--- name: "Daniel Mays" canonical: "https://film.one/person/daniel-mays" fi1m_id: "daniel-mays" imdb_id: "nm0990547" tmdb_id: 1670 wikidata_id: "Q579571" roles: ["Actor"] born: "31 March 1978" reviewed_on_fi1m: 18 average_fi1m_score: 73 average_as: "actor" average_over: 18 updated: "2026-10-07T20:00:03.784836+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Daniel Mays ## Identity Daniel Mays - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/daniel-mays - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** daniel-mays - **IMDb ID:** nm0990547 - **TMDB ID:** 1670 - **Wikidata ID:** Q579571 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Mays, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q579571, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0990547/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1670 Actor. Born 31 March 1978 in Epping, Essex, England, UK. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 31 March 1978, Epping, Essex, England, UK - **Active:** 2004–present - **Also known as:** Daniel Alan Mays, Danny Mays, 丹尼爾·梅斯, 丹尼爾.梅斯, دانیل میز - **Frequently works with:** [Imelda Staunton](https://film.one/person/imelda-staunton.md), [Sally Hawkins](https://film.one/person/sally-hawkins.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 73, as actor, over 18 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 78 (5), 2010s 76 (7), 2020s 68 (6) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 69 across 15 titles - **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 10 at 60–79, 2 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 3 of 11 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 12, Crime 7, Adventure 3, Mystery 3, Action 2, Action & Adventure 2 - **Screen time:** 20 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $2,027m across 7 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Mays, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q579571, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0990547/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1670 ## Coming up - *National Theatre Live: Golden Boy* (2026-11-05), as Moody ## Streaming the US now - **Netflix:** [*1917*](https://film.one/film/1917.md) (78), [*Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget*](https://film.one/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget.md) (64), [*The Thursday Murder Club*](https://film.one/film/the-thursday-murder-club.md) (57) - **The Roku Channel:** [*Vera Drake*](https://film.one/film/vera-drake.md) (84), [*Shifty*](https://film.one/film/shifty.md) (77) - **Apple TV:** [*Against the Law*](https://film.one/film/against-the-law.md) (81), [*Ashes to Ashes*](https://film.one/tv/ashes-to-ashes.md) (64) - **Disney+:** [*A Thousand Blows*](https://film.one/tv/a-thousand-blows.md) (80) - **Peacock:** [*The Adventures of Tintin*](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-tintin.md) (77) - **BritBox:** [*Mrs Biggs*](https://film.one/tv/mrs-biggs.md) (74) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Daniel Mays > Daniel Mays is at his best when authority comes with something troubling underneath. We rate his detailed supporting work, though another police role needs to offer him more than a rank and a uniform. In *The Thursday Murder Club* (2025), Daniel Mays’s DCI Chris Hudson is being bypassed while the retirees put PC Donna De Freitas to work. It is familiar casting for an actor who has repeatedly made troubled men in authority believable. Here, though, the case gives him little to work against. We stopped caring who had done it because nobody seemed in danger, and the film’s excellent company could not supply the missing concern. The care in his work owes much to Mike Leigh. *All or Nothing* (2002), his first major film role, led to a second collaboration on *Vera Drake* (2004). Leigh’s research-heavy improvisation suits an actor whose strength is making working-class characters feel particular and believable. The troubled authority of Sergeant Danny Waldron in the third series of *Line of Duty* (2016) gave that care a more forceful outlet. By *Des* (2020), he was back investigating as DCI Peter Jay, a casting habit that risks making the next appearance too easy to predict. The comic assignment in *Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* (2023) is a useful change. Mays voices Fetcher, one of the rats supplying the kit for the break-in, alongside Romesh Ranganathan’s Nick. Editor Stephen Perkins cuts between the teams inside and outside, while composer Harry Gregson-Williams supplies muted brass and a ticking rhythm. The pleasure comes from watching the team solve practical problems, with Mays among the voices helping it along. The sequel is too often merely pleasant, but the break-in has a purpose and a pace the murder