thomas Knyvett Thomas Knyvett Sir Thomas Knyvett , of Buckenham, Norfolk was a young English nobleman who was a close associate of King Henry VIII shortly after that monarch came to the throne...	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.10
Longtime friend to King Henry VIII; still alive.

Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk	Henry Cavill Henry Cavill Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill is a British actor. He has appeared in the films The Count of Monte Cristo and Stardust, and played the role of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, on the Showtime series The Tudors, from 2007 until 2010... (2007–2010)	Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, 1st Viscount Lisle, KG was the son of Sir William Brandon and Elizabeth Bruyn. Through his third wife Mary Tudor he was brother-in-law to Henry VIII. His father was the standard-bearer of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond and was slain by Richard III in person at...	Episode 1.01	Episode 4.10
A longtime friend to King Henry VIII, Brandon briefly falls out of favour when he secretly married Henry's widowed sister, Princess Margaret, after her brief term as Queen of Portugal. Brandon's infidelity makes the marriage an unhappy one. He becomes an ally of the Duke of Norfolk and of Thomas Boleyn, to bring about the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey and to ensure his own return to court. After the removal of Cardinal Wolsey as Lord Chancellor, Brandon is appointed to the presidency of the Privy Council by Henry. After his promotion he shows little interest in the work of government leaving this responsibility to the Duke of Norfolk with whom he jointly shares the duties as president. Brandon is seen as a playboy in the show's first season, but as Duke of Suffolk becomes a mature courtier and magnate after marrying Catherine Willoughby in the second season. He hates the new queen and eventually quarrels with the Boleyn family, mainly directing his rage at his onetime ally, Thomas Boleyn. In the third season, Brandon is a reluctant but efficient leader of the King's forces, sent to ruthlessly repress a Catholic uprising. He is jealous of Thomas Cromwell, working to ensure his fall from office. In the third and fourth seasons, Brandon senses the increasing disdain that his second wife feels for his flawed character. In the final season he falls in love with Brigitte Rousselot, a young french woman he captured during the siege of Boulogne and takes her back to England.

Duke of Norfolk	Henry Czerny Henry Czerny - Career :Czerny received formal training at the National Theatre School in Montreal. After graduating in 1982, he went on to perform onstage across Canada, from Ottawa's National Arts Centre to Edmonton's Citadel Theatre and the Stratford Festival. By the late 1980s, he had established himself as... (2007)	Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, KG, Earl Marshal was a prominent Tudor politician. He was uncle to Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of the wives of King Henry VIII, and played a major role in the machinations behind these marriages...	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.10
Uncle of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII's fifth wife, Catherine Howard. Norfolk is represented as an arrogant intriguer, conscious of his noble rank and arch-enemy of Cardinal Wolsey. He and his brother-in-law Thomas Boleyn conspire to maneuver his niece, Anne Boleyn, into Henry's bed in order to gain influence over him and to advance their own interests. Together with Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, they engineer Wolsey's overthrow and then his arrest (and indirectly, his subsequent death). Norfolk is subsequently jointly appointed with Suffolk to the presidency of the Privy Council. Norfolk does not appear in seasons 2 or 3, although, in actual history, he was still alive and played a significant role in the events which transpired in those series; Catherine Howard Catherine Howard Catherine Howard , also spelled Katherine, Katheryn or Kathryn, was the fifth wife of Henry VIII of England, and sometimes known by his reference to her as his "rose without a thorn".... was a closer relation to him than portrayed in season 3.

Anne Boleyn	Natalie Dormer Natalie Dormer Natalie Dormer is an English actress. She is best known for her roles as Victoria in Casanova and as the ill-fated queen Anne Boleyn in the Showtime series The Tudors.-Early life and current lifestyle:... (2007–2008)	Anne Boleyn Anne Boleyn Anne Boleyn ;c.1501/1507 – 19 May 1536) was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 as the second wife of Henry VIII of England and Marquess of Pembroke in her own right. Henry's marriage to Anne, and her subsequent execution, made her a key figure in the political and religious upheaval that was the...	Episode 1.01	Episode 2.10 (4.10 Dream Sequence)
Daughter of Thomas Boleyn, and sister of George and Mary Boleyn. Anne was sent to be a lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine, as a pawn of her father's and her uncle's schemes to ruin Cardinal Wolsey. She attracted Henry VIII's attention at the masquerade where she, along with Henry's sister Margaret, played two of the Graces. By her father's orders, she continually put herself in Henry's way, till Henry was so enamoured of her that he vowed he would take her as his only mistress if she would give herself to him. Anne, remembering how her sister was thrown aside after Henry tired of her, refused him, saying that she was saving her virginity for her eventual husband, causing Henry, already at odds with Queen Katherine for failing to produce a living son, to consider annulment or divorce. She admits to her father that while she didn't like the role of sacrificial lamb at first, she was growing to love Henry. At first the relationship was a secret, but more and more Henry honored her as his consort rather than Katherine. The delay of the annulment proceedings frustrated Henry, and Anne used this opportunity to blame Wolsey for the delay, leaving him when she felt that the proceedings will never come to fruition. She also gradually turned him in favor of Protestantism so that, as head of the church in his realm, he could finally divorce Katherine without referring to the Roman Church. The second season sees Anne reach the peak of her power. She is created as Marquess of Pembroke and is taken to France to meet the French King, Francis, as the future Queen and sleeps with Henry and thus conceives a child who she is confident will be a boy. Anne and Henry's hopes are dashed when she gives birth to a daughter, Elizabeth, which sets in motion the Act of Succession. She is more or less manipulated by her father to do everything to win Henry's love (which becomes evident after her miscarriage of her second child). She allows Henry to disinherit his daughter Mary but tries to establish ties with her conditional upon Mary accepting her as queen. Mary rebuffs this offer. Anne becomes desperate to conceive a son but miscarries and is accused of witchcraft and adultery. Henry removes Elizabeth from the line of succession, convinced she is not his daughter, and sentences Anne to execution by beheading. Anne re-appears in the final episode of Season 4 in the dream sequence alongside Elizabeth, proclaiming her innocence that the crimes she was killed for were of false witness and defends her cousin Katherine Howard.

