Elliot Knight, born and raised in the United Kingdom, was brought up by parents who were both educators with a flair for the theatrical arts. That early exposure to performance sparked something in Elliot Knight—nurturing a passion that would eventually lead him to pursue acting more seriously. He went on to study at the Manchester Metropolitan School of Theatre, where Elliot Knight honed his craft before graduating in 2011.
Interestingly, even before completing his studies, Elliot Knight landed a major break: being cast as the lead in “Sinbad” (Sky 1, 2012). Though the series only ran for one season, it was a pivotal moment for Elliot Knight, showcasing his ability to carry a show and opening doors in the television industry. Following that role, he began booking steady work across both British and American TV. You might have spotted Elliot Knight in episodes of “Law & Order: UK” (ITV, 2009–2014), where he demonstrated his range in procedural drama.
His career continued gaining momentum when he joined the cast of the short-lived but stylish BBC One series “By Any Means” (2013). But it was his portrayal of Merlin—the enigmatic magician—in the fifth season of “Once Upon a Time” (ABC, 2011– ) that truly elevated Elliot Knight’s profile in the U.S. Audiences were captivated by his mysterious charm, and networks took notice.
This growing recognition led to Elliot Knight headlining the CBS mystery series “American Gothic” (2016), another project that, while brief, further solidified his presence on screen. A guest appearance on “No Tomorrow” (The CW, 2016–17) might have seemed minor at the time, but it turned out to be a stepping stone. Soon after, Elliot Knight was cast as Wes, starring opposite Lucy Hale in the heartfelt dramedy “Life Sentence” (The CW, 2018– ), proving once again that Elliot Knight continues to make thoughtful, compelling choices in his evolving career.
When it comes to Elliot Knight’s filmography, one standout performance definitely shines through — his highest rated movie is Your Lucky Day from 2023. It seems that fans and critics alike really responded well to his role in that project, making it a clear highlight in Elliot Knight’s career so far. On the flip side, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Elliot Knight was also part of Billionaire Ransom, released back in 2016, which ended up being his lowest rated film to date. While not every project can be a blockbuster hit, it’s interesting to see the range Elliot Knight has explored over the years. From intense thrillers to more dynamic roles, Elliot Knight continues to build a diverse body of work, with Your Lucky Day standing tall as his most acclaimed effort.