Paul Rhys
Biography
Paul Rhys is a Welsh actor born on 19 December 1963 in Neath, Glamorgan, Wales, UK. He comes from a working-class Catholic background with part-Irish descent on his mother's side. Rhys has an extensive career in theatre, radio, television, and film. His early experience includes singing in bands and performing in John Godber's play Bouncers, where he played a Liverpudlian judo expert named Ralph. He later qualified for his Equity card by singing jazz standards in London. Rhys has appeared in numerous productions, with 71 known credits to his name.
Career overview
Paul Rhys is a Welsh actor with a career spanning multiple mediums including theatre, radio, television, and film. He began his acting career at a young age, playing the role of Ralph in John Godber's play Bouncers. Rhys's early work in theatre led him to London, where he further developed his acting skills.
In London, Rhys qualified for his Equity card by performing jazz standards at lunchtime. This marked an early milestone in his acting career, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Rhys's background in punk music and horse breeding also demonstrate his diverse range of interests and skills.
Throughout his career, Rhys has accumulated a significant number of acting credits, with over 70 known credits to his name. His extensive experience in the entertainment industry has solidified his position as a respected actor in the UK.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
76 titles- "Wuthering Heights" (2026) as Heathcliff's Father
- Tip Toe (2026) as Melba
- Madfabulous (2026) as Lord Penrhyn
- Widow Clicquot (2024) as Droite
- The Way (2024) as Akela
- Men Up (2024) as Tommy Cadogan
- Saltburn (2023) as Duncan
- Napoleon (2023) as Talleyrand
- The Sandman (2022) as Hippogriff (voice)
- A Discovery of Witches (2018) as Andrew Hubbard
- A Discovery of Witches (2018) as Father Hubbard
- Lore (2017) as Philip Smith
- Rellik (2017) as Patrick Barker
- Victoria (2016) as Sir John Conroy
- Casanova (2015) as Comte De St Germain
- Casanova (2015) as Comte De St Germain
- The Assets (2014) as Aldrich Ames
- Great Expectations (2011) as Compeyson
- Great Expectations (2011) as Denby
- Great Expectations (2011) as Compeyson/Denby
- Borgia (2011)
- Eliminate: Archie Cookson (2011) as Archie Cookson
- Luther (2010) as Lucien Burgess
- When Harvey Met Bob (2010) as Paul McCartney
- Being Human (2009) as Ivan
- Moving On (2009) as Andy
- The Queen (2009)
- Murdoch Mysteries (2008) as Dr. Llewllyn Francis
- Bonekickers (2008)
- The Ten Commandments (2006) as Ramses
- Hellraiser: Deader (2005) as Winter
- Beethoven (2005) as Ludwig van Beethoven
- Murder in Rome (2005) as Cicero
- New Tricks (2004) as Sebastian Carter
- This World (2004)
- The Deal (2003) as Peter Mandelson
- Otherworld (2003) as Lord Pwyll (voice)
- Spooks (2002) as Alexis Meynell
- Food of Love (2002) as Richard Kennington
- Murder in Mind (2001) as Matthew Hopkins
- From Hell (2001) as Dr. Ferral
- The Cazalets (2001) as Rupert Cazalet
- The Innocent (2001) as David Pastorov
- Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000)
- Anna Karenina (2000) as Nikolai
- The Strange Case of Delfina Potocka (1999) as Chopin
- Love Lies Bleeding (1999) as Jonathan
- King Lear (1998) as Edgar
- A Dance to the Music of Time (1997) as Charles Stringham
- Kavanagh Q.C. (1995) as Sam Wicks
- Ghosts (1995) as Captain Peter Buckle
- Nina Takes a Lover (1995) as Photographer
- The Last Machine (1995)
- The Haunting of Helen Walker (1995) as Edward Goffe
- The Healer (1994) as Dr. John Lassiter
- Gallowglass (1993) as Sandor
- Gallowglass (1993) Casting
- Chaplin (1992) as Sydney Chaplin
- Rebecca's Daughters (1992) as Anthony Raine
- Performance (1991) as Edgar
- Performance (1991) as Christopher
- Becoming Colette (1991) as Chapo
- Chillers (1990) as Adam Marshall
- 102 Boulevard Haussmann (1990) as Amable Massis
- Vincent & Theo (1990) as Theodore 'Theo' Van Gogh
- Vincent & Theo (1990) as Theo Van Gogh
- Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989) as Robin Upward
- Tumbledown (1988) as Hugh MacKessac
- The Heroes (1988) as Ivan Lyon
- My Family and Other Animals (1987) as George
- Lionheart (1987) as Mayor of the Underground City
- The Spirit (1987)
- Sunday Premiere (1986) as Hugh MacKessac
- Absolute Beginners (1986) as Dean Swift
- Timewatch (1982) as Cicero
- The Lives of Animals as John
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Paul Rhys best known for?
Paul Rhys is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including "Wuthering Heights" (2026), Tip Toe (2026), Madfabulous (2026), Saltburn (2023).
When and where was Paul Rhys born?
Paul Rhys was born on December 19, 1963 in Neath, Glamorgan, Wales, UK.
How many credits does Paul Rhys have?
Paul Rhys has accumulated over 76 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1982 to 2026.
What is Paul Rhys's background in cinema and television?
Paul Rhys is a Welsh actor born on 19 December 1963 in Neath, Glamorgan, Wales, UK. He comes from a working-class Catholic background with part-Irish descent on his mother's side. Rhys has an extensive career in theatre, radio, television, and film. His early experience includes singing in bands and performing in John ...
Paul Rhys by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Murder in Mind (2001) as Matthew Hopkins — aged about 37
- Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989) as Robin Upward — aged about 25
- The Sandman (2022) as Hippogriff (voice) — aged about 58
- Luther (2010) as Lucien Burgess — aged about 46
- A Discovery of Witches (2018) as Andrew Hubbard — aged about 54
- A Discovery of Witches (2018) as Father Hubbard — aged about 54
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