Rhashan Stone

Rhashan Stone (born November 3, 1969) is an American-born British actor and comedian based in the UK.

He is best known for appearing in many comedy shows such as Desmond's and Mutual Friends.

Stone was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to soul and jazz singer Joanne Stone.

When he was six years old, his mother married the British singer/songwriter Russell Stone, and they moved to the UK to live with him.

Together, his mother and stepfather formed the singing duo R&J Stone.

His aunt Madeline Bell was also involved in the music industry and became the lead singer for Blue Mink.

When Stone was 11, his mother died from a brain tumor.

In later years, he studied acting at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

Stone is a classically trained singer, musician and composer of jazz, soul and gospel music.

Stone started his stage career in 1991 in ''As You Like It by Cheek by Jowl at the Albery Theatre.

''As a stage actor, he has performed in productions for The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre and in London's West End.

He played Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing at the Barbican Theatre in 1997, Hero in the Sondheim musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in 1999, and the king's brother Clarence in Richard III at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in 2001.

Stone married actress Olivia Williams in 2003; the couple have two daughters.