Daniel Mays Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography Guide

What movies has Daniel Mays been in?

Early film roles

Mays began his film career with small but notable parts in British cinema. His debut came in Pearl Harbor (2001), playing Pilot #3 in the Michael Bay-directed war film. He followed this with roles in Mike Leigh’s Vera Drake (2004), where he played Sid, and in All or Nothing (2002) as Jason.

These early roles established him within the British independent film scene, working alongside established directors and actors. His presence in Mike Leigh’s ensemble casts particularly helped develop his craft and visibility within the industry.

Breakthrough movies

The mid-to-late 2000s marked Mays’ emergence as a notable supporting actor. His role as Tommy Nettle in Atonement (2007), directed by Joe Wright, represented a significant breakthrough. The film received widespread critical acclaim and BAFTA recognition, bringing Mays significant exposure.

Other notable credits during this period included The Bank Job (2008), where he played Dave Shilling in the heist thriller, and Shifty (2008), an indie drama that further showcased his range. His performance in Made in Dagenham (2010) as Eddie O’Grady added another acclaimed film to his growing resume, with the labor strike drama earning 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Recent films

The 2010s and early 2020s saw Mays increasingly featured in high-profile productions. His cameo as Tivik in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) introduced him to global audiences beyond his British fanbase. He appeared alongside A-list casts in films like Dad’s Army (2016) and The Adventures of Tintin (2011).

Perhaps his most acclaimed role came in Sam Mendes’s 1917 (2019), where he played Sergeant Sanders in the Oscar-winning World War I drama. The film received numerous accolades and featured Mays in what many consider his strongest screen performance to date. He has continued with recent projects including Fisherman’s Friends (2019), Your Christmas or Mine? (2022), and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023).

What TV shows has Daniel Mays appeared in?

Television has been equally important to Daniel Mays’ career, with recurring roles and guest appearances across British drama series. His TV work spans BBC productions, streaming platforms, and critically acclaimed limited series, demonstrating consistent presence in quality television programming.

Major series

Mays’ most prominent television role came in Line of Duty, the BBC’s acclaimed police procedural drama. He appeared in Series 3 (2016) as Police Sergeant Danny Waldron, featuring in three episodes. His portrayal of the morally complex officer contributed to one of the show’s most intense storylines.

Other significant TV credits include Red Riding: 1974 (2009), where he played Michael Myshkin in the acclaimed crime drama miniseries. The role earned additional recognition for his work in the trilogy. He has also appeared in Mrs Biggs (2012), the dramatization of the Great Train Robbery figure, and Des (2020), a serial killer drama series.

Guest appearances

Throughout his career, Mays has made various guest appearances in popular British shows. His earliest television work included appearances in EastEnders (2000), establishing his presence in British soap operas before transitioning to dramatic roles.

He appeared in Ashes to Ashes (2010), the sequel to Life on Mars, and featured in the sci-fi series Outcasts (2011). More recently, he appeared in White Lines (2020) and the politically-charged mini-series Guerrilla (2017), which ran for six episodes.

Ongoing projects

Recent television work includes continued appearances in streaming content and platform-specific productions. Apple TV features several of his performances, including those in Franklin, Des, Mrs Biggs, and Guerrilla.

What are Daniel Mays most famous roles?

Several roles stand out as defining performances in Daniel Mays’ career, earning particular recognition from critics and audiences. These performances showcase his range across different genres and formats.

Line of Duty

The role of Police Sergeant Danny Waldron in Line of Duty Series 3 represents one of Mays’ most memorable television performances. His character became central to one of the show’s most shocking story arcs, with Mays delivering intense scenes that highlighted his dramatic capabilities.

The BBC series, known for its complex anti-corruption narrative, provided Mays with material that demonstrated his ability to portray morally ambiguous characters convincingly. His three-episode appearance left a lasting impression on viewers of the show.

Other highlights

Beyond Line of Duty, Mays’ most celebrated screen roles include Tommy Nettle in Atonement (2007), which introduced him to broader audiences, and Sergeant Sanders in 1917 (2019), his most prominent film role to date. Both performances received particular attention in reviews and award discussions.

