Hubbry Logo
David GantDavid GantMain
Open search
David Gant
Community hub
David Gant
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
David Gant
David Gant
David Gant
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

David Gant (born 12 November 1942) is a Scottish actor and model.[1]

Key Information

Formerly a banker, Gant changed careers at age 30[2] to study dramatic art at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland.[3] Graduating in 1974, he has found roles in theatre, film and television.

His credits include Coriolanus at Chichester Festival Theatre, and the films Victor/Victoria (1982), The Draughtsman's Contract (1982), The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982), Gandhi (1982), Brazil (1985), Chaplin (1992), Restoration (1995), Braveheart (1995), The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), Lagaan (2001) and Jonathan Creek: The Sinner and the Sandman (2014). He also voiced Oswald of Carim in the 2011 video game Dark Souls and Lord Aldia in the sequel, Dark Souls II. Gant is an Associate and Licentiate of the London College of Music.[4] Gant was the voice actor of Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt in Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV.[5] For the Christmas 2016 period he plays the sheriff in the Theatre Royal Norwich production of Jack and the Beanstalk.[6]

In 2024, he portrayed Simeon in the film Mary.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Gant

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
David Gant (born 12 November 1942) is a Scottish actor and model best known for his supporting roles in historical dramas and films such as (1995) as the Royal Magistrate, (1985) as the Interview Official, and Gandhi (1982). Formerly a banker, Gant transitioned to acting at age 30, studying dramatic art at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of ), from which he graduated in 1974. Gant's career spans , television, and , beginning with stage performances including at the and a world tour of . On television, he appeared as in The New Adventures of (1997) and in the historical series Borgia (2011), while also portraying Ceolwulf in (2015). In addition to acting, Gant has worked as a model and holds qualifications as an Associate and Licentiate of College of Music. His also includes notable international projects like The Messenger: The Story of (1999) as the and the Indian-British production (2001).

Early life and education

Early years in Scotland

David Gant was born on 12 November 1942 in .

Banking career and transition to acting

Gant worked in banking in for over a decade before transitioning to around age 30. This career change allowed him to pursue his interest in the . Following his departure from banking, he applied to and was accepted into the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in for dramatic training.

Dramatic training at the Royal Conservatoire

David Gant enrolled in the three-year Diploma in Dramatic Art program at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in around 1971, marking his formal entry into after a prior career in banking. The program's emphasized practical , with a core focus on dramatic arts including techniques, movement, and voice production to prepare students for professional performance. This rigorous structure, established since the drama department's founding in 1950, aimed to develop versatile performers capable of handling classical and contemporary through hands-on work and ensemble exercises. Gant graduated with his Diploma in Dramatic Art in 1974, earning recognition as part of the Class of 1974 from the institution's records. Immediately following graduation, he transitioned into professional acting, securing initial roles in that built on the foundational skills acquired during his conservatoire training.

Professional career

Early stage and film roles

Following his graduation from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1974, David Gant embarked on a professional acting career centered on across the , with a focus on regional and Scottish stages. His early engagements included classical and contemporary productions that honed his versatility in ensemble settings. Notable among these was his portrayal of in William Shakespeare's at the Duke's Playhouse in Lancaster, which ran starting 14 September 1977. Gant also appeared in Measure for Measure at the , contributing to the company's tradition of Shakespearean revivals during the late 1970s. In , he performed at the Traverse Theatre in , a key venue for new writing, including roles in Dead Men and Playing with Fire, which reflected the challenges of sustaining a career in limited local opportunities amid a burgeoning but underfunded Scottish scene. Transitioning to film in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Gant secured minor but impactful roles in British productions that addressed social issues and historical narratives. His screen debut came as the Police Commissioner in the gritty drama Babylon (1980), directed by Franco Rosso, where he depicted authority figures amid London's racial unrest. Subsequent appearances included Henry Tonks in the biographical short Mark Gertler: Fragments of a Biography (1981), a role exploring the life of the artist within the Bloomsbury Group. In 1982, Gant played Daniels in Richard Attenborough's epic Gandhi, supporting the portrayal of colonial bureaucracy, and Mr. Seymour in Peter Greenaway's baroque mystery The Draughtsman's Contract, both of which highlighted his ability to embody understated authority in period pieces. These foundational film parts, often typecast as officials or professionals, underscored the scarcity of diverse leading opportunities for emerging Scottish actors in UK cinema at the time. As an emerging performer based in , Gant navigated in authoritative roles and regional constraints, with many projects confined to repertory circuits rather than major houses, limiting broader exposure until international prospects arose.

