Damson Idris, a talented British actor, first began turning heads with his performance in the heartfelt military dog story Megan Leavey (2017). But it was his powerful portrayal in John Singleton’s gripping series Snowfall (FX, 2017–) that truly marked Damson Idris’s arrival on the global stage. Born in Peckham, London, back in 1991, Damson Idris was raised in the city by his single mother alongside five siblings. As a young man, he once dreamed of becoming a professional footballer—until life took a different turn. That shift came when he decided to study drama at Brunel University London, where his path toward acting began to take shape.
It was during his time at university that Damson Idris received pivotal encouragement from acclaimed actress Cathy Tyson, who urged him to audition for the role of Tope in Ade Solanke’s stage production Pandora’s Box. Taking her advice, Damson Idris made his theatrical debut in the play, a moment that proved transformative. Not only did it launch his early career, but it also led to him securing an agent and further refining his craft at the Identity School of Acting—a move that would pay off in the years ahead.
His screen journey kicked off with the short film Hiding in the Light (2011), followed by a memorable appearance as a pallbearer in the Sundance-acclaimed coming-of-age drama My Brother the Devil (2012). From there, Damson Idris started building a diverse resume with guest roles across popular British television. He popped up in the beloved sitcom Miranda (BBC One, 2009–2015), added depth to Danny Boyle’s quirky cop series Babylon (Channel 4, 2014), and delivered a solid performance in the psychological thriller The Missing (BBC One, 2014–). Fans may also recall seeing Damson Idris in episodic roles on long-running medical dramas like Doctors (BBC One, 2000–) and Casualty (BBC One, 1986–).
A stepping-stone role came in 2016 when Damson Idris played Hakim in the British crime drama City of Tiny Lights. Soon after, he made his Hollywood debut as Michael Forman in Megan Leavey—a moving tale centered around a Marine and her military dog during the Iraq War. While that role brought him wider recognition, it was later in 2017 that Damson Idris truly broke through, landing the lead part of Franklin Saint in Snowfall. The FX series, created by John Singleton, dives into the origins of the crack cocaine epidemic in early 1980s Los Angeles, and Damson Idris’s nuanced performance as the ambitious 19-year-old dealer earned widespread praise.
With momentum on his side, Damson Idris continued to expand his range. He took on the role of Jordan Knight in the supernatural horror film Astral (2017) and portrayed Agent Denys in the action-packed thriller The Commuter (2018), starring Liam Neeson. Then came another major lead opportunity: the intense and personal drama Farming (2018), directed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. In this powerful film, Damson Idris delivered a raw and compelling performance as Enitan, a Nigerian teenager raised by a white British family who spirals into leading a violent skinhead gang—a role that showcased both his emotional depth and dramatic intensity.
Throughout his journey, Damson Idris has steadily built a reputation not just as a rising star, but as a deeply committed actor unafraid to tackle complex, challenging stories. And with each new project, Damson Idris continues to prove why he’s one of the most captivating talents of his generation.
When it comes to Damson Idris’s film career, one standout performance comes from Megan Leavey (2017), which happens to be his highest-rated movie to date. The film was well-received by both critics and audiences, showcasing Damson Idris in a compelling supporting role that added depth to the story. On the other end of the spectrum, Damson Idris also appeared in Outside the Wire (2021), a sci-fi action thriller that ended up being his lowest-rated film so far. While the movie had its moments, it didn’t resonate as strongly with viewers or reviewers. Overall, Damson Idris continues to build a diverse portfolio, with roles ranging from emotional dramas to futuristic thrillers—each adding another layer to his evolving career.