Mark Arden

Mark David Darwin Arden, born on July 31, 1956, in Newbury, Berkshire, is a celebrated British comedian and actor, renowned for his extensive work on television. He gained fame in the 1980s as one half of the comedy duo 'The Oblivion Boys,' alongside Stephen Frost.

Arden rose to prominence during the late 1970s alternative comedy movement, captivating audiences with his performances on the hit show Saturday Live. He played a significant role in the establishment of the long-running north London comedy production, News Revue. The duo's on-screen chemistry was showcased in various programs, including iconic series like The Black Adder and The Young Ones. They are perhaps best remembered for their memorable advertisements for Carling Black Label lager, which famously featured Arden and Frost appearing nude.

While Arden frequently collaborated with Frost in comedy clubs, he chose not to delve into improvisational comedy. Instead, he portrayed the character Johnny Blackpool, a paranoid ex-soldier, in the 1994 partially-improvised film There's No Business..., sharing the screen with the comedy duo Raw Sex.

In addition to his comedic ventures, Arden played Roland 'Vaseline' Cartwright in the popular series London's Burning and appeared in various other comedies, including Blackadder II and Bottom. He also starred in the surreal sitcom Lazarus and Dingwall and the film Carry On Columbus. His theatre work includes significant roles in productions like The Long, the Short and the Tall and An Inspector Calls. After appearing in The Estate Agents in 2002, Arden made a return to television in the 2018 series Endeavour.