Katherine of Aragon	Maria Doyle Kennedy Maria Doyle Kennedy Maria Doyle Kennedy is an award-winning Irish actress and singer. She is possibly best known for her roles as Natalie, in cult film The Commitments, Queen Katherine of Aragon in the award winning The Tudors and as the title character's wife Frances in The General.-Early life:She is an honours... (2007–2008)	Catherine of Aragon Catherine of Aragon Catherine of Aragon , also known as Katherine or Katharine, was Queen consort of England as the first wife of King Henry VIII of England and Princess of Wales as the wife to Arthur, Prince of Wales...	Episode 1.01	Episode 2.07 (4.10 Dream Sequence)
Youngest child of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, Katherine is the first wife and queen consort Queen consort A queen consort is the wife of a reigning king. A queen consort usually shares her husband's rank and holds the feminine equivalent of the king's monarchical titles. Historically, queens consort do not share the king regnant's political and military powers. Most queens in history were queens consort... of Henry VIII. She was once married to Henry's older brother, Arthur, but claims that that marriage was never consummated. Most of her children with Henry VIII were either miscarried or died in infancy; her one surviving child was her daughter, Princess Mary. Because of her seeming inability to give him a son, Henry was worried that England may face a reversion to civil war in the event of his death. With the War of the Roses still a recent memory, he was determined to have a legitimate son to whom to pass his throne. He therefore preferred to believe that Katherine lied when she swore that her previous marriage was never consummated and that therefore his marriage to her was incestious and illegal. Katherine was very lonely at court, her only friend was the ambassador of Spain, as Cardinal Wolsey dismissed her Spanish ladies-in-waiting for fear that they were spies for the Holy Roman Emperor. Nevertheless, she always does her duty as Queen of England admirably, even mingling with and donating to the common people after church services, and she is loved by the English people despite her Spanish background. She is banished to spend her final days at the house "The More", without any contact from the king's staff or her daughter Mary. She is last seen dictating her will on her deathbed, read both aloud and, intercutting with, by a mournful Henry VIII; Anne smiles upon hearing the news and states that "Now, I am indeed queen." Katherine re-appears in the final episode of Season 4 in the dream sequence alongside Mary, confronting Henry about how Mary should have been married and have children of her own a long time ago, and that she was always his wife no matter what.

Thomas Boleyn	Nick Dunning Nick Dunning Nick Dunning is an Anglo-Irish actor born in the county of Wexford in 1959.Dunning is a well known theatre actor who attended RADA where he won the Ronson Prize for Most Promising Young Actor. He has appeared on stage in the West End in London and at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. He has won two... (2007–2008)	Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire, KG was an English diplomat and politician in the Tudor era. He was born at the family home, Hever Castle, Kent, which had been purchased by his grandfather Geoffrey Boleyn, who was a wealthy mercer. He was buried at St. Peter's parish church in the village of...	Episode 1.01	Episode 2.10
Father of George, Mary, and Anne Boleyn, and brother-in-law to the Duke of Norfolk. Thomas Boleyn appears initially as the English ambassador to France, who sees his daughters primarily as a means to advance family interests. To this end, he encourages Mary to become Henry's mistress and, subsequently, Anne to aim for the higher status of a royal marriage. Together with Norfolk and Suffolk, Boleyn engineers Cardinal Wolsey's downfall. He then becomes a leading member of the Royal Council, although somewhat subordinate to his two fellow plotters in jointly handling the country's affairs. In the second season, Boleyn starts to worry that Anne is losing the king's love and urges her to keep him at her side, even telling her to 'offer him a gift', one of her ladies-in-waiting as a mistress. He is later faced with Anne's fear of the Seymour family but this only catches his attention when his ally, Thomas Cromwell, offers his quarters to them at the King's request. Following Cromwell's investigation of rumors of treason committed by Anne, Boleyn is arrested along with others, but is reprieved by the King and exiled from court. He is berated by the Duke of Suffolk in the last episode of Season 2 for his selfishness and his evident relief that he will live while his children will die. He is mentioned by Sir Charles Brandon in the Season 4 episode "A Moment of Nostalgia" to have died recently, with only the ghosts of his children in attendance at his funeral. Boleyn was instrumental in ensuring the rise of Thomas Cromwell as one of the king's closest advisors but this backfired as Cromwell's ambition and loyalty to the king were greater that his alliance with the Boleyns.

Thomas Cromwell	James Frain James Frain James Dominic Frain is an English stage and screen actor. He is possibly best known for his role in the Showtime series The Tudors in which he appeared as Thomas Cromwell from 2007 to 2009, and for his role as vampire Franklin Mott in season three of the HBO drama True Blood, as well as his role... (2007–2009)	Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex, , was an English statesman who served as chief minister of King Henry VIII of England from 1532 to 1540....	Episode 1.04	Episode 3.08
Although Thomas Cromwell was elevated by Cardinal Wolsey after the king's secretary was removed (see Richard Pace), he was secretly the ally of the Boleyn family. He is also represented as the man who introduces Anne Boleyn to Lutheranism Lutheranism Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation... , which she subsequently introduced to Henry VIII. In the second season, Cromwell rises to the position of Lord Chancellor Lord Chancellor The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, or Lord Chancellor, is a senior and important functionary in the government of the United Kingdom. He is the second highest ranking of the Great Officers of State, ranking only after the Lord High Steward. The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Sovereign... after the spot was relinquished by Thomas More. Although More is later beheaded for refusing to acknowledge Henry as supreme head of the Church in England, Cromwell takes a sympathetic approach towards him; he also orders swift and necessary action when allegations arise regarding Queen Anne Boleyn (which leads to her ultimate downfall). Cromwell is depicted as being ruthless and calculating, but also as a hard working and able minister. His historic role as a talented administrator and reformer eventually comes into conflict with Henry's ambiguous commitment to the Reformation; the series portrays Cromwell as a committed Protestant who sees the Reformation slipping away, with the Church of England, despite its break from Rome, retaining Catholic tradition and ritual. An attempt to strengthen the King's ties to Protestantism through a German marriage to Anne of Cleves (though couched as a political alliance) backfires. Because of his commoner origins Cromwell is resented by nobles such as the Duke of Suffolk and frequently abused even by Henry. His beheading is a brutal, botched affair because the executioner is drunk.

Thomas More	Jeremy Northam Jeremy Northam Jeremy Philip Northam is an English actor. He is best known for his roles as Ivor Novello in the 2001 film Gosford Park, as Dean Martin in the 2002 television movie Martin and Lewis, and as Thomas More on the Showtime series The Tudors... (2007–2008)	Thomas More Thomas More Sir Thomas More , also known by Catholics as Saint Thomas More, was an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman and noted Renaissance humanist. He was an important councillor to Henry VIII of England and, for three years toward the end of his life, Lord Chancellor...	Episode 1.01	Episode 2.05
Longtime friend of Henry VIII, Sir Thomas is a pious Christian who abhors war and tried to advise Henry against it. He nevertheless believes that stern action is required to combat the rise of Lutheranism. During his time as Lord Chancellor after Wolsey, More burns six people found guilty of heresy to death, although he offers them the chance to recant. After it became apparent that the king was also changing his attitude towards Catholicism, he becomes worried, finally recalling that Wolsey once told him that he should have told the king what he ought to do, not what he can do, for "if the lion knows his own strength, no man could control him". More is married with four children (three daughters and a son). In the second season More avoids taking any public position over the king's "great matter" of divorce from Catherine, but is finally condemned and executed after refusing to take an oath recognising Henry as supreme head of the English Church. Henry shows some eventual regret over More's death, and also over those of his other great Ministers, Wolsey and Cromwell.

