David Knopfler
- Known For
- Sound
- Born
- December 27, 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Active Years
- 1970–2025 (56 Years)
- Total Credits
- 10 credits in database
Biography
David Knopfler is a British singer-songwriter and musician born on December 27, 1952, in Glasgow, Scotland. Raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, from the age of two, he is recognized for founding the rock band Dire Straits in 1977 alongside his older brother Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers. He served as the band's rhythm guitarist on their first two albums before departing to pursue a solo career as a recording artist. Beyond his music career, Knopfler has worked as a composer and actor, with credits including Laser Mission, Der große Bellheim, and Tatort. Additionally, he has been involved in the creation of independent record labels and publishing companies.
Career overview
David Knopfler is a British singer-songwriter and musician born on December 27, 1952, in Glasgow, Scotland. Raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, from the age of two, he is recognized for his role as a founding member of the rock band Dire Straits. Established in 1977 alongside his older brother Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers, he served as the band's rhythm guitarist on their first two albums. Following his departure from the group, he pursued a solo career as a recording artist and established various independent record labels and publishing companies.
In addition to his musical career, Knopfler has worked as a composer and actor. His professional credits include appearances in the 1989 film Laser Mission, the 1993 production Der große Bellheim, and the long-running series Tatort. He maintains a portfolio of work across film and television, with ten known credits recorded in industry databases.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
10 titles- Ghosts of Alderney: Hitler's Island Slaves (2025) Original Music Composer
- Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits (1998) as Self
- José Carreras Gala (1995) as Self
- Der große Bellheim (1993) Original Music Composer
- Jacob hinter der Blauen Tür (1987) Music
- ZDF-Fernsehgarten (1986) as Self
- Shergar (1986) Music
- Arena: Dire Straits (1980) as Self
- Rockpalast (1974)
- Scene of the Crime (1970) Original Music Composer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is David Knopfler best known for?
David Knopfler is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including ZDF-Fernsehgarten (1986), Rockpalast (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974).
When and where was David Knopfler born?
David Knopfler was born on December 27, 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
How many credits does David Knopfler have?
David Knopfler has accumulated over 10 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1970 to 2025.
What is David Knopfler's background in cinema and television?
David Knopfler is a British singer-songwriter and musician born on December 27, 1952, in Glasgow, Scotland. Raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, from the age of two, he is recognized for founding the rock band Dire Straits in 1977 alongside his older brother Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers. He served a...
David Knopfler by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Rockpalast (1974) — aged about 21
- ZDF-Fernsehgarten (1986) as Self — aged about 33
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