Rob Knighton: A Look At His Life and Career
Have you ever heard a story that sounds almost too amazing to be true? A story about someone completely changing their life path much later than most people do? This is the story of Rob Knighton, a man who spent decades working a regular job before finding himself in the spotlight as a successful model and actor. His journey is truly inspiring and shows that it’s never too late to follow a new dream.
Rob Knighton’s Bio
| Name | Rob Knighton |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | England, United Kingdom |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 30 (as of April 2025) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Mother | Not publicly disclosed (shared a photo with his mother on Instagram in July 2013) |
| Legacy | Known for transitioning from a carpet fitter to a successful model and actor, with roles in films like Everyone’s Going to Die and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword |
| Famous For | Modeling career with Select Models and acting roles in notable films |
| Profession | Model and Actor |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $2 million and $5 million as of 2024 |
Early Life and the Path Taken
Rob Knighton was born in Stratford, East London. For a long time, his life wasn’t about glamour or fame. Instead, he built a career in a very practical field: carpet fitting. For over 30 years, Rob worked laying carpets. It was a demanding, physical job that required skill and hard work.
He lived in Essex and later Southend-on-Sea for about 15 years before moving closer to central London, eventually living in areas like Shoreditch and Brick Lane.
This life was far removed from the worlds of high fashion and cinema. He was known as a reliable tradesman. He also had personal interests outside of work. For instance, Rob was a boxer in his younger days and has kept up with training even into his later years. This background likely gave him a certain toughness and discipline.
He also became a father, having a son who would later cheer on his dad’s surprising new career. Day in and day out, Rob Knighton focused on his work, family, and personal life, likely never imagining the dramatic change that lay ahead.
A Discovery That Changed Everything
The turning point for Rob Knighton came around the age of 50, an age when most people are settled into their careers, perhaps even thinking about retirement. The story of his discovery has a couple of slightly different versions, but the core elements remain magical.
One popular account tells of Rob working on a carpet fitting job at the home of a model scout from Next Model Management, a major international agency. The scout saw something special in him – perhaps his rugged good looks, his characterful face, or his general presence.
Another version mentions he was spotted while sunbathing in London Fields, a park in East London. Regardless of the exact location, a scout saw potential in Rob that he hadn’t seen in himself, at least not in terms of a modelling career.
He was approached and asked if he’d consider modelling. For someone who had spent three decades kneeling on floors, the idea must have seemed extraordinary, maybe even unbelievable.
Despite the surprise, Rob decided to take a chance. He was taken on by Next Model Management, becoming, at the time, the oldest new model they had signed. This was unusual; the fashion industry often focuses on youth.
But times were changing, and there was a growing interest in models with more character and life experience – people who looked real and had a story etched onto their faces. Rob Knighton fit this description perfectly.
Stepping onto the Catwalk and into the Frame
Rob’s transition into modelling wasn’t slow; it was remarkably quick. The agency knew their clients would appreciate his unique look. He wasn’t just getting small jobs; he was immediately involved in high-profile projects.
He walked the catwalk for the famous designer Ozwald Boateng, known for his sharp British tailoring. This was a huge step for someone completely new to the industry.
He also appeared in fashion shoots for respected magazines like Arena Homme+, a publication known for its cutting-edge men’s fashion photography. These weren’t just test shots; they were major assignments that put Rob Knighton’s face in front of a wide audience. His look – often described as ruggedly handsome, with a strong presence and piercing eyes – was clearly in demand.
He possessed what the industry sometimes calls a ‘character face,’ meaning it’s interesting, memorable, and tells a story. Combined with being in good physical shape (likely thanks partly to his boxing background), he had a compelling package.
One of his most talked-about early modelling jobs was a television commercial for H&M, the global fashion retailer. This wasn’t just any commercial; he starred alongside one of the most famous men in the world – David Beckham.
Rob recounted spending two days playing pool with Beckham for the shoot, describing the football legend as a “lovely guy” and “normal down to earth.” This campaign significantly raised Rob’s profile, showing he could hold his own next to international superstars.
From Model to Movie Actor
Rob Knighton’s natural presence and comfort in front of the camera soon opened another door: acting. His modelling work often involved embodying a character or a mood, which translated well to the screen. He began appearing in short films and music videos, including one for the popular British band Kaiser Chiefs. These smaller projects allowed him to gain experience and learn the craft of acting.
His feature film debut came with the independent British comedy-drama Everyone’s Going to Die (released around 2013/2015, though filmed earlier). He played the leading male role, Ray, a man returning to his hometown who forms an unlikely connection with a younger foreign woman, played by German actress Nora Tschirner.
The film was made on a small budget (£65,000) and shot quickly (19 days) in Folkestone. It received positive attention at film festivals. Taking on a lead role for his first major film was a significant challenge, but Rob embraced it. He spoke about simply reading the part and believing he was that person, showing a natural, intuitive approach to acting.
