David Essex
Biography
David Essex, born David Albert Cook, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He holds an OBE. Throughout his career, which began in the 1970s, Essex has achieved significant commercial success in the music industry, securing sixteen Top 40 albums and nineteen Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom, two of which reached the number one position. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Essex has maintained an extensive career as an actor, performing across both stage and screen. His professional background encompasses these dual contributions to the entertainment industry, establishing him as a notable figure in British music and performance.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
52 titles- Twiggy (2025) as (archival footage)
- Everything: The Real Thing Story (2020) as Self
- The Black Prince (2017) as Colonel Hurbon
- Grimaldi: The Funniest Man in the World (2017) as Charles Dickens
- Glam Rock at the BBC (2017) as Self (archive footage)
- The Guvnors (2014) as Mickey Snr
- Traveller (2013) as Blackberry
- Bring Back... (2005) as Self - vocals
- What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day? (2005) as Mervyn's Grandfather
- Kenny Everett - The Complete Naughty Bits (2004) as Self
- Never Mind the Buzzcocks (1996) as Self
- The Frank Skinner Show (1995) as Self
- Heartbeat (1992) as Johnny Lee
- Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore (1992) as Self
- Journey of Honor (1991) as Don Pedro
- Countryfile (1988) as Self - Participant
- The River (1988) as Davey Jackson
- The River (1988) Original Music Composer
- Daytime Live (1987) as Self
- Hands Up! (1985) as Self (1981 footage)
- Surprise, Surprise (1984) as Self
- David Essex - Live At The Royal Albert Hall (1984) as Self
- The Laughter Show (1984) as Self
- Harty (1983) as Self
- Wogan (1982) as Self
- Night Music (1982) as Self (guest)
- Pop Goes Christmas (1982) as Self
- Six Fifty-Five Special (1981) as Self
- Silver Dream Racer (1980) as Nick Freeman
- Silver Dream Racer (1980) Music
- Friday Night, Saturday Morning (1979)
- The Cannon & Ball Show (1979) as Self
- The Kenny Everett Video Show (1978) as Self
- The Val Doonican Music Show (1977) as Self
- The Big Bus (1976) as Bus Passenger
- Midi Première (1975) as Self
- Numéro un (1975) as Self
- Cher (1975) as Self
- Système 2 (1975) as Self
- The Christmas Messenger (1975) as The Storyteller (voice)
- Dinah! (1974) as Self
- Stardust (1974) as Jim MacLaine
- The Midnight Special Legendary Performances 1974 (1974) as Self
- Rock Concert (1973) as Self
- That'll Be The Day (1973) as Jim MacLaine
- All Coppers Are... (1972) as Ronnie Briggs
- Film '72 (1971) as Self
- Assault (1971) as Man in Chemist Shop
- Cilla (1968) as Self
- Smashing Time (1967) as Beatnik (uncredited)
- Top of the Pops (1964) as Self
- Esther as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is David Essex best known for?
David Essex is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Everything: The Real Thing Story (2020), The Long Goodbye (1973), Partition (2007), Heartbeat (1992).
When and where was David Essex born?
David Essex was born on July 23, 1947.
How many credits does David Essex have?
David Essex has accumulated over 52 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1964 to 2025.
What is David Essex's background in cinema and television?
David Essex, born David Albert Cook, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He holds an OBE. Throughout his career, which began in the 1970s, Essex has achieved significant commercial success in the music industry, securing sixteen Top 40 albums and nineteen Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom, two of w...
David Essex by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Midi Première (1975) as Self — aged about 27
- Rock Concert (1973) as Self — aged about 25
- Cilla (1968) as Self — aged about 20
- The Kenny Everett Video Show (1978) as Self — aged about 30
- The Frank Skinner Show (1995) as Self — aged about 47
- Heartbeat (1992) as Johnny Lee — aged about 44
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