Phil Davis

Phil Davis

Phil Davis is an English actor, writer, director, and narrator, born on 30 July 1953. One of British cinema and television’s most dependable and distinctive character performers, he brings a formidable body of work to his role as David Hexell in Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Davis first made a significant impression on screen with his appearance in the landmark British film Quadrophenia (1979), a mod classic that remains a touchstone of British youth cinema. He followed this with a role in The Bounty (1984), the big-budget retelling of the mutiny on the Bounty, in which he played Edward Young. His early work as a director also drew considerable attention, earning awards for Life’s a Gas (1992) and ID (1995).

A Career Defined by Versatility

Few British character actors can match Davis for the sheer range of projects he has contributed to. On film, his credits include Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982), High Hopes (1988), The Firm (1989), In the Name of the Father (1993), Vera Drake (2004), Notes on a Scandal (2006), Cassandra’s Dream (2007), Brighton Rock (2010), and Mr. Holmes (2015).

His television work is equally impressive. He portrayed the memorably menacing Jeff in Sherlock (2010), appeared in the gritty crime drama Whitechapel (2009 to 2013), and took roles in prestigious productions including White Teeth (2002), Bleak House (2005), Merlin (2011), Silk (2012 to 2014), and Poldark (2015 to 2016). More recently, he appeared in the comedy drama Trying (2020 onwards) and the thriller Platform 7 (2023).

His guest appearances span some of Britain’s most popular series, including Midsomer Murders, Doctor Who, Death in Paradise, and Agatha Christie’s Marple.

Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance

Davis brings his characteristic intensity and credibility to the Rise of the Footsoldier franchise as **David Hexell in Vengeance, adding genuine dramatic weight to the long-running Essex crime saga.