His voice work in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) as Fetcher and his role in Fisherman’s Friends (2019) as Danny demonstrate additional facets of his acting range, while his appearance in the Star Wars franchise through Rogue One introduced him to global audiences.

What is Daniel Mays career timeline?

Understanding Mays’ career progression helps contextualize his growth from early television appearances to acclaimed film performances. His journey reflects a steady accumulation of experience and recognition.

1990s-2000s: Early career

Mays began his professional acting career in the late 1990s with television appearances before transitioning to film. His EastEnders appearance in 2000 marked one of his earliest screen credits, followed by his feature film debut in Pearl Harbor (2001).

The 2000s saw rapid development, with roles in acclaimed independent films and growing recognition. His casting in Atonement (2007) and The Bank Job (2008) represented significant milestones in establishing his film career.

2010s: Expansion

The 2010s brought increasingly high-profile projects. His role in Rogue One (2016) marked his entry into major franchise filmmaking, while 1917 (2019) represented the culmination of his work in prestigious dramatic productions.

Television work remained consistent, with notable appearances including Line of Duty (2016), Mrs Biggs (2012), and Guerrilla (2017). This period established him as a reliable supporting actor across both mediums.

2020s: Recent and upcoming work

The current decade has seen Mays continue building his resume with varied projects. Recent releases include Your Christmas or Mine? (2022) and its sequel (2023), alongside animated work in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023).

Looking forward, Mays has several projects in various stages of production. The Thursday Murder Club (2025) features him as DCI Chris Hudson, while Shelter (2026) will see him play Arthur Booth. The Scurry remains in post-production with his role as Grant yet to be fully detailed.

Has Daniel Mays won any awards?

While Daniel Mays has received nominations for prestigious awards throughout his career, confirmed award wins have not been widely documented in available sources. His body of work has earned recognition from major industry bodies.

His theatre work has provided additional opportunities for recognition, though specific stage awards are not detailed in available information. The combination of film and television nominations demonstrates industry acknowledgment of his supporting performances.

What is confirmed versus uncertain about Daniel Mays?

The research confirms Mays’ core filmography and major credits across film and television. However, certain details remain unclear, including his specific involvement in McMafia (noted in queries but absent from verified sources), complete theatre history, and specifics of some early career projects.

Where can I watch Daniel Mays movies and TV shows?

Several streaming platforms and services offer access to Daniel Mays’ filmography. Availability varies by region and changes over time as licensing agreements update.

His BBC productions, including Line of Duty, are available through BBC iPlayer in the UK and Netflix internationally. Apple TV offers several of his drama credits, including Des, Mrs Biggs, and Guerrilla.

Individual films like 1917 are available through various rental and streaming services. For the most current availability, checking platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango provides up-to-date rental and purchase options. Rotten Tomatoes and TV Guide maintain listings of his credits that can help viewers locate specific titles.

Sources and references

“Daniel Mays has built an extensive film career spanning over two decades, with supporting roles in critically acclaimed dramas, blockbuster franchises, and independent British films.”

Based on verified public sources including Wikipedia, Fandango, and Rotten Tomatoes

Information in this article draws from publicly available sources including his official website at danielmays.co.uk, Wikipedia, Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, Apple TV, and TV Guide. These sources provide comprehensive listings of his film and television credits, though some minor roles may not be fully documented across all platforms.

Summary

Daniel Mays has established himself as one of British cinema’s most reliable supporting actors over more than two decades of work. His filmography spans acclaimed independent dramas like Atonement and Vera Drake, major blockbusters including Rogue One and 1917, and consistent television presence in BBC productions. His career reflects a performer who has chosen depth over prominence, building a body of work recognized through BAFTA and BIFA nominations. With upcoming projects including The Thursday Murder Club and Shelter, his career continues to develop.

For those interested in exploring his work further, his most acclaimed performances include Sergeant Sanders in 1917, Danny Waldron in Line of Duty, and Tommy Nettle in Atonement.

Frequently asked questions