Andrew Thacher

Brendan Coyle, birth name David Coyle; born December 2, 1962, is a British-Irish actor. In 1999, he won the Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for *The Weir*. He is also known for portraying Nicholas Higgins in the miniseries *North & South*, Robert Timmins in the first three series of *Lark Rise to Candleford*, and more recently, Mr. Bates the valet in *Downton Abbey*. He received BAFTA nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and Best Supporting Actor.