Former Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall was sacked from Iceland for wearing sunglasses and spent time working in a 'grim' toothpaste factory.
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time and Kirsten McStay Showbiz Deputy Editor
10:39, 08 Aug 2025
Beyond Paradise star Kris Marshall has opened up about his remarkable journey into acting, revealing how he was kicked out of school and lost jobs before finding fame.
The actor, who plays Detective Humphrey Goodman, has carved out a successful career with roles in My Family, Love Actually, and Death in Paradise, despite his rocky start.
In a candid interview, Kris shared insights into his challenging path to stardom, which was filled with obstacles but eventually led to his thriving career.
He's currently filming his latest project as Detective Humphrey Goodman in Beyond Paradise.
Following his school expulsion, Kris found himself at a crossroads: retake his exams or chase his acting dreams.
Speaking to the Guardian, the Love Actually star confessed: "The only problem was, I had no idea how to get into the industry. Instead, I worked the odd, crazy job to make ends meet - doing shifts in a toothpaste factory or in the laundry of an abattoir."
He remembered one especially horrible experience: "That one was pretty grim - the smell will never leave me. I was once fired from Iceland for wearing blue sunglasses on the till, and for a while, I knocked on the doors of people who hadn't paid their TV licences," reports the Express.
Kris's luck turned when he met someone from the entertainment world whilst working behind a bar.
His early career involved travelling with theatre companies before landing his debut film role.
However, it was his performances in Love Actually and the comedy series My Family that really launched him to stardom. He added: "I would get recognised daily. Since then, it hasn't stopped, but I don't mind - it's a small price to pay for what is a wonderful job."
Kris has experienced his share of professional disappointments, including his programme Sanditon being axed before it was ultimately brought back.
Following its struggle to capture viewers during its debut run, Sanditon, adapted from Jane Austen's incomplete work, made a comeback with a second series in July 2022.
In conversation with RadioTimes, Kris reflected on the programme's resurrection: "It is the first show I've been on that has been cancelled and then reinstated.
"The fans did that after it took off in America, organising an incredible campaign to bring the show back."
Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.