Breakthrough in international cinema

Gant's entry into international cinema began with his role as the Interview Official in Terry Gilliam's dystopian Brazil (1985). Produced by Embassy International Pictures as a UK-US co-production, the film encountered notorious production difficulties, including a dispute with 20th Century Fox over the ending, which Gilliam resolved by screening his cut at a public event to secure its release. Gant's character interrogates the in a labyrinthine bureaucratic setting, contributing to the film's of through his portrayal of cold administrative detachment. His visibility expanded with the role of the Royal Magistrate in Mel Gibson's historical epic (1995), where he depicted an English judicial authority enforcing oppressive laws on Scottish rebels. Principal filming occurred in Ireland for cost reasons, but key sequences were shot in Scotland's Highlands, including for battle scenes and areas around to evoke the 13th-century . The character, a composite figure symbolizing English crown overreach rather than a specific historical individual, underscores the film's dramatized portrayal of colonial injustice and resistance led by . Gant further diversified his international portfolio as the Duke of Bedford in Luc Besson's The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), a France-UK-Czech co-production that reimagined the saint's trial and execution. Playing the English regent opposite Milla Jovovich's Joan, Gant participated in a multinational ensemble blending biographical drama with psychological depth, highlighting 15th-century Anglo-French conflicts. In Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001), directed by , Gant portrayed Major Warren, a British in challenging villagers to a match to waive taxes. This Indian production incorporated British actors like Gant and for authenticity in depicting Raj-era dynamics, marking a cross-cultural collaboration in the musical sports genre and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

Television and voice acting contributions

David Gant portrayed Ceolwulf, a Mercian , in the historical drama series (2015–2022), appearing in the season 2 episode "Episode 2.3" aired in 2017. In this episode, set during the 9th-century Saxon-Viking conflicts based on Bernard Cornwell's novels, Ceolwulf engages in tense negotiations with King Aethelred of regarding an alliance against Danish invaders, only to suffer a fatal heart attack amid the discussions, highlighting the precarious political landscape of Anglo-Saxon . Gant's performance captured the character's authoritative yet vulnerable demeanor, contributing to the series' depiction of historical intrigue and power struggles in a production co-created by and . In , Gant provided the English dub voice for Iedolas Aldercapt in the computer-animated Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (2016), a prequel to the , where he also contributed for the character. Aldercapt, the tyrannical ruler of the empire of , drives much of the plot's conflict through his aggressive expansionism and use of magical technology against the kingdom of Lucis, with Gant's deep, commanding vocal delivery emphasizing the emperor's ruthless ambition and manipulative nature. This role showcased Gant's versatility in performance capture, blending voice work with physical acting to bring the CGI antagonist to life in Square Enix's expansive fantasy universe. Gant's television contributions in the 2010s extended to guest roles in other British series, such as portraying John Morton, a key advisor to King Henry VII, in the Borgia (2013), where he appeared in the episode "Pax Vobiscum," depicting the intricate papal politics of Renaissance Italy. He also featured as Barry Bashford in an episode of the long-running medical soap Doctors (2015), adding to his repertoire of character-driven supporting parts in episodic television. In voice-over projects, Gant lent his distinctive to video games, including Oswald of Carim, a pardoner offering absolution to players, in (2011), and the enigmatic dragon scholar Aldia in (2014), roles that involved nuanced vocal performances to convey lore-rich, atmospheric dialogue in FromSoftware's acclaimed action-RPGs. These voice works highlighted the technical demands of game audio production, such as syncing intonations with in-game animations to enhance immersive storytelling.

