Wolf Hall actor Mark Rylance's life from speech troubles to personal loss

Wolf Hall is set to return with a second season and fans are thrilled that the original cast, including lead actor Mark Rylance, will be reprising their roles.

After a nine-year hiatus, the series resumes its exploration of Thomas Cromwells turbulent times at Henry VIIIs court this weekend.

Viewers of the acclaimed BBC historical drama are curious about the life of the 64 year old Rylance beyond his television appearances.

Mark Rylance, born as Mark Waters in Kent in January 1960, overcame significant speech difficulties in his childhood.

His family moved to the United States when he was two, and it wasn't until the age of six when, after initially making seemingly "unintelligible" noises that only his brother could understand, he could speak clearly.

He credits this period of his life with enhancing his acting skills, revealing on Desert Island Discs that from the very early part of my life I had listened and watched a lot.

Rylance also said: "I think there is evidence for consciousness that is not limited by our physical nature.

"Whether some part of me had some intimation that I might one day get out in front of 2,500 people at the Palace Theatre and say 'to be or not to be' and keep my nerve with such famous words, [he] would propose that my young soul knew that and was terrified and was doing everything to avoid that fate."

The acclaimed actor, who moved back to London as a teenager to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, adopted the surname Rylance since 'Waters' was already in use by another actor.

His career boasts roles in productions such as Hearts Of Fire, Screen Two, Leonardo, Intimacy, and The Other Boleyn Girl.

It was in 2015 that he secured the renowned part of Thomas Cromwell in the first series