Thomas Cranmer	Hans Matheson Hans Matheson Hans Matheson is a British actor.-Life and career:Matheson was born in Stornoway, Scotland, the son of Sheena, a therapist, and Iain , a folk musician and painter. He made his feature film debut as Johnny Silver in Jez Butterworth's critically acclaimed directorial debut, Mojo... (2008)	Thomas Cranmer Thomas Cranmer Thomas Cranmer was a leader of the English Reformation and Archbishop of Canterbury during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI and, for a short time, Mary I. He helped build a favourable case for Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon which resulted in the separation of the English Church from...	Episode 2.01	Episode 2.10
The Archbishop of Canterbury Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group... who was involved in handing the dispute over Henry's marriage of Katherine of Aragon as being "null and void" and recognize Anne Boleyn as the new queen, having everybody swear an oath to recognize their new queen. He was introduced as a nervous man when Thomas Cromwell introduced him to the king. When he became the new Archbishop, he gained more confidence and took decisions to move against Katherine and reform the Church in England. He was portrayed from then on as cold and harsh but devoted. He resented men like Thomas More and Bishop Fisher and, despite their years of loyal service to the king, he branded them as traitors. However he was deeply loyal and devoted to Anne Boleyn but, despite his devotion to her he is forced to relinquish the mutual desire for a reformed faith when Anne falls from favor. He takes her last confession in the tower and breaks the news to her that Elizabeth is to be declared illegitimate but promises her that he will endeavour to keep her in the Kings "good and kind graces". Cranmer would outlive Henry, but would not survive the Catholic Mary I.

Pope Paul III	Peter O'Toole Peter O'Toole Peter Seamus Lorcan O'Toole is an Irish actor of stage and screen. O'Toole achieved stardom in 1962 playing T. E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia, and then went on to become a highly-honoured film and stage actor. He has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, and holds the record for most... (2008)	Pope Paul III Pope Paul III Pope Paul III , born Alessandro Farnese, was Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1534 to his death in 1549. He came to the papal throne in an era following the sack of Rome in 1527 and rife with uncertainties in the Catholic Church following the Protestant Reformation...	Episode 2.01	Episode 2.07
The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church who declares Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn invalid and with ex-communicates Henry. Portrayed as a skilled politician with a dry sense of humour, Pope Paul sends a "Soldier in Christ" to assassinate the new queen, with the promise that he will gain access into heaven no matter if it succeeds or fails. Paul is outraged by, and denounces the executions of, both Bishop Fisher and Thomas More. He has no qualms about using force when necessary but is also portrayed as a loving man who considers the Catholics his children and wants to protect them like a father would protect his child.

Jane Seymour	Anita Briem Anita Briem Anita Briem is an Icelandic actress. She is known for her role as Jane Seymour on The Tudors and her role as Hanna in Journey to the Center of the Earth.-Personal life:... (2008) Annabelle Wallis (2009)	Jane Seymour Jane Seymour Jane Seymour was Queen of England as the third wife of King Henry VIII. She succeeded Anne Boleyn as queen consort following the latter's execution for trumped up charges of high treason, incest and adultery in May 1536. She died of postnatal complications less than two weeks after the birth of...	Episode 2.07 (Briem) Episode 3.01 (Wallis)	Episode 2.10 (Briem) Episode 3.04 (Wallis) (4.10 Dream Sequence)
Becoming less interested in his new wife Anne Boleyn with her failure to produce a male heir, King Henry VIII has Jane Seymour made one of Anne's ladies-in-waiting in an attempt to seduce her. Jane, mindful of her reputation and following her brother's advice, refuses Henry's gifts and advances, impressing the king with her modesty. A romance develops between Henry and Jane as his marriage to Anne further deteriorates; when Anne catches Henry kissing Jane, she flies into a rage and miscarries a son. Henry orchestrates Anne's arrest for adultery, moving Jane into her quarters and unofficially proposing marriage. Henry and Jane become engaged on the same day as Anne's execution and get married just days later. As Queen, Jane promotes Mary's interests and secures her position back at court. She also appeals to Henry to restore the monasteries on behalf of the Catholics but she is quickly rebuked by him. She reunites Henry with both his daughters over Christmastide to everybody's delight. Her position as Queen is cemented when she gives birth to Henry's son, Edward. However the birth is long and difficult and she dies twelve days after from childbed fever, leaving Henry devastated as he falls into a deep depression from his grief. Henry regards Jane as his true love because of her kind nature and the fact that she gave him a son. She is given a Queen's burial and Henry promises that one day they will be with each other again when he is buried beside her. Jane re-appears in the final episode of Season 4 in the dream sequence alongside Edward, furious that Edward has been treated badly and will die at a very young age, frightening Henry. When Annabelle Wallis took over the role in, they had to re-film some of the scenes Anita Briem appeared in when flashbacks from Season 2 appeared at the beginning of Season 3.

Sir Francis Bryan	Alan van Sprang Alan van Sprang Alan van Sprang is Canadian actor best known for playing Sir Francis Bryan in the series The Tudors and for appearing in the Living Dead films of George A. Romero. He has many other television and film credits.-Filmography:... (2009)	Francis Bryan Francis Bryan Sir Francis Bryan was an English courtier and diplomat during the reign of Henry VIII. He was Chief Gentleman of the Privy chamber and Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Bryan always retained Henry's favour, achieving this by altering his opinions to conform to the...	Episode 3.01	Episode 3.08
Bryan is a spy, agent, reputed assassin, and an accomplished cryptographer Cryptography Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties... . He is appointed to the privy chamber Privy chamber A Privy chamber was the private apartment of a royal residence in England. The gentlemen of the Privy chamber were servants to the Crown who would wait and attend on the King and Queen at court during their various activities, functions and entertainments.... . With a reputation as a rake and a libertine without principles or morals, Bryan is known as "The Vicar of Hell", and is an accomplice in several of the king's extramarital affairs. Bryan takes an instant attraction to the fictional character Lady Ursula Misseldon and quickly becomes her lover. Although initially ready to act as an agent for Thomas Cromwell in attempting to intimidate Princess Mary, Bryan turns against the disgraced Minister and by getting his executioner drunk is able to ensure that Cromwell's death is a cruel one. He is sent by Henry to France and Italy to murder Cardinal Reginald Pole but fails in this mission.

Robert Aske	Gerard McSorley Gerard McSorley Gerard McSorley is a theatre, television and an Irish film actor.-Early life:He was born in Omagh, County Tyrone, and after attending a Christian Brothers school in his hometown he attended St. Columb's College in Derry. He then attended Queen's University, Belfast, where he was taught by among... (2009)	Robert Aske Robert Aske (political leader) Robert Aske was an English lawyer who became the leader of rebellion in York. He led the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and was executed by Henry VIII for treason in 1537.-Biography:...	Episode 3.01	Episode 3.04
Aske is a Yorkshire Yorkshire Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform... lawyer who opposes the dissolution of the monasteries Dissolution of the Monasteries The Dissolution of the Monasteries, sometimes referred to as the Suppression of the Monasteries, was the set of administrative and legal processes between 1536 and 1541 by which Henry VIII disbanded monasteries, priories, convents and friaries in England, Wales and Ireland; appropriated their... and becomes the leader of the Pilgrimage of Grace Pilgrimage of Grace The Pilgrimage of Grace was a popular rising in York, Yorkshire during 1536, in protest against Henry VIII's break with the Roman Catholic Church and the Dissolution of the Monasteries, as well as other specific political, social and economic grievances. It was done in action against Thomas Cromwell... - a rising in northern England. He is persuaded to disband his forces after receiving pledges of pardon and policy change from Henry, through the Duke of Suffolk. However, the momentum the rebellion achieved goes beyond Aske's control, and a further uprising occurs, sealing his fate.

