Tom Burke: Biography, Height & Cleft Lip Myths

If you’ve seen Tom Burke’s face and wondered whether that sharp, angular look is the result of a cleft lip, you’re not alone—the actor, best known as Cormoran Strike on Netflix’s Strike, has been the subject of that rumour for years. This guide sorts fact from fiction—his real name, his height, his family background, and the roles that made him a household name—all backed by verified sources.

Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) ·
Date of birth: 30 June 1981 ·
Year started acting: 1999 ·
Netflix series as of 2025: The Strike (C.B. Strike) ·
Parents: both actors ·
Godfather: Alan Rickman

Seven key biographical facts, one pattern: almost every detail about Tom Burke has been misreported online. Here’s what the records actually say.

Does Tom Burke have a cleft lip?

What is a cleft lip?

• A cleft lip is a birth condition where there is an opening in the upper lip, often repaired surgically in infancy.
• Tom Burke was born with a cleft lip and underwent reconstructive surgery, according Wikipedia.

Does Tom Burke have a birthmark or scar?

• The actor’s facial appearance is natural; the slight asymmetry visible in some photos is a result of the cleft lip repair, not a birthmark.
• Speculation about a “cleft lip or scar” originated in online forums, but Wikipedia confirms the cleft lip history.

The implication: the cleft lip myth stems from a simple lack of factual context. Once you know the reconstruction story, the rumours collapse.

What is Tom Burke’s real name?

Full birth name

• Tom Liam Benedict Burke (IMDb)
• Born 30 June 1981 in Kent, England (IMDb)
• Parents: Anna Calder-Marshall and David Burke, both actors (TV Insider)

Meaning of middle names

• His full name is given as Tom Liam Benedict Burke; “Liam” and “Benedict” are family names, though their exact origin is not publicly documented.

The pattern: Burke kept his birth name unchanged—no stage-name adjustments—which is rare for actors from theatrical families.

What is the new series of Tom Burke on Netflix?

The Strike (C.B. Strike) series details

• Tom Burke portrays Cormoran Strike in the BBC adaptation of Robert Galbraith’s novels, available on Netflix in many regions (Wikipedia).
• The series began in 2017; the latest season was released in 2024.

Other Netflix projects

• Burke has no other lead Netflix series beyond Strike; his appearance in The Crown (2022) as Derek “Dazzle” Jennings was on Netflix, but as a supporting role (Wikipedia).

The trade-off: Burke’s Netflix presence is tied to one franchise, but that franchise has deep source material (six novels so far) ensuring longevity.

What detective series is Tom Burke in?

Cormoran Strike character analysis

• Burke plays the one-legged war veteran turned private detective Cormoran Strike (IMDb).
• The character’s physical disability is a central plot element, and Burke has said in interviews that he studied amputee gait to portray it authentically.

Strike series vs other detective roles

• Burke’s only detective series is Strike; he has not played a detective in any other show. His role in The Musketeers (Athos) was a swordsman, not a detective.
• The series is co-produced by BBC and Netflix, reaching a global audience.

What this means: if you’re looking for a brooding, cerebral detective, Strike is the only option. Burke’s other roles are period dramas or action films.

Is Tom Burke related to Alan Rickman?

Family connections

• Tom Burke is the godson of Alan Rickman (TV Insider).
• Rickman was a family friend; Burke’s mother, Anna Calder-Marshall, acted with Rickman.

Rickman’s relationship with Burke

• No biological relation. Rickman said in interviews that he was proud of Burke’s career, but they are not blood relatives.

The catch: many fans assume “godson” means “nephew” or “cousin.” Burke and Rickman were close through friendship, not genetics.

How tall is Tom Burke?

• Listed height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) according to IMDb. Some sources claim 6 ft 3 in, but the most reliable record (IMDb) states 6 ft 0 in.
• His height is consistent with his on-screen presence alongside co-stars.

The implication: the 6’3″ myth probably started from fan forums; the only verified measurement is from his official IMDb page.

What movies and TV shows has Tom Burke been in?

Notable television roles

• The Musketeers (2014–2016) – Athos (Wikipedia)
• War & Peace (2016) – Dolokhov (Wikipedia)
• The Crown (2022) – Derek “Dazzle” Jennings (Wikipedia)
• Game of Thrones – Burke did not appear; a rumoured role in a spin-off is unconfirmed.

Feature films

• Only God Forgives (2013) – supporting role (TV Insider)
• Mank (2020) – Orson Welles (Wikipedia)
• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) – Praetorian Jack (Wikipedia)

Stage work

• Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) after attending the National Youth Theatre (The Big Issue).
• Stage credits include productions at the Young Arden Theatre and Box Clever Theatre Company.

What this means: his filmography spans swords, spies, and sci-fi—but the common thread is intense, physically committed performance. For a similar swashbuckling style, see the true story behind A Thousand Blows.

“I don’t really know what a career is. I just try to get excited about the next thing.”

– Tom Burke, as quoted in The Big Issue

Burke has called playing Cormoran Strike a gift, saying he gets to explore a character who is both physically and emotionally wounded but never a victim.

For Tom Burke, the career arc is clear: from stage and period roles to a defining detective franchise. The myths around his appearance and family are just that—myths. For viewers in the UK and beyond, the real story is a classically trained actor who brings depth to every role, whether he’s swinging a sword or limping through a London alleyway. For more actor biographies, check out our profile on Cameron Monaghan.