Paul Copley - Actor Profile

Paul Copley

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 25, 1944
Birth Place: Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, England, UK

About Paul Copley

Paul is a long established and much respected British actor and voiceover artist. Born in Denby Dale, West Riding of Yorkshire, on 25th November 1944 he grew up beside a dairy farm. His father, Harold, was involved with local amateur dramatic productions, as were the rest of his family. He went to Penistone Grammar School, then the Northern Counties College of Education in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he received an Associate of the Drama Board (ADB) in Drama. He taught English and Drama in Walthamstow, before he joined the Leeds Playhouse Theatre-in-education Company in 1971. In 1976, Paul won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a New Play for his role in John Wilson's For King and Country. With many and varied roles to follow, Paul soon established himself as one of the UK's leading stage, film, television and radio actors. In 2011-2015 Paul gained worldwide recognition appearing in 16 episodes of the hugely popular television series Downton Abbey playing the popular role of farmer Mr Mason. Paul is married to the actress Natasha Pyne. They married in 1972, after both performing in a Leeds Playhouse production of Frank Wedekind's Lulu, adapted by Peter Barnes, directed by Bill Hays in 1971.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Paul Copley reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Paul Copley's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 44% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Paul Copley remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Written in Blood, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Paul Copley Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Paul Copley's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Paul Copley.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Albert Mason Hit Similar →
2023 Ticker Howard Flop Similar →
2022 Downton Abbey: A New Era Mason Hit Similar →
2021 The Infectious Imagination of Henry Bramble Great Uncle Geoffrey Flop Similar →
2020 Enola Holmes Station Master Hit Similar →
2020 Ropeless Larry Windsor Average Similar →
2016 Reg Man 2 Flop Similar →
2016 The Nest Egg - Hit Similar →
2015 The Sound of Music Live! Franz Super Hit Similar →
2012 First Encounter: King Lear King Lear Flop Similar →
2007 The Shadow in the North Paton Hit Similar →
2005 Marian, Again Phillip Walsh Flop Similar →
2003 The Key - Flop Similar →
2003 Hornblower: Duty Matthews Hit Similar →
2003 Hornblower: Loyalty Matthews Hit Similar →
2002 The Many Lives of Albert Walker Danny Peck Flop Similar →
2001 Hornblower: Retribution Matthews Hit Similar →
2001 Hornblower: Mutiny Mathews Hit Similar →
2001 Blow Dry Ken Average Similar →
1999 Hornblower: The Frogs and the Lobsters Mathews Hit Similar →
1999 Hornblower: The Duchess and the Devil Matthews Hit Similar →
1998 Hornblower: The Examination for Lieutenant Mathews Hit Similar →
1998 Hornblower: The Even Chance Matthews Super Hit Similar →
1998 Written in Blood Brian Chappel Super Hit Similar →
1996 Jude Mr. Willis Average Similar →
1993 The Remains of the Day Harry Smith Hit Similar →
1991 How's Business Jack Flop Similar →
1989 Testimony of a Child Gerry Flop Similar →
1985 Silas Marner William Dane Average Similar →
1985 Which Side Are You On? Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
1985 Bird Fancier Roy Pearson Flop Similar →
1983 Doll’s Eye Social Worker Flop Similar →
1983 Ends and Means - Flop Similar →
1982 Ghost in the Water Mr. Reed Hit Similar →
1981 A Room for the Winter Robert Flop Similar →
1980 Death of a Princess Steve Jackson Super Hit Similar →
1979 Black Jack Narrator Hit Similar →
1979 Zulu Dawn Cpl. Storey Average Similar →
1978 On a Paving Stone Mounted - Flop Similar →
1978 Mucking Out Brian Wilson Flop Similar →
1978 Destiny Paul McShane Flop Similar →
1978 Some Enchanted Evening Peter Flop Similar →
1977 A Christmas Carol Fred (Scrooge's Nephew) Hit Similar →
1977 A Bridge Too Far Pvt. Wicks Hit Similar →
1976 Arnhem: The Story of an Escape Finnegan Flop Similar →
1975 Alfie Darling Bakey Flop Similar →
1975 Diane Jim Flop Similar →
1973 Father Dear Father Dumbo Flop Similar →
1973 Speech Day Woodwork Master Flop Similar →
N/A Dangerous Journey Narrator Flop Similar →

Paul Copley - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Paul Copley?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Paul Copley is "Written in Blood" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Paul Copley acted in?

Paul Copley has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Paul Copley?

Other notable films include "Death of a Princess", "The Sound of Music Live!", and "Hornblower: The Even Chance".