Cardinal von Waldburg	Max von Sydow Max von Sydow Max von Sydow is a Swedish actor. He has also held French citizenship since 2002. He has starred in many films and had supporting roles in dozens more... (2009)	Otto Truchsess von Waldburg Otto Truchsess von Waldburg Otto Truchsess von Waldburg was Prince-Bishop of Augsburg from 1543 until his death and a Cardinal of the Catholic Church.-Childhood and Education:...	Episode 3.01	Episode 3.06
A mentor to Reginald Pole.

Anne of Cleves	Joss Stone Joss Stone Jocelyn Eve Stoker , better known by her stage name Joss Stone, is an English soul singer-songwriter and actress. Stone rose to fame in late 2003 with her multi-platinum debut album, The Soul Sessions, which made the 2004 Mercury Prize shortlist... (2009–2010)	Anne of Cleves Anne of Cleves Anne of Cleves was a German noblewoman and the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England and as such she was Queen of England from 6 January 1540 to 9 July 1540. The marriage was never consummated, and she was not crowned queen consort...	Episode 3.06	Episode 4.03
A German princess and Henry's fourth wife. The king marries Anne to make a political alliance on the advice of Thomas Cromwell. However the king is not attracted to her, famously saying "I like her not!", and the marriage is annulled less than a year later. Perhaps remembering Queen Katherine's fate, or, as is more likely, relieved, liking him no better than he liked her, she wisely accepts Henry's decision, and is rewarded with a pension and lands, and was referred to as "the King's Beloved Sister". She is well liked by the King's daughters who continue to visit her after the annulment of the marriage. This rouses the ire of Katherine Howard who cannot fathom why the two have more respect for the former queen than her.

Prince Edward Tudor	? (2009) Eoin Murtagh (2010) Jake Hathaway (2010)	Edward VI	Episode 3.04 (?) Episode 4.01 (Murtagh) Episode 4.10 (Hathaway)	Episode 3.08 (?) Episode 4.08 (Murtagh) Episode 4.10 (Hathaway) (4.10 Dream Sequence)
Henry's only son; born to Jane Seymour. As the long awaited male heir Edward is shown to the people in his father's arms. Close to both his sisters Mary and Elizabeth, Edward succeeds Henry as King of England; albeit only briefly as he died aged 15 from tuberculosis.

Katherine Howard	Tamzin Merchant Tamzin Merchant Tamzin Merchant is an English actress. She is known for her role as Georgiana Darcy in Pride & Prejudice and for her role as the ill-fated Queen Catherine Howard in The Tudors.-Career:... (2009–2010)	Katherine Howard	Episode 3.08	Episode 4.05
Came to Court as Lady in Waiting to Anne of Cleves, soon caught the eye of King Henry then later married him. Loved her for her beauty and lively personality. Accused of adultery with Thomas Culpeper (as well as Francis Derham) and was executed on February 13, 1542.

Catherine Parr	Joely Richardson Joely Richardson Joely Kim Richardson is an English actress, most known recently for her role as Queen Catherine Parr in the Showtime television show The Tudors and Julia McNamara in the television drama Nip/Tuck... (2010)	Catherine Parr Catherine Parr Catherine Parr ; 1512 – 5 September 1548) was Queen consort of England and Ireland and the last of the six wives of King Henry VIII of England. She married Henry VIII on 12 July 1543. She was the fourth commoner Henry had taken as his consort, and outlived him...	Episode 4.06	Episode 4.10
Was previously married to Lord Latymer, who died at the end of episode 6. Catherine married King Henry and was a loving wife to him and stepmother to his children and was Queen Regent when Henry was away for the Battle in Boulogne. She was suspected of heresy by Bishop Gardiner and was almost arrested for it and was married to him until his death and later married Thomas Seymour.

Recurring

Character name	Portrayed by	Historical basis	First appearance	Last appearance
Click links on the character name to view their full profile

Duke of Buckingham	Steven Waddington Steven Waddington Steven Waddington is an English actor who is probably best known for his supporting role in Michael Mann's The Last of the Mohicans. He trained at East 15 Acting School in Loughton Essex. His first film role was as the eponymous king in Derek Jarman's Edward II... (2007)	Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, KG was an English nobleman. He was the son of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and the former Lady Catherine Woodville, daughter of the 1st Earl Rivers and sister-in-law of King Edward IV.-Early life:Stafford was born at Brecknock Castle in Wales...	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.02
A direct descendant of Edward II, Buckingham was openly resentful of the "new men" like Cardinal Wolsley who have risen by ability rather than birth. Described by Thomas More as stupid but powerful, Buckingham confides in Norfolk that he aspires to the crown. After being reprimanded by Henry for attempting to humiliate Wolsey, Buckingham recklessly plans to assassinate the King. However, this plan is reported to the Cardinal by Thomas Boleyn, whom Buckingham had tried to recruit. Buckingham is subsequently convicted for treason and beheaded. He leaves behind a daughter, who had a brief relationship with Charles Brandon (also one of the reasons he was at odds with Henry since the latter refused to punish Brandon).

Anna Buckingham Hastings	Anna Brewster Anna Brewster -Acting career:Anna has appeared in the films Anita and Me, Mrs Henderson Presents, Hippie Hippie Shake with Sienna Miller and Cillian Murphy and How to Lose Friends & Alienate People... (2007)	Anne Hastings née Stafford, Countess of Huntingdon	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.07
The Duke of Buckingham's daughter was the former lover of Charles Brandon, and a catalyst for her father's attempted assassination of the King of England. She later becomes the common law wife of William Compton, and dies in the dreaded sweating sickness Sweating sickness Sweating sickness, also known as "English sweating sickness" or "English sweate" , was a mysterious and highly virulent disease that struck England, and later continental Europe, in a series of epidemics beginning in 1485. The last outbreak occurred in 1551, after which the disease apparently... epidemic along with him.

