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Robert Llewellyn (born 10 March 1956) is an English actor, comedian, writer and television presenter. He is best known for playing the mechanoid Kryten in the long-running sci‑fi comedy series Red Dwarf, a role he first undertook at the start of the programme's third series. Llewellyn began his entertainment career in alternative comedy and fringe theatre with the group The Joeys, moving from a previous trade as a professional shoemaker into full‑time performing. Beyond acting he established a strong presence as a presenter and content creator: he hosted the engineering contest show Scrapheap Challenge, launched the widely viewed web series Carpool, and runs the online Everything Electric/EV projects. Llewellyn has also done voice work in animation and feature films, published books and continues to work across television, film and online media while advocating electric transport and renewable technology.

... Robert Llewellyn (born 10 March 1956 in Northampton) trained as a shoemaker before turning to performance, first finding a profile on the alternative comedy circuit in the early 1980s with the troupe The Joeys. He co‑wrote and starred in Channel 4's 1987 sitcom The Corner House and his one‑man show at the Edinburgh Fringe led to his casting as Kryten in Red Dwarf, a role that has remained central to his screen identity. Llewellyn expanded into television presenting with the engineering gameshow Scrapheap Challenge and has fronted factual programmes including editions of How Do They Do It? and the BBC Two documentary series The World's Busiest Railway. He sustained a strong online profile with the car‑based interview series Carpool (web and televised versions) and the Everything Electric/EV project, combining journalism, advocacy and event promotion. His screen work also includes voice roles (for example the gryphon in the Jim Henson‑produced film MirrorMask) and appearances in independent films such as the Ashens features. Llewellyn has authored books, presents technology‑focused content, and remains active across stage, broadcast and digital platforms. Then & Now The 1980s In the 1980s Llewellyn moved from his training as a shoemaker into alternative comedy with the troupe The Joeys, building a profile on the fringe circuit and in one‑man shows. A one‑man Edinburgh Fringe show led directly to his casting as the mechanoid Kryten at the start of Red Dwarf’s third series, and he also co‑wrote and starred in Channel 4’s 1987 sitcom The Corner House. Those roles marked his transition from stage comedy to mainstream television and established Kryten as a signature screen identity. His physical comedy and timing helped shape British sci‑fi comedy during the decade. Now (2026) As of 2026 Llewellyn remains active across television, film and online media, continuing to act while producing and presenting original content. He is best known for creating the web series Carpool and for running the Everything Electric/EV projects, using those platforms to advocate electric transport and renewable technology. His earlier presenting work on shows such as Scrapheap Challenge, his voice and writing credits, and his long‑running association with Kryten combine to define his legacy as a versatile performer and a popular champion of engineering and green mobility. Career timeline 10 March 1956 Born in Northampton, England. Early 1980s Performed with alternative comedy troupe The Joeys and moved from shoemaking into full‑time comedy and theatre work. 1987 Co‑wrote and starred in the Channel 4 sitcom The Corner House. 1989 Joined the cast of Red Dwarf as the mechanoid Kryten at the start of the third series. 1992 Appeared in the sitcom Bottom (episode "Parade") as Mr. N. Stiles. 2005 Provided the voice of the gryphon in the feature film MirrorMask. 2008 Published the book Sold Out: How I Survived a Year of Not Shopping, based on his Making Do series. 2009–2014 Created and ran the web interview series Carpool, later adapted for television. 2013 Appeared in the independent feature Ashens and the Quest for the GameChild alongside Stuart Ashen and Warwick Davis. 2015 Co‑presented the BBC Two documentary The World's Busiest Railway (later shown on Netflix as Mumbai Railway). 2020 Appeared in the film Ashens and the Polybius Heist and in the Red Dwarf special The Promised Land as Kryten. Memorable screen quotes “I'm a very important man. I've got a tower.”MirrorMask (2005) “We often confuse what we wish for with what is.”MirrorMask (2005) “NOOOO, I DON'T WANNA BE A WAITER!!!”MirrorMask (2005) “Look! An idiot!”MirrorMask (2005) Public reference sources Public biography and credit reference.Robert Llewellyn – Wikipedia reference search Public biography and credit reference.Robert Llewellyn – IMDb name search Biographical and credit details were checked against Robert Llewellyn – Wikipedia reference search, Robert Llewellyn – IMDb name search.