Dean Redman

Dean Redman is a British-born Canadian actor, voice actor, and stunt performer known for his extensive work across film, television, and animation, with over 100 credits spanning more than two decades.^[1][2] His breakthrough in live-action cinema came with supporting roles in major blockbusters, including a military officer in Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), a programmer in TRON: Legacy (2010), and appearances in Godzilla (2014) and Warcraft (2016).^[1][3] In the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy, he portrayed XO Stone in War for the Planet of the Apes (2017).^[1] Redman's television career includes early guest spots on series like Jake 2.0 (2003–2004) and Supernatural (2005), followed by recurring roles such as Fire Chief Smith in Virgin River (2019–present) and Warden William Ellis in Superman & Lois (2023–2024).^[3][1] In voice acting, Redman entered the industry with the role of Dutch, the ex-Marine leader of the Lagoon Company, in the anime series Black Lagoon (2006) and its OVA Roberta's Blood Trail (2010–2011).^[4][5] He has since lent his voice to characters like Nick Fury in Iron Man: Armored Adventures (2009–2012), Unagami in Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu (2020), Olym in The Hollow (2020), and Baran in Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020–2022).^[4][2] His stunt work complements his on-screen presence, appearing in action-heavy projects like Warcraft: The Beginning (2016), where he performed dual roles.^[1] As of 2025, Redman continues to build his profile with recent television appearances, including a guest starring role as Marquis Rawlins in the pilot episode of the CBS/CTV series Boston Blue.^[6] He also starred as Archie Moore in the Netflix series The Greatest.^[1]

Early Life

Upbringing in Britain

Dean Redman was born in Birmingham, England, to Jamaican immigrant parents.^[6] He grew up alongside an elder brother in a British household shaped by his family's Caribbean heritage.^[6] During his childhood in Britain, Redman developed an early fascination with media and storytelling, frequently watching films like the original Planet of the Apes series and immersing himself in Marvel comics, where he often role-played characters such as Nick Fury.^[7] These experiences helped him through childhood growing pains.^[7]

Immigration to Canada and Pre-Acting Career

Dean Redman, born in Birmingham, England, to Jamaican parents, immigrated to Canada at the age of seven along with his family.^[8] This move from the United Kingdom marked a significant transition in his early life, during which he adapted to his new environment by immersing himself in Canadian and American media, particularly television, to learn local speech patterns and cultural nuances.^[8] Upon settling in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, Redman pursued aviation as a profession, training to become a commercial pilot and accumulating the necessary flight hours for certification.^[9] He developed a deep passion for the role, describing himself as being "so in love with it" during his time in the industry.^[9] Over time, he became a Canadian resident and eventually a citizen, establishing roots in the region that would later support his career shift.^[6] Redman's piloting career was disrupted by the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, which severely impacted the aviation sector and led to widespread job instability.^[9] Feeling unfulfilled and grappling with depression and confusion—"a silent riot," as he later reflected—he decided to leave the field around the early 2000s to seek opportunities in a new industry.^[9] This pivotal choice was further highlighted in a behind-the-scenes interview for the anime series Black Lagoon, where he revealed quitting his job as a commercial pilot to pursue other paths, marking the end of his aviation tenure.^[10]

Professional Career

Transition to Acting and Stunts

After serving as a commercial pilot, Redman decided to leave aviation in the early 2000s, seeking a career change that aligned more closely with his creative interests.^[11] He transitioned into the entertainment industry by pursuing voice acting, initially connecting with Vancouver-based studios as an entry point into professional work.^[11] Redman's entry into acting was facilitated through Ocean Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he began building his skills in voice performance around this time.^[11] This involvement provided foundational opportunities, including auditions and small-scale gigs in local productions, allowing him to gain practical experience in the field.^[12] Parallel to his acting pursuits, Redman pursued early stunt training, drawing on his preexisting extensive background in martial arts, weapons handling, and firearms expertise.^[6] These skills positioned him well for action-oriented roles, enabling a seamless integration of stunts into his burgeoning entertainment career without needing extensive additional formal training.^[6]