Princess Margaret Tudor	Gabrielle Anwar Gabrielle Anwar Gabrielle Anwar is an English actress. She is known for her role as Margaret Tudor on The Tudors, for dancing the tango with Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman and for her current role as Fiona Glenanne on USA's Burn Notice.- Early life :... (2007)	Mary Tudor, Queen of France; Margaret Tudor Margaret Tudor Margaret Tudor was the elder of the two surviving daughters of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York, and the elder sister of Henry VIII. In 1503, she married James IV, King of Scots. James died in 1513, and their son became King James V. She married secondly Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of... , Queen of Scots	Episode 1.03	Episode 1.09
Engaged to the elderly King of Portugal Portugal Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the... , feisty Margaret begs her brother, King Henry VIII of England, to reconsider the match. He refuses, and she is further irritated that he has chosen his common-born friend Charles Brandon to accompany her to Portugal and present her to her future husband. Margaret pressures Henry to agree that, once her husband is dead, she may marry whomever she chooses; he seems to concede. Margaret is at first dismissive of court lothario Lothario Lothario is a male first name which came to connote an unscrupulous seducer of women.In The Impertinent Curiosity, a story-within-the-story in Don Quixote , by Miguel de Cervantes, a man named Anselmo coerces Lothario, his faithful friend, to test the virtue of Anselmo's wife, Camila... Brandon, but they soon have passionate sex on the long sea voyage to Portugal. Margaret marries the decrepit Portuguese king, who lives only a few days until she smothers him in his sleep. Henry is angry to lose the political alliance, but even more furious when he discovers that Margaret and Brandon have married without his consent. With accusations of treason, they are exiled from court; the Duke of Norfolk soon promises to intervene on Brandon's behalf in exchange for Brandon's assistance in ruining Norfolk's political rival, Cardinal Wolsey. Margaret's relationship with Brandon eventually collapses; she argues that he only "loved her for an hour", as he continues to have affairs with other women. As Brandon returns to favor at court, Margaret displays an obvious dislike for Anne Boleyn and her allies. Margaret falls ill with pulmonary tuberculosis Tuberculosis Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body... , and dies as Charles is engaging in sex with another woman. Henry is furious at Brandon for his lack of attention to his wife, and Brandon shows remorse as he buries Margaret.

William Compton	Kristen Holden-Ried Kristen Holden-Ried Kristen Holden-Ried is a Canadian actor. In 2007, he portrayed William Compton in the first seven episodes of the Showtime series The Tudors. In 2010, in the television series Lost Girl, his character is a werewolf, employed in the human world as a cop.... (2007)	William Compton William Compton (courtier) Sir William Compton was one of the most prominent courtiers during the reign of Henry VIII of England. Born around 1482, Compton was about nine years older than his king, but the two became close friends. Compton was the eldest son of Edmund Compton of Warwickshire and became an attendant on young...	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.07
A longtime friend to King Henry VIII, "common-born" William Compton (along with similarly-ranked Charles Brandon and Anthony Knivert) attracts the ire of the noble-born Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, due to Henry's favouritism toward the trio. In Episode 1.04, Compton is knighted Sir William Compton, alongside Knivert, for no more apparent reason than having amused the King by substituting a small log for a lance while jousting. The new Sir Willian is portrayed throughout the series as a witty and elegant courtier who avoids the occasional blunders of his two friends Brandon and Knivert. Compton, though married, soon shows a romantic interest in the young composer Thomas Tallis in Episode 1.05. At first Tallis refuses Compton's advances, but does not pull away when Compton kisses him; later they are shown in bed together. Compton is the second to die (after Henry Fitzroy) from the devastating "sweating sickness Sweating sickness Sweating sickness, also known as "English sweating sickness" or "English sweate" , was a mysterious and highly virulent disease that struck England, and later continental Europe, in a series of epidemics beginning in 1485. The last outbreak occurred in 1551, after which the disease apparently... " in Episode 1.07.

Thomas Tallis	Joe Van Moyland Joe Van Moyland Joe Van Moyland is a singer, drummer and actor. He was frontman in the band Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong and has previously drummed for the Pipettes.-Acting career:... (2007)	Thomas Tallis Thomas Tallis Thomas Tallis was an English composer. Tallis flourished as a church musician in 16th century Tudor England. He occupies a primary place in anthologies of English church music, and is considered among the best of England's early composers. He is honoured for his original voice in English...	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.10
Young composer Composer A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media... Thomas Tallis comes to London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... with good references and secures a position with the Chapel Royal Chapel Royal A Chapel Royal is a body of priests and singers who serve the spiritual needs of their sovereign wherever they are called upon to do so.-Austria:... . He soon attracts the attention of Sir William Compton, a close friend of King Henry VIII, and the two become lovers. After Compton's death, Tallis courts two sisters. After his first choice dies he marries the second. In the only supernatural element in the series the dead sister watches Tallis and his new wife in bed together. Though he does not appear in subsequent seasons, Tallis continued to prosper throughout the period, and received the favor of Elizabeth I.

Ambassador Mendoza	Declan Conlon (2007–2009)	Íñigo López de Mendoza y Zúñiga Iñigo López de Mendoza y Zúñiga Don Íñigo López de Mendoza y Zúñiga , cardinal, archbishop of Burgos and bishop of Coria, was a Castilian clergyman and diplomat in the service of Emperor Charles V....	Episode 1.03	Episode 3.02
The Spanish ambassador to England, Mendoza serves as a link between Queen Katherine and her nephew, Charles V, as her letters are being opened by Cardinal Wolsey. He is also the one friend Katherine has at court, since her Spanish ladies-in-waiting were dismissed by Wolsey, and her English ladies-in-waiting were either bribed or seduced by the Cardinal, to say nothing of being seduced by the king himself. He bore the brunt of Henry VIII's attack when Charles V broke the treaty between England and Spain by setting free Francis I of France without consulting Henry, as Charles's ally, and also marrying Isabella of Portugal when he is betrothed to Princess Mary. He is promoted by Charles and send home to Spain, leaving the issue of Queen Katherine and King Henry's divorce to the new ambassador to handle.

Bishop John Fisher	Bosco Hogan Bosco Hogan Bosco Hogan is an Irish actor of stage, screen and television.He is best known as Dr. Michael Ryan on Ballykissangel. He appeared in a minor role as convicted felon George Saden in John Boorman's film Zardoz , but his first major film role was as Stephen Dedalus in the 1977 Joseph Strick film... (2007–2008)	Bishop John Fisher	Episode 1.05	Episode 2.05
Bishop of Rochester and legal counsel Counsel A counsel or a counselor gives advice, more particularly in legal matters.-U.K. and Ireland:The legal system in England uses the term counsel as an approximate synonym for a barrister-at-law, and may apply it to mean either a single person who pleads a cause, or collectively, the body of barristers... to Katherine. Historically, he was confessor and good friend to Henry's mother, and one of the few men who were not afraid of him. He suffered terribly for his convictions. He was created Cardinal for his steadfastness and was later canonized in the Roman Catholic Church. His feast day is the same as Saint Thomas More.

Mary Boleyn	Perdita Weeks Perdita Weeks Perdita Weeks is a British actress.-Biography:Perdita was born in South Glamorgan and studied art history at the Courtauld Institute.-Acting career:... (2007–2008)	Mary Boleyn Mary Boleyn Mary Boleyn , was the sister of English queen consort Anne Boleyn and a member of the Boleyn family, which enjoyed considerable influence during the reign of King Henry VIII of England...	Episode 1.01	Episode 2.05
Daughter of Thomas Boleyn and sister to George and Anne Boleyn. Also the onetime mistress to King Henry VIII. Seen more as a recurring character in the show's second season, although she is banished from court after revealing her secret marriage to William Stafford who was of a lower rank.

