Brett Goldstein was born on 17 July 1980 in Sutton, London, into a British Jewish family. He attended Sevenoaks School, then studied Film and Feminism at the University of Warwick. In a particularly colorful chapter, after university he spent some time in Marbella, Spain, working at a strip club his father had purchased—an experience he later transformed into material for his stand-up show “Brett Goldstein Grew Up in a Strip Club.”
He also trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, developing his acting skills and writing ambitions.
Career Breakthrough & Notable Roles
Goldstein’s early screen credits include appearances on British comedies like Derek, Drifters, Uncle, and Hoff the Record. In 2015, he wrote and starred in SuperBob, a quirky romantic-superhero film set in Peckham, blending humor with earnestness.
His big break, however, came with Ted Lasso. Originally brought on as a writer, Goldstein also auditioned for and won the role of Roy Kent, the grizzled, fierce, and often foul-mouthed footballer. His portrayal earned him Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in both 2021 and 2022.
Beyond acting, he co-created Shrinking (2023) and worked on Soulmates, expanding his influence behind the camera as a writer and producer.
Stand-Up, Podcasting & Personal Voice
Goldstein remains a committed stand-up comedian. His shows have toured the UK and beyond—some titled Brett Goldstein Contains Scenes of an Adult Nature, Burning Man, and more recently The Second Best Night of Your Life. In 2025, he premiered his first HBO special by that same title, where he delves into topics like love, masculinity, and everyday absurdities.
He also hosts the podcast “Films To Be Buried With”, where guests discuss the films that shaped their lives—a reflective platform aligning with his clever yet emotional sensibility.
Style & Legacy
What makes Goldstein stand out is his ability to blend biting humor with emotional depth. Roy Kent isn’t just a tough guy—he’s vulnerable, wounded, and real. That kind of layered work has earned Goldstein both critical praise and devoted fans.
He’s also known for his candor, willingness to experiment (both in stand-up and writing), and the way he challenges expectations—something audiences didn’t always expect from a man who once worked in a Marbella strip club, but now sits among TV’s most respected creatives.
