Paddy / Gypsy King
Portrayed by: Paddy Doherty
Alias: Gypsy King
First appearance: Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story (2017)
Role in the Films
Paddy appears in Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story (2017), the third instalment in the Rise of the Footsoldier franchise. He is credited under two names in the film, both Paddy and Gypsy King, reflecting the larger-than-life persona that the character carries on screen. The role places him within the gritty, violent world that the series is known for.
The Actor
Paddy Doherty is a figure already well known to British audiences, and he brought his real-world identity and reputation directly into the role, with the character sharing his name and his widely recognised alias, the Gypsy King. His casting is very much in keeping with the Rise of the Footsoldier series’ tradition of blending real personalities with dramatised portrayals of true events.
Real-Life Context
Paddy Doherty is a prominent figure within the British Traveller community and became a widely recognised public personality through his various media appearances. His casting in Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story leans into his authentic background, lending the film an additional layer of credibility. The decision to cast Doherty as a version of himself, under his own name and alias, underlines the film’s commitment to grounding its characters in recognisable real-world figures.