Laurence Rickard: Biography, Career & Personal Life

It’s not every actor who gets to play two completely different ghosts in the same haunted house. But Laurence Rickard does it so naturally that many viewers don’t even realise Robin the grunting caveman and Humphrey the headless Tudor lord share the same face. This article breaks down the career of the BAFTA-winning comedian, the roles that made him a household name, and what he’s up to now.

Born: 14 June 1975 ·
Occupation: Actor, writer, comedian ·
Known for: Ghosts, Horrible Histories ·
Member of: Them There collective ·
BAFTA-winning: Yes ·
Nationality: English

The snapshot table below distills Rickard’s vital stats and affiliations into a single reference.

What is Laurence Rickard doing now?

Since Ghosts wrapped in 2023, Rickard hasn’t stopped. He’s active on social media, sharing snippets of daily life, and reportedly working on new projects including co-writing the BBC show Amandaland (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)).

What is Laurence Rickard’s current status?

• He continues to write and act, with recent voice work and upcoming shows mentioned on his official site (Laurence Rickard Official Website (personal portfolio)).
• He remains a core member of the Them There collective, a group that continues to collaborate on new ideas.

The pattern: Rickard’s career keeps evolving but always loops back to his trusted collaborators. For fans wondering what’s next, the answer is probably more ensemble comedy with the same crew.

Who did Laurence Rickard play in Ghosts?

Rickard took on two wildly different roles in the BBC sitcom: Robin, a grunting Neanderthal from 10,000 BCE, and Humphrey, a Tudor nobleman whose head was separated from his body (BBC Media Centre (BBC’s press hub)). He also appeared in minor roles across the series.

Are Robin and Humphrey played by the same person?

• Yes — Rickard plays both. Robin is a cave-dwelling ghost with limited vocabulary, while Humphrey is a headless ghost whose head (also played by Rickard) is carried around by other characters.
• The duality showcases his range within the same show (Acast (podcast interview)).

Does Laurence Rickard play Robin and Humphrey?

• Confirmed: he appears in 35 episodes as both characters according to IMDb (IMDb (film and television database)).

What this means: Few actors get to inhabit two complete strangers under the same roof. Rickard’s ability to make both characters distinct and beloved is a key reason Ghosts worked so well.

Who are the six idiots?

The nickname “six idiots” refers to the six core members of the Them There collective: Laurence Rickard, Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, and Ben Willbond (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)). They met on the set of Horrible Histories and have worked together ever since.

Who are the members of the Them There collective?

• All six are actors, writers, and comedians who together created Yonderland, Ghosts, and the film Bill (Varsity (University of Cambridge newspaper)).

What is the origin of the six idiots nickname?

• The term was coined affectionately by the group themselves, referencing their chaotic creative process.

The catch: Despite the self-deprecating name, the six have won multiple BAFTAs and critical acclaim — their idiocy is clearly a deliberate branding choice.

Are the Horrible Histories cast friends?

The short answer is yes. The core cast of Horrible Histories — Rickard, Baynton, Farnaby, Howe-Douglas, Howick, and Willbond — have remained close friends and collaborators for over a decade (Laurence Rickard Official Website).

Do the Horrible Histories cast members still work together?

• They formed the Them There production company and have co-created three TV shows plus a feature film.
• Rickard’s official site highlights that the group still actively develops new projects together.

How did the Horrible Histories cast form their bond?

• They met during the first series of Horrible Histories in 2009, quickly discovering a shared comedic style and work ethic (Acast (podcast interview)).

Why this matters: Their friendship is the engine behind many of the most acclaimed British comedies of the past decade. When you watch Ghosts, you’re seeing a group that genuinely enjoys working together.

Why did Ghosts end so abruptly?

The BBC series concluded after five series in 2023. The creators have said it was a planned ending, not a cancellation (IMDb (film database)). The tight, serialised storytelling may have made the finale feel sudden to some viewers.

Was Ghosts cancelled or did it have a planned ending?

• Rickard and the team designed the fifth series as a natural conclusion, wrapping up character arcs.

Will there be a Ghosts revival?

• No official announcement. An American adaptation ran on CBS for two seasons, but the original UK team has not signalled a return.

The trade-off: A shorter run with a planned finale is often more satisfying than a show outstaying its welcome. Ghosts fans may mourn, but the ending was intentional.

What is Laurence Rickard’s family and personal life?

Rickard keeps his personal life relatively private. He is married (his wife’s name is not publicly known) and has one son (Official Website).

Who is Laurence Rickard’s wife?

• Not publicly disclosed. Rickard has not shared her name in any major interview or social media.

Does Laurence Rickard have children?

• Yes, one son. He occasionally posts about fatherhood on Instagram.

What is Laurence Rickard’s net worth?

• Exact figures aren’t public. Based on his sustained career in television and writing, estimates place it in the low millions, but nothing is confirmed.

The implication: Rickard seems to prioritise creative output over publicising his wealth, which fits the low-key image he projects.

“Laurence Rickard is an English actor, writer, and comedian best known as a member of the Them There collective.”

— Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)

“Garden-based quarantining with the world’s worst hide-and-seeker. Hope everyone is staying safe.”

— Laurence Rickard, Instagram (@lazbotron)

Rickard’s combination of slapstick physical comedy and sharp writing has earned him a loyal following. For fans wanting more, the best bet is to follow his social channels and wait for the next Them There project.

Frequently asked questions