Later career and modeling pursuits

In the 2000s and 2010s, David Gant maintained a sporadic presence in film, television, and , often taking on supporting or voice roles in international projects. Notable among these was his portrayal of Oswald of Carim in the Dark Souls (2011), a character known for its enigmatic and philosophical demeanor, followed by additional voice work in its sequel (2014). He also lent his voice to Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt in the animated film Kingsglaive: (2016), contributing to the franchise's epic narrative. On stage, Gant appeared as the Sheriff in the Theatre Royal Norwich's Christmas production of during the 2016 holiday season. These roles reflected a shift toward voice and character work that leveraged his distinctive Scottish timbre and gravitas. Gant's acting continued into the 2020s with appearances in high-profile series and films, including on-screen parts as Casino Croupier in Wes Anderson's anthology The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More (2024), Lord Bassington Smythe in The Gentlemen (2024 Netflix series), and Simeon in Mary (2024). These credits demonstrate his ongoing involvement in both live-action formats despite a reduced pace compared to earlier decades. Parallel to his acting, Gant pursued a successful international modeling career, which began alongside his early stage work in the 1970s but gained prominence in later years through representation by agencies such as Models 1 and Bananas Models. He modeled for fashion houses in Europe, including a notable appearance at the CPD fashion show in Düsseldorf presenting designs by Doris Hartwich. His work extended to campaigns in Italy and Hong Kong, where he was featured in print and runway endeavors that highlighted his tall, distinguished frame (185 cm). Gant attended Models 1's 50th anniversary party in 2018, underscoring his enduring ties to the industry. As of 2025, Gant remains active in both fields, with no public indications of retirement; he continues to be represented for voiceovers by Dean Street Voices and for modeling and events by InterTalent, occasionally appearing in interviews that reflect on his multifaceted career.

Legacy and recognition

Critical reception of key performances

Gant's portrayal of the Royal Magistrate in (1995) was highlighted for its effective villainy, described as "enjoyably hissable" in the film's climactic scene, enhancing the antagonist dynamic alongside Patrick McGoohan's King Edward Longshanks. In (1985), Gant's brief appearance as the Interview Official contributed to the ensemble's depiction of bureaucratic inefficiency, though contemporary reviews from outlets like Variety focused primarily on lead performances and the film's overall satirical vision without singling out supporting roles. For his voice work as Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt in Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (2016), Gant provided the voice for the antagonist. The English dub featured high-profile actors including and . Gant has not received individual award nominations, such as from the British Academy Scotland, though his roles appeared in films nominated for major honors, including Braveheart's five .

Influence on Scottish acting scene

David Gant's portrayal of the Royal Magistrate in the 1995 epic , a film centered on Scottish history and featuring numerous Scottish performers, exemplified the growing presence of Scottish actors in major Hollywood productions. This role, alongside his earlier appearances in films like Gandhi (1982), underscored the transition of trained Scottish talent into international cinema, providing visibility for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's alumni in global projects. As a 1974 graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Gant is listed among the institution's alumni. His post-graduation establishment in theatre, including performances in productions like a world tour of Hamlet and Coriolanus at Chichester Festival Theatre, reflected the expansive reach of Scottish dramatic training during the late 1970s and 1980s.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0304564/
  2. https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/124910
  3. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/21431-david-gant?language=en-US
  4. https://the-last-kingdom.fandom.com/wiki/David_Gant
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0304564/bio/
  6. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/21431-david-gant
  7. https://www.rcs.ac.uk/alumni/our-alumni/
  8. https://www.rcs.ac.uk/75-years-stage-screen/
  9. https://www.rcs.ac.uk/about/our-history/
  10. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/twelfth-night/productions/B3C87843E879D67F20FFB44D737AEA41
  11. http://www.filmreference.com/film/8/David-Gant.html
  12. https://www.intertalentgroup.com/client/david-gant/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080406/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083987/fullcredits/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088846/fullcredits/
  16. http://www.wideanglecloseup.com/gilliam_brazil.html
  17. https://www.deepfocusreview.com/definitives/brazil/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/characters/nm0304564/
  19. https://movie-locations.com/movies/b/Braveheart.php
  20. https://www.scotlandswild.com/braveheart
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0151137/fullcredits/
  22. https://www.moriareviews.com/fantasy/messenger-the-story-of-joan-of-arc-1999.htm
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169102/characters/nm0304564/
  24. https://www.screendaily.com/features/screens-guide-to-the-2023-international-feature-oscar-shortlist/5177714.article
  25. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Kingsglaive-Final-Fantasy-XV/Iedolas-Aldercapt/
  26. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/david-gant/credits/3000088987/
  27. https://english-voice-over.fandom.com/wiki/David_Gant
  28. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/David-Gant/
  29. https://www.models1.co.uk/men/main/213-david-gant/
  30. https://www.bananasmodels.com/Models/ModelDetail/david-gant
  31. https://blog.quanticdream.com/my-quantic-experience-david-gant/
  32. https://deanstreetvoices.com/voiceovers/david-gant/
  33. https://www.filmsgraded.com/reviews/2018/04/braveh.htm
  34. https://variety.com/1984/film/reviews/brazil-10-1200426637/
  35. https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/film-review-kingsglaive-final-fantasy-xv-movie-1201839391/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.