Lady Elizabeth Blount	Ruta Gedmintas Ruta Gedmintas Ruta Gedmintas is an English actress known for her work on British television, primarily in Spooks: Code 9, The Tudors and Lip Service.-Biography:... (2007)	Elizabeth Blount Elizabeth Blount Elizabeth Blount , who was better known by her nickname of "Bessie", was a mistress of Henry VIII of England.-Early life:She was the daughter of Sir John Blount and Catherine Pershall, of Kinlet, Bridgnorth, Shropshire...	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.05
Married mistress to King Henry VIII, and mother to his first (though illegitimate) son who survived infancy. He dies in the fifth episode at the young age of four, as both she and the King weep over the loss. (Her son's death contradicts history, as her son survived through his teenage years.)

Richard Pace	Matt Ryan Matt Ryan (actor) -Early life:Matt was born in Swansea, Wales to parents Steve Evans, postman turned record producer, and Maria Evans, dance teacher. He attended Penyrheol Primary and Comprehensive schools in Gorseinon before moving on to the nearby Gorseinon College where he completed a BTEC Performing Arts course.... (2007)	Richard Pace Richard Pace Richard Pace was an English diplomat of the Tudor period. He was educated at Winchester College under Thomas Langton, and later at Padua, at Bologna, and probably at the University of Oxford...	Episode 1.01	Episode 1.04
A widower who was the secretary of Henry VIII. He was framed by Cardinal Wolsey of spying for the French, and sentenced to the London Tower. He lost his mental facilities before he was released from the Tower.

George Boleyn	Pádraic Delaney Pádraic Delaney Pádraic Delaney is an Irish actor best known for playing Teddy O'Donovan in the Ken Loach film The Wind That Shakes the Barley, for which he earned an IFTA nomination as well as being named Irish Shooting Star for the 2007 Berlin Film Festival... (2007–2008)	George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford was an English courtier and nobleman, and the brother of queen consort Anne Boleyn...	Episode 1.04	Episode 2.09
Son of Thomas Boleyn and brother to Mary and Anne Boleyn. George benefits greatly from Anne's rise, and revels in his newfound power. Despite his womanizing, George has a clandestine affair with the male court musician Mark Smeaton. Upon his sister Anne's fall, George is caught in the storm and accused of incest with Anne, which is later corroborated by his abused and neglected wife, Jane. He is beheaded for treason in Episode 2.09.

William Brereton	James Gilbert James Gilbert (actor) James Gilbert is a Canadian film, television, and stage actor.James is best known for his role as William Brereton in the Showtime historical drama series, The Tudors. James has most recently starred in the remake of Moby Dick , along with William Hurt, Ethan Hawke and Eddie Marsan and the... (2008)	William Brereton William Brereton (groom) Sir William Brereton , who came from a Cheshire landowning family, was a Groom of the Privy Chamber of Henry VIII. He was caught up in the accusations against Anne Boleyn, tried for treason and executed with the Queen and four others...	Episode 2.01	Episode 2.09
Seeming to be commissioned by Pope Paul III and Ambassador Chapuys to assassinate Anne Boleyn for the good of King Henry VIII and the Catholic Church. He was accused of having carnal knowledge of the Queen Anne, unlike the others in his position, who either denied (George Boleyn and Henry Norris) or were tortured into admitting it (Mark Smeaton), Brereton falsely admitted his guilt to Thomas Cromwell. He is beheaded in episode 9 of series 2 along with the others accused.

Princess/Lady Mary Tudor	Blathnaid McKeown (2007) Sarah Bolger Sarah Bolger Sarah Lee Bolger is an Irish actress. She is known for her role as Princess / Lady Mary Tudor on The Tudors and for her role as Mallory Grace in The Spiderwick Chronicles.-Early life:... (2008–2010)	Mary I of England Mary I of England Mary I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from July 1553 until her death.She was the only surviving child born of the ill-fated marriage of Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon. Her younger half-brother, Edward VI, succeeded Henry in 1547...	Episode 1.01 (McKeown) Episode 2.03 (Bolger)	Episode 1.07 (McKeown) Episode 4.10 (Bolger) (4.10 Dream Sequence)
Mary is the daughter and only surviving child of King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. Mary's early years were full of happiness, receiving love and adoration from both her parents, and was once betrothed to the Dauphin of France, her cousin, Charles V of Spain, and Francis I's youngest son, the Duke of Orléans. Initially, Mary remained unaware of her parents failing marriage, though gradually she became increasingly aware of the situation; starting when her illegitimate half-brother received titles and his own household, and she too received a household of her own, but far away in the Welsh Marches Welsh Marches The Welsh Marches is a term which, in modern usage, denotes an imprecisely defined area along and around the border between England and Wales in the United Kingdom. The precise meaning of the term has varied at different periods... and under the care of her governess; Lady Salisbury. Mary's place in succession was lost when her parents' marriage was annulled, and so Mary was referred to as "Lady Mary", and any and all contact with her mother was forbidden (much to her pain; as she was not present when she died of illness). Ultimately, her father severed all ties with her when her half-sister Elizabeth Elizabeth I of England Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty... was born, and so Mary was formally expelled from court, her servants dismissed from her service, and she was forced to serve as a lady-in-waiting Lady-in-waiting A lady-in-waiting is a female personal assistant at a royal court, attending on a queen, a princess, or a high-ranking noblewoman. Historically, in Europe a lady-in-waiting was often a noblewoman from a family highly thought of in good society, but was of lower rank than the woman on whom she... , while Elizabeth received Mary's place in the succession. Mary is relieved not only when her future stepmother, Jane Seymour, made efforts to befriend with her and revealed her hopes to restore her to the succession, but also to hear of Anne Boleyn's execution. Mary was allowed back to court when she (very reluctantly) signed a document that formally declared her allegiance to her father and acknowledgement as him being the Head of the Church; relinquishing her own Catholic faith in the process (something she agonized over). Henry had threatened to put her to death if she had refused, but upon seeing Mary for the first time in years, immediately regretted all his actions and welcomed her back. In terms of personality, Mary, while a naive girl, is deeply intelligent, and is also beloved by the English people (as was her mother before her). Mary was revealed to be secretly supportive of the Pilgrimage of Grace; having not only secretly retained her faith, but also considers the movement to be God's work; but nevertheless hoped for a peaceful resolution. The Pilgrimage, in turn, has every hope Mary will succeed as Queen of England; for the betterment of the Catholic faith.

Lady Jane Rochford	Joanne King Joanne King Joanne King is an Irish actress. She is best known for her roles as Cyd on the BBC1s Casualty and as Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford in the Showtime 2007 - 2010 series The Tudors.-Private life:... (2008–2010)	Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford was an English noblewoman who lived in the reign of Henry VIII. She was a sister-in-law of Henry's second wife Anne Boleyn and lady-in-waiting to his fifth wife Catherine Howard, with whom she was executed.-Early life:Born Jane Parker, she was the daughter of...	Episode 2.07	Epidode 4.05
Wife of George Boleyn and thus sister in law of Queen Anne and King Henry. She has an arranged marriage (through her and George's families), is sexually abused by George, who shows no affection for her at all. She tries to win his love but is frustrated by his affairs and disgusted when she learns of his relationship with Mark Smeaton. She avoids sharing in the fall of the Boleyns by giving evidence against her husband and agreeing to the allegation that he committed incest with his sister. Despite her unhappy marriage and the scandal of her inlaws, Jane is asked back to court by Queen Jane and is appointed her principal lady in waiting. Jane secretly helps the Queen to get funds to the Lady Elizabeth's governess when Henry refuses to pay and arranges the public return of Lady Mary to court.Lady Rochford is a keen supporter of the Reformation and abhors the Catholic faith. She was a lady in waiting to Katherine Howard and helped out with the clandestine affair between Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper. Once the affair came to light, she was interrogated and arrested for treason (as well as aiding and abetting) and had a nervous breakdown. Despite Lady Rochfod being declared legally insane King Henry VIII passed a law to make it legal to execute her by beheading. She was executed the same day as Katherine Howard.

