Brief History
Martin John C. Freeman was born on September 8, 1971 in Alderhost, Hampshire, England. Martin decided at the age of 17 to pursue acting as a career, and attended the Central School of Speech and Drama. TV is a better place because of it.
Popularized and Well Known Roles
I would watch these if I were you.
The Office (UK)
Martin played Tim Canterbury, the 30-year-old sales representative for the paper merchants Wernham Hogg. He still lives with his parents and dropped out of University. This comedic role was Martin's for two seasons and the Christmas specials. This show inspired the American The Office and the American equivalent of Tim Canterbury is Jim Halpert.
Sherlock
Martin stars in this show as John Hamish Watson side by side with Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock. He plays the war veteran invalided home from Afghanistan and roommate to Sherlock Holmes. Watson's character was necessary in the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the filter between Sherlock's inhuman genius and the rest of the world. He would ask the questions that we as readers couldn't ask. Once again, in this remake, John Watson is the relatable character in their odd friendship. Martin Freeman plays John very well, which can be difficult with such an iconic character.
The Hobbit
Martin Freeman plays the title character in this adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's book. His character, Bilbo Baggins, is the chosen to be the fourteenth member of the group of dwarves going to rescue their treasure from the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch!). Gandalf is also present. He plays the unlikely hero and unwilling travel companion that will be the thief returning the treasure.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Martin plays Arthur Dent, the human friend of the alien Ford Prefect, who is a journalist for the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Arthur's home is about to be demolished to make way for a bypass, when a fleet of alien Vogons comes to destroy Earth for a hyperspace bypass. Earth is destroyed and Arthur and Ford survive by hitching a ride on a Vogon spaceship. From there, things spiral into a sci-fi comedy plot.