club could use. *A Thousand Blows* (2025), in which he plays William ‘Punch’ Lewis, is our strongest recommendation among these recent ensemble pieces. Erin Doherty, Malachi Kirby and Stephen Graham provide its chief pleasures, though the crowded plotting sometimes keeps the actors waiting. For a closer look at Mays making authority uncomfortable, start with the third series of *Line of Duty*. ## Biography Daniel Mays is an English actor. Born on 31 March 1978 in Epping, Essex, he trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 2000. He is known for film roles including *Pearl Harbor* (2001), *All or Nothing* (2002), *Vera Drake* (2004), *Atonement* (2007), *The Bank Job* (2008), *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story* (2016) and *1917* (2019), and voice work as Fetcher in *Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* (2023). He has appeared in television series such as *EastEnders*, *Line of Duty* and *A Thousand Blows* (2025), and as DCI Chris Hudson in *The Thursday Murder Club* (2025). Mays has performed in theatre, including at the Royal Court Theatre, and received a Best Actor award at the Palmare Television Festival for *Rehab* (2003). He has collaborated with director Mike Leigh on two films. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, bbc.co.uk.* ## On Fi1m (18) - *Lord of the Flies* (2026), Fi1m 82, as Fred — [page](https://film.one/tv/lord-of-the-flies.md) - *A Thousand Blows* (2025), Fi1m 80, as William 'Punch' Lewis — [page](https://film.one/tv/a-thousand-blows.md) - *The Thursday Murder Club* (2025), Fi1m 57, as Chris Hudson — [page](https://film.one/film/the-thursday-murder-club.md) - *Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* (2023), Fi1m 64, as Fetcher (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget.md) - *The Long Shadow* (2023), Fi1m 74, as Sydney Jackson — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-long-shadow.md) - *The Rhythm Section* (2020), Fi1m 48, as Dean West — [page](https://film.one/film/the-rhythm-section.md) - *1917* (2019), Fi1m 78, as Sergeant Sanders — [page](https://film.one/film/1917.md) - *Against the Law* (2017), Fi1m 81, as Peter Wildeblood — [page](https://film.one/film/against-the-law.md) - *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story* (2016), Fi1m 70, as Tivik — [page](https://film.one/film/rogue-one-a-star-wars-story.md) - *Common* (2014), Fi1m 70, as Tommy Ward — [page](https://film.one/film/common.md) - *Line of Duty* (2012), Fi1m 79, as Sgt Danny Waldron — [page](https://film.one/tv/line-of-duty.md) - *Mrs Biggs* (2012), Fi1m 74, as Ronald Biggs — [page](https://film.one/tv/mrs-biggs.md) - *The Adventures of Tintin* (2011), Fi1m 77, as Allan / Pirate Flunky #1 (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-tintin.md) - *Red Riding* (2009), Fi1m 80, as Michael Myshkin — [page](https://film.one/tv/red-riding.md) - *Ashes to Ashes* (2008), Fi1m 64, as Jim Keats — [page](https://film.one/tv/ashes-to-ashes.md) - *Shifty* (2008), Fi1m 77, as Chris — [page](https://film.one/film/shifty.md) - *Atonement* (2007), Fi1m 83, as Tommy Nettle — [page](https://film.one/film/atonement.md) - *Vera Drake* (2004), Fi1m 84, as Sid — [page](https://film.one/film/vera-drake.md) ## Complete filmography (95) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *National Theatre Live: Golden Boy* (2026), as Moody - *Believe Me* (2026), series, as John Worboys - *Lord of the Flies* (2026), series, as Fred — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/lord-of-the-flies.md) - *Shelter* (2026), as Booth - *Lynley* (2025), series, as DCI Brian Nies - *The Thursday Murder Club* (2025), as Chris Hudson — Fi1m 57, [page](https://film.one/film/the-thursday-murder-club.md) - *Bookish* (2025), series, as Eric Wellbeloved - *Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes* (2025), series, as Cliff Todd - *A Thousand Blows* (2025), series, as William 'Punch' Lewis — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-thousand-blows.md) - *Moonflower Murders* (2024), series, as Chubb / Locke - *The Awakening* (2024), Actor - *Franklin* (2024), series, as Edward Bancroft - *Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* (2023), as Fetcher (voice) — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget.md) - *Your Christmas or Mine 2* (2023), as Geoff - *The Long Shadow* (2023), series, as Sydney Jackson — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-long-shadow.md) - *Your Christmas or Mine?