Sam Riley
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- January 8, 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK
- Active Years
- 1997–2026 (30 Years)
- Total Credits
- 36 credits in database
Biography
Sam Riley is a male actor born on January 8, 1980, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK. He is known for his acting credits, with a total of 36 known credits. Riley's portrayal of Ian Curtis in a biopic about the lead singer of the 1970s post-punk band Joy Division earned him the British Independent Film Award for "Most Promising Newcomer". He also won a Kermode for Best Actor in 2007 for the same film. Prior to his portrayal of Ian Curtis, Riley played The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith in a Michael Winterbottom film, although his scenes were omitted from the final cut.
Career overview
Sam Riley is a British actor known for his portrayal of notable figures in the music industry. He has been involved in projects that detail the lives of influential musicians. Prior to his portrayal of Ian Curtis in the film Control, Riley played the role of Mark E. Smith in the Michael Winterbottom film 24 Hour Party People, which explores the Factory Records era.
Riley's performance as Ian Curtis in Control earned him recognition, including the British Independent Film Award for "Most Promising Newcomer". He also received a Kermode Award for Best Actor in 2007 for his role in the same film. This recognition highlights his ability to capture the essence of complex characters.
Riley's acting credits include a range of projects, with a focus on film. He has been involved in various roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His performances have contributed to the success of several films, demonstrating his talent and dedication to his craft.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
36 titles- Bulk (2026) as Corey Harlan
- Mint (2026) as Dylan
- Cezanne on Art (2026) as Joachim Gasquet
- Islands (2025) as Tom
- Widow Clicquot (2024) as Louis Bohne
- John Cranko (2024) as John Cranko
- Firebrand (2024) as Thomas Seymour
- She Is Love (2023) as Idris
- Alfons Jitterbit – Class Trip Chaos! (2022) as Jack
- The Vault (2021) as James
- Radioactive (2020) as Pierre Curie
- Rebecca (2020) as Jack Favell
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) as Diaval
- Sometimes Always Never (2019) as Peter
- The Naked King - 18 Fragments on Revolution (2019) as Narrator English (voice)
- Happy New Year, Colin Burstead (2018) as David Burstead
- SS-GB (2017) as Douglas Archer
- Free Fire (2017) as Stevo
- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) as Fitzwilliam Darcy
- Robby and Toby's Fantastic Voyager (2016) as Brad Blutbad
- Suite Française (2015) as Benoit Labarie
- Maleficent (2014) as Diaval
- The Dark Valley (2014) as Greider
- Byzantium (2013) as Darvell
- On the Road (2012) as Sal Paradise / Jack Kerouac
- Woman in Love (2011) as Wagenmeister
- 13 (2010) as Vince
- Brighton Rock (2010) as Pinkie
- Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn (2009) as Self
- Franklyn (2008) as Milo
- Control (2007) as Ian Curtis
- Lenny Blue (2002) as James Milton
- Lenny Blue (2002) as James Milton
- Tough Love (2000) as James Milton
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Eric Bruney
- Leute heute (1997) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Sam Riley best known for?
Sam Riley is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Widow Clicquot (2024), Firebrand (2024), She Is Love (2023), The Vault (2021).
When and where was Sam Riley born?
Sam Riley was born on January 8, 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK .
How many credits does Sam Riley have?
Sam Riley has accumulated over 36 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1997 to 2026.
What is Sam Riley's background in cinema and television?
Sam Riley is a male actor born on January 8, 1980, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK. He is known for his acting credits, with a total of 36 known credits. Riley's portrayal of Ian Curtis in a biopic about the lead singer of the 1970s post-punk band Joy Division earned him the British Independent Film Award for "Mo...
Sam Riley by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Eric Bruney — aged about 19
- Control (2007) as Ian Curtis — aged about 27
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) as Diaval — aged about 39
- Suite Française (2015) as Benoit Labarie — aged about 35
- Maleficent (2014) as Diaval — aged about 34
- The Dark Valley (2014) as Greider — aged about 34
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