Ricky Whittle is a British actor and model, best known for his roles in television series. He gained fame for portraying Lincoln Leyton in the popular show The 100 and later starred as Shadow Moon in the fantasy series American Gods, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. Before his acting career, Whittle was a professional football player, playing for clubs in the English Football League. He was born on January 31, 1981, in Oldham, England, and has also appeared in various reality shows, showcasing his versatility as a performer.