Dave Johns
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- January 1, 1955 in Wallsend, England, UK
- Active Years
- 1994–2026 (33 Years)
- Total Credits
- 22 credits in database
Biography
David Alan Johns is an English actor, stand-up comedian, and writer born in Wallsend. He is best known for his breakthrough lead role as Daniel Blake in the 2016 film I, Daniel Blake, directed by Ken Loach. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, and Johns received the 2016 BIFA for Best Actor for his performance. Beyond his film work, Johns is a talented improviser and a regular guest with the Comedy Store Players in London's West End. His stage credits include an appearance in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest alongside Christian Slater. Additionally, he co-wrote the stage adaptation of Stephen King's The Shawshank Redemption and has performed at various international comedy festivals.
Career overview
David Alan Johns is an English actor, stand-up comedian, and writer born in Wallsend, England. He is widely recognized for his breakthrough lead role as Daniel Blake in the 2016 social realist drama I, Daniel Blake, directed by Ken Loach. The film received significant critical acclaim and won the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. For his performance in the film, Johns received the 2016 British Independent Film Award for Best Actor.
Beyond his film work, Johns is an experienced improviser and a regular guest with the Comedy Store Players in London's West End. His stage career includes an appearance in the West End production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which starred Christian Slater. Additionally, he co-wrote the stage adaptation of Stephen King's The Shawshank Redemption. Throughout his career in comedy, Johns has toured with performers including Johnny Vegas and Sean Lock. He has also performed at various international comedy festivals, including those held in Montreal, Kilkenny, Melbourne, Edinburgh, and Adelaide. His television credits include appearances on comedy panel shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 Out of 10 Cats.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
22 titles- Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint (2026) as Mr. Formby
- Turtles (2024) as Thom Halford
- Where It Ends (2023) as Tony
- Making Up (2023)
- Fisherman's Friends: One and All (2022) as Leadville
- Whitstable Pearl (2021) as Phil Nevin
- The Larkins (2021) as Margate Porter
- Blithe Spirit (2020) as Harold
- Ravers (2020) as Manager
- 23 Walks (2020) as Dave
- Fisherman's Friends (2019) as Leadville
- The Keeper (2018) as Roberts
- Walk Like a Panther (2018) as Trevor 'Bulldog' Johns
- Two Graves (2018) as George
- Richard Osman's House of Games (2017) as Self - Contestant
- I, Daniel Blake (2016) as Dan
- Versus: The Life and Films of Ken Loach (2016) as Self / Daniel
- Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (2014) as Self
- It's Kevin (2013) as Various
- 8 Out of 10 Cats (2005) as Self
- Never Mind the Buzzcocks (1996) as Self
- Mud (1994) as Trev
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Dave Johns best known for?
Dave Johns is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint (2026), Fisherman's Friends: One and All (2022), Whitstable Pearl (2021), Ravers (2020).
When and where was Dave Johns born?
Dave Johns was born on January 1, 1955 in Wallsend, England, UK.
How many credits does Dave Johns have?
Dave Johns has accumulated over 22 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1994 to 2026.
What is Dave Johns's background in cinema and television?
David Alan Johns is an English actor, stand-up comedian, and writer born in Wallsend. He is best known for his breakthrough lead role as Daniel Blake in the 2016 film I, Daniel Blake, directed by Ken Loach. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, and Johns received the 2016 BIFA for Best Actor for...
Dave Johns by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- I, Daniel Blake (2016) as Dan — aged about 61
- The Keeper (2018) as Roberts — aged about 63
- Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (2014) as Self — aged about 59
- 8 Out of 10 Cats (2005) as Self — aged about 50
- Never Mind the Buzzcocks (1996) as Self — aged about 41
- 23 Walks (2020) as Dave — aged about 65
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