Patrick Baladi

Early life and education

Baladi's father is a gynaecologist and obstetrician from Libya, and his mother was a midwife. Baladi grew up with his brother Nick and three sisters Sara, Charlotte, and Bungie. He was educated at Stonyhurst College, where he was the first student to win the Charles Laughton Prize for his roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (as Pharaoh) and Amadeus (as Mozart). After school he went on to train as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Career

Baladi is known for his portrayal of David Brent's suave and charming nemesis, Neil Godwin, in the BBC's hit comedy-mockumentary series, The Office. He appeared in the second and final series of the award-winning show, as well as the subsequent The Office Christmas Special.

In addition to The Office, Baladi has appeared in various films and television shows, including Bodies, Kidnap and Ransom, as Philip Shaffer, ITV (2011), Alpha Male, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Beyond The Pole, Bodies, P.O.W, Lady Audley's Secret, Grafters, Silent Witness, The International, Party Animals, Mistresses, Rev., Sensitive Skin, Privates and Stella.

Baladi portrayed Dodi Al-Fayed in the 2007 television docudrama Diana: Last Days of a Princess. In 2008 he had a small role in the romantic comedy Last Chance Harvey, appearing alongside Emma Thompson. He is also a stage actor who has appeared in numerous productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company, such as Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing. He starred in the comedy No Heroics as Excelsor.

Personal life

Baladi married his long-time girlfriend, Gemma Walker, at Sandals Halcyon Beach in St Lucia on 9 January 2007. Their daughter Ava was born on 3 March 2007. He is a member of the band Grow Up, along with Keith Allen.