Paul Copley

Born:November 25, 1944

Place of Birth:Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Known For:Acting

Biography

Paul Copley, a distinguished British actor and voiceover artist, has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with his versatile performances.

Hailing from Denby Dale, West Riding of Yorkshire, Paul's early exposure to amateur dramatic productions through his father sparked his passion for acting. He honed his skills at Penistone Grammar School and the Northern Counties College of Education in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he delved into the world of drama and received accolades such as an Associate of the Drama Board.

Transitioning from teaching English and Drama to joining the Leeds Playhouse Theatre-in-education Company in 1971, Paul embarked on a remarkable journey in the realm of theatre.

His portrayal in John Wilson's For King and Country earned him the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a New Play in 1976, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent on stage.

Throughout his career, Paul has showcased his prowess across various mediums, captivating audiences with his compelling performances in film, television, and radio productions.

Notably, from 2011 to 2015, Paul garnered international acclaim for his role as the endearing farmer Mr. Mason in the beloved television series Downton Abbey, further cementing his status as a fan-favorite in the industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul's personal life intertwines with his passion for acting, as he shares a marriage with actress Natasha Pyne, whom he met during a production of Frank Wedekind's Lulu at Leeds Playhouse in 1971. Their shared love for the arts has been a cornerstone of their enduring relationship.

With a career spanning decades and a repertoire that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Paul Copley stands as a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for the craft of acting.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Enola Holmes

Station Master

2020

While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen Enola Holmes uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart big brother Sherlock and help a runaway lord.

The Remains of the Day

Harry Smith

1993

A rule-bound head butler's world of manners and decorum in the household he maintains is tested by the arrival of a housekeeper who falls in love with him in post-WWI Britain. The possibility of romance and his master's cultivation of ties with the Nazi cause challenge his carefully maintained veneer of servitude.

A Bridge Too Far

Pvt. Wicks

1977

The story of Operation Market Garden—a failed attempt by the allies in the latter stages of WWII to end the war quickly by securing three bridges in Holland allowing access over the Rhine into Germany. A combination of poor allied intelligence and the presence of two crack German panzer divisions meant that the final part of this operation (the bridge in Arnhem over the Rhine) was doomed to failure.

Downton Abbey: A New Era

Mason

2022

The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa. Meanwhile, a Hollywood director seeks to film his latest production at Downton.

Jude

Mr. Willis

1996

In late 19th-century England, Jude aspires to be an academic, but is hobbled by his blue-collar background. Instead, he works as a stonemason and is trapped in an unloving marriage to a farmer's daughter named Arabella. But when his wife leaves him, Jude sees an opportunity to improve himself. He moves to the city and begins an affair with his married cousin, Sue, courting tragedy every step of the way.