Paul Rhys

Biography

Paul Rhys, born on December 19, 1963, in Neath, Wales, is a distinguished actor renowned for his work across theatre, radio, television, and film. Raised in a working-class Catholic family by Kathryn Ivory and Richard Charles Rhys, he has Irish heritage through his mother. From a young age, Rhys developed a passion for horses, becoming an accomplished rider while also embracing punk music and performing in various bands.

His acting journey began with a role as judo expert Ralph in John Godber's acclaimed play "Bouncers." After moving to London, he secured his Equity card by singing jazz at Peter Boizot’s Pizza Express and Kettners. Rhys later received a Bernard Shaw Scholarship to study at RADA, where he garnered attention for his performance in Oscar Wilde's "A Woman of No Importance" at the Glasgow Citizens Theatre.

Following his studies, he appeared in Franklin J. Schaffner's "Lionheart" and gained recognition in Richard Eyre’s film "Tumbledown." His impressive career continued with roles in "Vincent & Theo," "Chaplin," and Alan Bennett's "102 Boulevard Haussmann." Rhys’s recent film credits include playing Talleyrand in Ridley Scott's 2023 epic "Napoleon" and Duncan in Emerald Fennell's "Saltburn."

In television, Rhys has demonstrated his versatility in series such as "Agatha Christie's Poirot," "The Assets," and "Victoria," while also portraying various vampire characters in "Being Human," "Da Vinci's Demons," and "A Discovery of Witches." His latest appearance is as Tommy in the BBC film "Men Up."