British actor and banjo aficionado Ricky Tomlinson was best known for his role as head of the household Jim Royle in the hit British television show The Royle Family. Tomlinson appeared in his first film role in 1990. He eventually appeared in hit television soap Brookside, and then landed the role of Jim Royle, which made him a household name in England. In 2001 he released an album of songs entitled Music My Arse, and in 2006 he released the Christmas single "Christmas My Arse," which made the Top 25. In 2007 he had some ups and downs, undergoing heart bypass surgery. He made a full recovery. ~ Chris True