Lady Jane Howard	Slaine Kelly Slaine Kelly Slaine Kelly is an Irish television and film actress. Her first role was on the Irish short film Ouch directed by Ken Wardrop. She then went on to play a small part in George directed by Rory Bresnihan & John Butler the short stars Amy Huberman and Hugh O'Conor... (2007)		Episode 1.01	Episode 1.01
Mistress of Henry VIII for a short period, though of no historical basis. Named after the granddaughter of the Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, KG, Earl Marshal was a prominent Tudor politician. He was uncle to Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of the wives of King Henry VIII, and played a major role in the machinations behind these marriages... , Jane Neville née Howard, Countess of Westmoreland Jane Howard Jane Neville , Countess of Westmorland , daughter of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey and Frances de Vere.... .
King Francis of France	Emmanuel Leconte Emmanuel Leconte Emmanuel Leconte is a French actor best known for his role as King Francis I in the television hit series The Tudors. He has also has starred in: Monsieur Max , La Ravisseuse , and À tout de suite... (2007–2008)	Francis I of France Francis I of France Francis I was King of France from 1515 until his death. During his reign, huge cultural changes took place in France and he has been called France's original Renaissance monarch...	Episode 1.02	Episode 2.08
Adversary and ally of King Henry VIII
Queen Claude of France	Gabriella Wright (2007)	Claude of France Claude of France Claude of France was a princess and queen consort of France and ruling Duchess of Brittany. She was the eldest daughter of Louis XII of France and Anne, Duchess of Brittany....	Episode 1.02	Episode 1.08
Queen consort of Francis I of France. She rejects the Duke of Suffolk's advances because she believed that making love for revenge (at her husband, who flaunts his mistresses much like Henry VIII) kills the soul.

Thomas Wyatt	Jamie King (2007–2008)	Thomas Wyatt Thomas Wyatt (poet) Sir Thomas Wyatt was a 16th-century English lyrical poet credited with introducing the sonnet into English. He was born at Allington Castle, near Maidstone in Kent – though his family was originally from Yorkshire...	Episode 1.03	Episode 2.10
The former love of Anne Boleyn, poet Thomas Wyatt befriends and collaborates with composer Thomas Tallis while both are on a trip to France France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... with Cardinal Wolsey. He claims to have had carnal relations with Anne, although this is at odds with Anne saying that her maidenhead was only for her husband to claim. He makes few appearances in the first season, but appears frequently in the second. He still holds and proclaims his feelings for Anne even though she has married the King. Wyatt is arrested and charged with being betraying Henry but is released in time to see Anne's execution.

Emperor Charles	Sebastian Armesto Sebastian Armesto -Television and film:Armesto played Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in the series The Tudors. He also starred alongside Jane Asher in the 2008 ITV drama series The Palace as the King's carefree younger brother Prince George. He then played the character of Edmund Sparkler in the 2008 BBC version of... (2007)	Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V was ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1519 and, as Charles I, of the Spanish Empire from 1516 until his voluntary retirement and abdication in favor of his younger brother Ferdinand I and his son Philip II in 1556.As...	Episode 1.03	Episode 1.03
Alternatively the ally and adversary of King Henry VIII, Charles is Holy Roman Emperor Holy Roman Emperor The Holy Roman Emperor is a term used by historians to denote a medieval ruler who, as German King, had also received the title of "Emperor of the Romans" from the Pope... and the nephew of Henry's first wife, Queen Katherine. He was betrothed to Princess Mary, although he later broke the betrothal in order to marry Isabella of Portugal.

Lady Salisbury	Kate O'Toole Kate O'Toole (actress) Kate E. O'Toole is an Irish actress. She is the daughter of actors Peter O'Toole and Siân Phillips and was named after Katharine Hepburn.... (2007–2009)	Margaret Pole, 8th Countess of Salisbury Margaret Pole, 8th Countess of Salisbury Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury was an English peeress, one of two women in sixteenth-century England to be a peeress in her own right with no titled husband, the daughter of George of Clarence, the brother of King Edward IV and King Richard III...	Episode 1.05	Episode 3.06
A middleaged noblewoman who is charged to act as governess and guardian to Princess Mary, daughter of King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, when the princess is awarded her own household in the Welsh marches. Lady Salisbury later earns the King's enmity as the mother of Reginald Pole, who declines his offer of an appointment to a senior position in the Church of England but reluctantly accepts the rank of cardinal from the Pope. With Cardinal Pole beyond his reach Henry takes vengeance against his family by having Lady Salisbury, another of her sons and her young grandson executed. Historically this was widely seen as an atrocious act by Henry against an elderly woman who was innocent of any crime.

Catherine Willoughby Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk	Rebekah Wainwright (2007–2009) Marcella Plunkett (2010)	Catherine Willoughby, 12th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby	Episode 1.10 (Wainwright) Episode 4.10 (Plunkett)	Episode 3.08 (Wainwright) Episode 4.10 (Plunkett)
Charles Brandon Charles Brandon Charles Brandon may refer to:Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, close friend and brother-in-law of Henry VIIICharles Brandon, 3rd Duke of Suffolk, second son of the above and his fourth wife, Catherine Willoughby*Charles Brandon... 's seventeen year old ward, Catherine becomes his second wife and Duchess of Suffolk. With her sharp-tongued wit, she motivates Brandon to "keep his pretty head" despite his hatred for Anne Boleyn, now Queen. When Catherine learns that Brandon has had a brief affair with the French ambassador's mistress she forgives him, saying that he was the only one who made her cry. In Season 3 their marriage suffers from her contempt for Brandon's willingness to enforce the King's orders in ruthlessly putting down Catholic unrest in northern England. In season 4, she is not present and is estranged from her husband.

Lady Eleanor Luke	Andrea Lowe Andrea Lowe Andrea Lowe is an English actress.-Career:She started her theatre career at the Sheffield's Crucible Theatre in the play The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter.... (2008)		Episode 2.03	Episode 2.04
Briefly the mistress of King Henry, though of no historical basis.Henry takes an instant liking to her over the Christmas festivities when she comes to court to attend Queen Anne. He quickly makes her his mistress and Anne discovers their affair. She demands her brother gets rid of her, which he does by accusing her of stealing Anne's jewels. Lady Eleanor leaves the Court and is later mentioned when Henry asks Anne why she was dismissed. Anne replies that Eleanor stole something precious.