* (2022), as Geoff - *Maryland* (2022), as PC Moody - *Magpie Murders* (2022), series, as Locke / Chubb - *Des* (2020), series, as DCI Peter Jay - *White Lines* (2020), series, as Marcus - *Code 404* (2020), series, as DI John Major - *The Rhythm Section* (2020), as Dean West — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/the-rhythm-section.md) - *1917* (2019), as Sergeant Sanders — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/1917.md) - *Temple* (2019), series, as Lee - *Good Omens* (2019), series, as Arthur Young - *Fisherman's Friends* (2019), as Danny - *The Interrogation of Tony Martin* (2018), as DC Peters - *My Dinner with Hervé* (2018), as Casey - *Two for Joy* (2018), as Lias - *Mother's Day* (2018), as Colin Parry - *Swimming with Men* (2018), as Colin - *Porters* (2017), series, as Anthony De La Mer - *Born to Kill* (2017), series, as Bill - *Guerrilla* (2017), series, as Cullen - *Against the Law* (2017), as Peter Wildeblood — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/against-the-law.md) - *Urban Myths* (2017), series, as Mike Housego - *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story* (2016), as Tivik — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/rogue-one-a-star-wars-story.md) - *The Limehouse Golem* (2016), as George Flood - *The Infiltrator* (2016), as Frankie - *Dad's Army* (2016), as Private Walker - *Victor Frankenstein* (2015), as Barnaby - *The Great Fire* (2014), series, as Samuel Pepys - *The Great War: The People's Story* (2014), series, as Reg Evans - *Common* (2014), as Tommy Ward — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/common.md) - *Inside No. 9* (2014), series, as Shane — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/inside-no-9.md) - *Byzantium* (2013), as Noel - *Welcome to the Punch* (2013), as Nathan Bartnick - *Mrs Biggs* (2012), as Ronald Biggs - *Mrs Biggs* (2012), series, as Ronald Biggs — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/mrs-biggs.md) - *Line of Duty* (2012), series, as Sgt Danny Waldron — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/tv/line-of-duty.md) - *Playhouse Presents* (2012), series, as Guv - *Public Enemies* (2012), series, as Eddie Mottram - *Treasure Island* (2012), series, as Dr. David Livesey - *Treasure Island* (2012), as Dr. Livesey - *The Adventures of Tintin* (2011), as Allan / Pirate Flunky #1 (voice) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-tintin.md) - *Outcasts* (2011), series, as Cass Cromwell - *Made in Dagenham* (2010), as Eddie O'Grady - *Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang* (2010), as Blenkinsop - *Red Riding: The Year of Our Lord 1974* (2009), as Michael Myshkin - *Red Riding: The Year of Our Lord 1983* (2009), as Michael Myshikin - *Mr. Nobody* (2009), as Young Journalist - *The Firm* (2009), as Yeti - *Red Riding* (2009), series, as Michael Myshkin — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/red-riding.md) - *Plus One* (2009), series, as Rob Black - *Consuming Passion* (2008), as Charles Boon - *Shifty* (2008), as Chris — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/shifty.md) - *White Girl* (2008), as Stevie - *The Bank Job* (2008), as Dave Shilling - *Ashes to Ashes* (2008), series, as Jim Keats — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/tv/ashes-to-ashes.md) - *Half Broken Things* (2007), as Michael - *Saddam's Tribe* (2007), as Uday - *Middletown* (2007), as Jim Hunter - *Atonement* (2007), as Tommy Nettle — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/atonement.md) - *Consent* (2007), as Steve - *A Good Year* (2006), as Bert the Doorman - *The Secret Life of Words* (2005), as Martin - *Funland* (2005), series, as Carter Krantz - *Class of '76* (2005), as DS Steven Grant - *Class of '76* (2005), series, as DS Steven Grant - *The Best Man* (2005), as Pool Guy - *Beneath the Skin* (2005), as Moz Burnside - *Doctor Who* (2005), series, as Alex — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who-2005.md) - *Vera Drake* (2004), as Sid — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/vera-drake.md) - *Top Buzzer* (2004), series, Actor - *Hustle* (2004), series, as Mervyn Lloyd - *Keen Eddie* (2003), series, Actor - *Rehab* (2003), as Adam - *Tipping the Velvet* (2002), series, as Jimmy Burns - *All or Nothing* (2002), as Jason - *Bodily Harm* (2002), series, as Trader - *Dead Casual* (2002), Actor - *Manchild* (2002), series, Actor - *Pearl Harbor* (2001), as Pilot #3 - *In Deep* (2001), series, as Dave Street - *Do Not Disturb*, series, Actor ## Gallery - ![Daniel Mays as Sid in Vera Drake (2004)](https://film.one/media/title/896/still-ae6e133d1f6e.jpg) Daniel Mays as Sid in *Vera Drake* (2004) — Image via TMDB - ![Daniel Mays](https://film.one/media/person/8071/gallery-3ec9efeaad79.png) Daniel Mays — Soccer Aid for UNICEF, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Daniel_Mays.png?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Daniel Mays](https://film.one/media/person/8071/gallery-897aae45b229.jpg) Daniel Mays — Image via TMDB --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/daniel-mays