Gwilym Lee has truly made a name for himself in the world of Shakespearean acting, and it’s no surprise that his journey began at such a young age. When Gwilym Lee was just 15, he landed his first major theater role in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Richard III—a remarkable achievement that set the stage for what would become an impressive career. Born in Bristol, England in 1983, Gwilym Lee showed a passion for performance early on, regularly taking part in school plays. In fact, even as a child, Gwilym Lee played Alfie Doolittle in a primary school production of My Fair Lady, showcasing his natural flair for drama.
But it wasn’t until his teenage years, when he saw a powerful staging of Not About Nightingales at the National Theatre, that Gwilym Lee realized acting wasn’t just a hobby—it was his calling. After portraying the Prince of Wales in that acclaimed RSC production, Gwilym Lee transitioned to television, joining the cast of the BBC series Animal Ark (1997–98). However, once the show ended in 1998, Gwilym Lee decided to step back from the spotlight temporarily to focus on his education.
He later enrolled at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2008. Upon completing his studies, Gwilym Lee returned to the classical stage, reconnecting with his Shakespearean roots. One of his standout roles came when he played Laertes opposite Jude Law’s Hamlet in a West End production that eventually moved to Broadway—another milestone in Gwilym Lee’s evolving career.
From there, Gwilym Lee continued to build an impressive repertoire, starring in several productions at the Donmar Warehouse, including The Promise and King Lear. At the same time, he maintained a strong presence on screen, earning recognition for his role as DS Charlie Nelson on the long-running ITV series Midsomer Murders (1997–).
Then, in 2018, Gwilym Lee achieved widespread fame by making a bold leap into feature films. He portrayed Queen guitarist Brian May in the critically acclaimed musical biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, bringing both authenticity and depth to the role. It was a defining moment for Gwilym Lee—one that introduced him to a global audience and solidified his status as a versatile and compelling performer.
So, when it comes to Gwilym Lee’s filmography, there are a few standout performances worth mentioning. Gwilym Lee has been in several movies over the years, but if we’re looking at critical reception, his highest rated film so far is Oddity, which came out in 2024. It’s definitely gained some attention and praise, showing just how versatile Gwilym Lee can be on screen. On the other hand, one of the lower points in terms of ratings is Bohemian Rhapsody from 2018. Now, don’t get it wrong—Gwilym Lee did a solid job portraying Brian May, and the movie had its fans, but overall, it didn’t score as high critically compared to his more recent work. So yeah, between the two, Gwilym Lee really shines brighter in Oddity. It just goes to show how Gwilym Lee continues to grow and take on more compelling roles.