This debut opened doors to more film work. He appeared in All Things to All Men (2013), a crime thriller featuring established actors like Toby Stephens and Rufus Sewell, where Rob played a heavy (a tough guy). He also took a role in Anti-Social (2015), directed by Reg Traviss, playing a gang boss. These roles often utilized his strong, sometimes intimidating look, but his performances showed versatility.
Working with Big Names and Big Productions
Rob Knighton’s acting career continued to gain momentum, leading him to work on much larger productions. A major milestone was being cast in Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017).
In this big-budget Hollywood film, Rob played the significant role of Mordred, a key figure in Arthurian legend, often depicted as an antagonist. Working with a high-profile director like Guy Ritchie and being part of a major studio film demonstrated how far Rob had come from his carpet-fitting days.
His filmography continued to grow with roles in films like The Corrupted (2019), where he played a character named Sutton, and more recently, Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance (2023), playing Michael. He also appeared in short films like Murmurs (2019) and Woodhouse (2013).
Each role added to his experience and solidified his place as a working actor. He also has a credit for a future project, Riot on Redchurch Street: The Director’s Cut (listed for 2025), indicating his acting career is ongoing.
His journey from modelling assignments to sharing screen time with famous actors and working under renowned directors is nothing short of remarkable. He proved that his appeal wasn’t just limited to still photographs or commercials; he had the charisma and ability to perform in narrative films.
The Man Behind the Image
What makes Rob Knighton’s story particularly engaging isn’t just the dramatic career change; it’s also Rob himself. People who have worked with him or interviewed him often comment on how down-to-earth he remains despite his success. He hasn’t let the glamour of modelling or the intensity of film sets change his fundamental character.
He famously quipped about his new career, “I love it. It beats working for a living,” but quickly added, “though I didn’t dislike carpets.” This blend of appreciation for his new life and respect for his past work shows humility.
His colleagues and collaborators, like the agency spokeswoman who noted his “fascinating life experience,” recognized that his background added depth to his appeal. He wasn’t just a handsome face; he was someone who had lived a full life before stepping into the limelight.
This authenticity shines through in his work and his interactions. He approaches his roles with a straightforward attitude, focusing on understanding the character and bringing it to life honestly.
His physical attributes are often noted – standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) with blond hair and a fit physique. But it’s the combination of his looks, his life story, and his grounded personality that makes him stand out. He represents a different kind of aspiration – not one based on achieving fame young, but on embracing unexpected opportunities whenever they arise in life.
An Inspiring Example
Rob Knighton’s life story serves as a powerful reminder that life can take surprising turns and that it’s never too late to discover new talents or pursue new passions. He transitioned from a trade requiring physical labour and practical skills to creative fields demanding presence, performance, and adaptability, all starting around the age of 50.
His success in both modelling and acting shows that qualities like authenticity, life experience, and a strong work ethic are valuable in any profession, including those often perceived as being obsessed with youth and superficiality. He broke the mould and proved that ‘character’ can be just as, if not more, appealing than conventional standards.
For anyone feeling stuck in a routine or thinking it’s too late to try something new, Rob Knighton’s journey offers encouragement. He took a leap of faith when opportunity knocked and found a whole new life and career that he enjoys immensely. He didn’t seek fame, but his unique qualities brought it to him.
Continuing the Journey
Rob Knighton continues to work in the industries that discovered him relatively late in life. He remains represented by Select Model Management in London, indicating ongoing work in modelling.
His recent and upcoming film roles show that he is still active as an actor. He maintains a presence on social media, like Instagram (@robknighton1), where people can get glimpses of his work and life.
From the floors of London homes to the film sets of major motion pictures, Rob Knighton’s path has been extraordinary. He embraced a second chance at a career, proving that age is no barrier to starting anew and achieving success in fields as competitive as modelling and acting.
His story is not just about a career change; it’s about the possibilities that life can hold when you remain open to them. Rob Knighton, the former carpet fitter from East London, became an unlikely star, inspiring many with his incredible and ongoing journey.
FAQs
Who is Rob Knighton?
He is a British model and actor, known for roles in films like King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and Everyone’s Going to Die.
When was he born?
February 10, 1995.
Where is he from?
Hertfordshire, England.
How did he start modeling?
He was scouted at the Boardmasters festival and later signed with Select Model Management.
What are his physical stats?
Height: 6’1″ (185 cm), Hair: Blond, Eyes: Blue.
Which modeling agencies represent him?
Select Model Management (London) and Sight Management Studio (Barcelona).
What are some of his acting credits?
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), All Things to All Men (2013), and Riot on Redchurch Street: The Director’s Cut (2025).Does he have any other interests?
He enjoys BMX riding and shares related content on Instagram.
