Martin Freeman Martin Freeman Martin John Christopher Freeman (born 8 September 1971) is an English actor and comedian, who became known for portraying Tim Canterbury in the original UK version of sitcom mockumentary "The Office", Dr. John Watson in the British crime drama "Sherlock", Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" film trilogy, and Lester Nygaard in the dark comedy-crime drama TV series "Fargo". His other notable film roles include the romantic comedy "Love Actually" (2003), the comic science fiction film "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (2005), the semi-improvised comedy "Nativity!" (2009), the comedic "Three Flavours Cornetto" trilogy, most prominently in
The Hobbit work on "The New Hobbit", which would eventually become "The Lord of the Rings", a course that would not only change the context of the original story, but lead to substantial changes to the character of Gollum. In the first edition of "The Hobbit", Gollum willingly bets his magic ring on the outcome of the riddle-game, and he and Bilbo part amicably. In the second edition edits, to reflect the new concept of the One Ring and its corrupting abilities, Tolkien made Gollum more aggressive towards Bilbo and distraught at losing the ring. The encounter ends with Gollum's curse, "Thief!