Steven Knight

Steven Knight was born on August 5, 1959, in Birmingham, England, to George and Ida Knight. Growing up as the youngest of seven children, his early life in the West Midlands shaped his future creative endeavors. He pursued his education, studying English at University College London. After completing his studies, Knight returned to Birmingham before relocating to London, where he began his career writing radio commercials for Capital Radio. His initial foray into television involved writing comedy, which gradually led him to novel writing and ultimately, to screenwriting, where he would achieve significant recognition.

Knight co-created the international game show phenomenon, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” alongside Mike Whitehill and David Briggs, which has been remade in approximately 160 countries worldwide since 1998. Transitioning into acclaimed film work, he wrote the screenplays for “Dirty Pretty Things” (2002), which earned him an Edgar Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay and a London Film Critics Circle award for British Screenwriter of the Year, and “Eastern Promises” (2007). He further expanded his career by directing films such as “Hummingbird” (2013), starring Jason Statham, and “Locke” (2013), featuring Tom Hardy, the latter of which received a British Independent Film Award for Best Screenplay. His work reflects a consistent engagement with narratives often exploring complex characters within challenging environments.

His television career also boasts the creation and writing of the critically acclaimed series “Peaky Blinders” (2013–2022), which gained a global following. Other notable TV projects include “Taboo” (2017), “See” (2019–2022), “A Christmas Carol” (2019), and “SAS: Rogue Heroes” (2022–present). Knight has continued to write for major film productions, penning the scripts for “Spencer” (2021), focusing on Diana, Princess of Wales, and “Maria” (2024), starring Angelina Jolie. In a significant career development, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2020 for his contributions to drama, entertainment, and the community in Birmingham, further cementing his status in the industry.