Kenneth Cranham Biography: Scottish actor Kenneth Cranham was born on December 12, 1944 on the Kingdom of Fife. He has appeared in numerous film, TV and stage projects. He appeared in West End productions such as Entertaining Mr. Sloane, The Birthday Party and The Ruffian on the Stair. His film credits include Layer Cake, Blackball, Shiner, Gangster No. 1, The Boxer, Chocolat, Stealing Heaven and Oliver! His television stints prior to Rome include Pollyanna, Dickens, Heartbeat and Lovejoy. Pompey Magnus is portrayed by Kenneth Cranham on HBO's historical drama series Rome. Pompey is an illustrious soldier of Rome with immense accomplishments enough to last him a lifetime. He is regarded in his country as a hero. He is the husband of Cornelia and a former political ally of Julius Caesar.