Eustace Chapuys	Anthony Brophy (2007–2010)	Eustace Chapuys Eustace Chapuys Eustace Chapuys was a Savoyard diplomat who served as the Imperial ambassador to England from 1529 until 1545 and is best known for his extensive and detailed correspondence.-Life:...	Episode 1.03	Episode 4.08
Holy Roman Emperor Charles V's ambassador to the court of Henry VIII. As the Emperor is the nephew to Katherine of Aragon, his ambassador acts as her ally and plots against Anne Boleyn but achieves little. Chapuys attempts to use the devoutly Catholic courtier William Brereton to assassinate Anne but the conspiracy fails. Brereton is subsequently executed for (falsely) admitting that he had an affair with Queen Anne. While presented as a devious diplomat and courtier, Chapuys appears genuinely devoted to Lady Mary, advising and reassuring her during the period that she is out of favour with the King.

Edward Seymour	Max Brown Max Brown Max Brown is an English actor. Max was born in Ilkley, Yorkshire, England, but spent most of his childhood in the town of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, which he refers to as his home.... (2008–2010)	Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, 1st Earl of Hertford, 1st Viscount Beauchamp of Hache, KG, Earl Marshal was Lord Protector of England in the period between the death of Henry VIII in 1547 and his own indictment in 1549....	Episode 2.08	Episode 4.10
Brother of Jane Seymour, he is quickly elevated as Jane gained the King's favour. His behaviour suggests that he cares more about the family's status than Jane's happiness. He acts as gaoler for Lady Somerset and her family, taking each in turn to their execution.

Lady Ursula Misseldon	Charlotte Salt Charlotte Salt Charlotte Salt is an English actress. She attended St Dominic's Priory School .... (2009)		Episode 3.01	Episode 3.05
A lady in waiting to Queen Jane though not a historical figure. She is the mistress of Sir Francis Bryan and subsequently King Henry who finds her bravery arousing. She arrives at court during the King and new Queen's wedding celebrations. She is engaged to be married but does not think twice of using her body for advancement and rewards.

Princess/Lady Elizabeth Tudor	Kate Duggan (2008) Claire MacCauley (2009) Laoise Murray Laoise Murray Laoise Murray is an Irish actress. She portrayed Princess Elizabeth Tudor on the Showtime television series The Tudors in 2010.... (2010)	Elizabeth I of England Elizabeth I of England Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...	Episode 2.07 (Duggan) Episode 3.03 (MacCauley) Episode 4.01 (Murray)	Episode 2.10 (Duggan) Episode 3.07 (MacCauley) Episode 4.10 (Murray) (4.10 Dream Sequence)
The daughter of Henry and Anne Boleyn. During Elizabeth's infancy, she is proclaimed Princess of England and the Act of Succession nominates her as the heir to the throne, supplanting her older half-sister, Mary, who is sent to Elizabeth's establishment at Hatfield to wait on her. Shortly before Anne's execution, her marriage to Henry is annulled, making Elizabeth a bastard. She is removed from the line of succession and referred to as Lady Elizabeth. In the aftermath of Anne's execution, Henry is initially unwilling to have anything to do with Elizabeth, claiming not to believe that she is his child, but when Elizabeth's half-sister, Mary, and stepmother, Jane Seymour, arrange for her to be brought to court and presented to her father for Christmas 1536, she is welcomed. She attends the christening of her half-brother, Edward, and later goes to live at Hundson with Mary. In episode 3.07, Elizabeth and Mary are present at court to greet their newest stepmother, Anne of Cleves. At this time, Henry refers to both daughters by the title of Princess but it is unclear whether or not they have been restored to the succession. Elizabeth develops a closness to her brother and sister in Season 4 but remains emotionaly distant from her father at times. By the end Hennry acknowledges, while conversing with the spirit of Anne Bolyn, that he has always been proud of his daughter and does recognise that she is very intelligent. He also reveals that he wishes that he could have shown her more affection but that her resemblance to her mother made him keep her at arms length.

Thomas Seymour	Andrew McNair Andrew McNair (actor) Andrew "Andy" McNair , is a British actor, probably best known for his role on Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.-Career:... (2009–2010)	Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley, KG was an English politician.Thomas spent his childhood in Wulfhall, outside Savernake Forest, in Wiltshire. Historian David Starkey describes Thomas thus: 'tall, well-built and with a dashing beard and auburn hair, he was irresistible to women'...	Episode 3.04	Episode 4.10
Younger brother to Edward Seymour, older brother to Queen Jane Seymour, and uncle to Prince Edward Tudor. Thomas appears as an associate of Sir Francis Bryan, in their search to find and kill Cardinal Pole.

Cardinal Reginald Pole	Mark Hildreth Mark Hildreth (actor) Mark Hildreth is a Canadian actor and musician, based in the U.S. He has appeared in many movie and television roles. A graduate of The National Theater School of Canada, Mark Hildreth's theater credits include Hamlet , Bertram in All's well that Ends well , Richard of Gloucester in Richard III and... (2009)	Reginald Pole	Episode 3.01	Episode 3.07
A Catholic priest studying in Italy, Pole is also an heir of the deposed House of Plantagenet House of Plantagenet The House of Plantagenet , a branch of the Angevins, was a royal house founded by Geoffrey V of Anjou, father of Henry II of England. Plantagenet kings first ruled the Kingdom of England in the 12th century. Their paternal ancestors originated in the French province of Gâtinais and gained the... via his mother, Margaret Pole, the Countess of Salisbury. Reginald is created a Cardinal, and with the guidance of his mentor, Cardinal von Waldburg, seeks to undermine Henry VIII's throne by taking advantage of the civil unrest in Yorkshire to encourage the King's foreign enemies to support the rebellion. Henry's outrage over this is visited on Pole's family.

Earl of Surrey	David O'Hara David O'Hara David O'Hara is a Scottish actor.-Life and career:O'Hara was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of Martha and Patrick O'Hara, a construction worker....	Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey Henry Howard, KG, , known as The Earl of Surrey although he never was a peer, was an English aristocrat, and one of the founders of English Renaissance poetry.-Life:...	Episode 4.01	Episode 4.09
An eminent poet with a reputation for debauchery, the Earl grew up with Henry VIII's illegitimate son Henry Fitzroy Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset was the son of King Henry VIII of England and his teenage mistress, Elizabeth Blount, the only illegitimate offspring whom Henry acknowledged.-Childhood:... . Henry Howard is also portrayed as an aggressive and fearless soldier. As the son of the Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, KG, Earl Marshal was a prominent Tudor politician. He was uncle to Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of the wives of King Henry VIII, and played a major role in the machinations behind these marriages... and the cousin of both Katherine Howard and Anne Boleyn Anne Boleyn Anne Boleyn ;c.1501/1507 – 19 May 1536) was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 as the second wife of Henry VIII of England and Marquess of Pembroke in her own right. Henry's marriage to Anne, and her subsequent execution, made her a key figure in the political and religious upheaval that was the... , he considers the Seymour family to be his enemy. He also has an intense hatred for the members of court who come from commoner level families.

External links

The Tudors characters ~ Showtime

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