Live-Action Roles

Dean Redman's live-action performances frequently feature him in authoritative and military-oriented characters, leveraging his extensive background in martial arts, weapons handling, and stunts to bring intensity to roles involving law enforcement, soldiers, and security personnel.^[7] His on-screen work often blends physicality with dramatic presence, as seen in high-profile blockbusters where he portrayed commanding figures amid large-scale action. In the science fiction franchise, Redman appeared as XO Stone in War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), delivering a stern military leader in the film's climactic confrontations between humans and apes.^[1] He also played Security Guard #2 in Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), contributing to the tension in early sequences involving containment breaches.^[1] Other significant film credits include National Guard #1 in Godzilla (2014), where he depicted a frontline responder during the monster's rampage, and Light Jet Sentry in TRON: Legacy (2010), a role that integrated his stunt skills in the digital world's high-speed pursuits. In Warcraft (2016), Redman took on dual roles as Varis, a loyal Alliance lieutenant, and the Caged Frost Wolf, showcasing versatility in both human and creature portrayals within the fantasy epic.^[2] Redman's television appearances emphasize recurring and guest spots as disciplined officers, starting with supporting parts in early 2000s series like Jake 2.0 (2003–2004), where he played a government agent in sci-fi procedural episodes.^[3] He gained recognition for multiple episodes of Smallville (2007–2010) as Police Officer Dominic Mercer, appearing in installments such as "Nemesis," "Kara," and "Toxic" to handle supernatural threats alongside the lead characters.^[13] Guest roles followed in genre staples, including Second Girl's Father in Supernatural (2006), a police officer in The X-Files episode "Founder's Mutation" (2016), corrections officer C.O. Biggs in Second Chance (2016), and Fire Chief Smith in Virgin River (2019–), where he coordinated emergency responses during the series' wildfire arcs.^[14] These performances often incorporated his stunt expertise for authentic action beats, such as chases and confrontations.^[1] Throughout his career, Redman has amassed over 100 credits in film, television, and related media, evolving from minor supporting roles in the early 2000s to key character parts in global blockbusters by the 2010s, solidifying his niche in action-driven narratives.^[12]

Voice Acting Roles

Redman made his voice acting debut voicing Dutch, the tough American ex-marine leader of the Lagoon Company, in the English dub of the anime series Black Lagoon (2006).^[4][5] This role marked his entry into animation dubbing, leveraging his authoritative baritone for the character's commanding presence.^[11] Throughout his career, Redman has portrayed a range of authoritative figures in animation, often suiting his deep, gravelly voice to military or leadership types. Notable examples include Olym, a formidable antagonist in the Netflix series The Hollow (2020), where he voiced the episode "Race."^[15] He also lent his voice to Unagami, the digital overlord in the Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu Prime Empire arc, including the episode "Temple of Madness" (2020).^[4][16] Additionally, Redman has voiced Stream Drazeros, a powerful B-Daman character, in B-Daman Fireblast (2012–2013).^[17][18] One of his most enduring roles is as Nick Fury in various Marvel animated productions starting in 2009, including Iron Man: Armored Adventures (2009–2012) and Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk (2013).^[19][2] This portrayal captures the S.H.I.E.L.D. director's stern demeanor across multiple episodes and specials.^[20] He voiced Baran, a powerful demon lord, in the anime Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020–2022).^[1] Redman primarily works with Vancouver-based recording studios, beginning his voice career at Ocean Studios before collaborating with Sound Kitchen Studios, KOKO Productions, and New Machine Studios on various projects.^[11][5][21] His portfolio includes contributions to over 100 film, television, and animation credits, with voice work emphasizing rugged, intense characters in anime dubs and Western cartoons.^[12]

Additional Contributions

Stunt Expertise and Training

Dean Redman possesses an extensive background in martial arts, weapons handling, firearms, and tactical training, which he has applied to stunt performance throughout his career. This foundation, developed prior to his entry into acting, enabled him to perform complex action sequences requiring precision and physical endurance.^[6] His physical training regimen allowed him to integrate seamlessly into demanding productions, where he contributed to choreography involving combat and tactical maneuvers. For instance, in films like Warcraft (2016), Redman's expertise supported the realism of intense fight scenes and pursuits.^[1][6] Recognized industry-wide as a stunt performer, Redman frequently blends his stunt capabilities with on-screen acting to create hybrid roles that demand both physical prowess and character depth. This dual proficiency has been credited in official filmographies, underscoring his contributions to action-heavy narratives without compromising narrative flow. His training continues to inform ongoing work, ensuring authenticity in portrayals of tactical and combat-oriented characters.^[1][6]

Involvement in Film Festivals

Dean Redman serves as the Head Judge and Master of Ceremonies for the Hollywood North International Film Festival (HNIFF), where he oversees the coordination of judges, acquires talent, and manages pre-screening processes to select films from global submissions.^[22][23] In this role, he also handles press relations, promotions, and event hosting to ensure an engaging experience for participants while prioritizing accessibility and volunteer support.^[23] For the 2025 edition of HNIFF, primarily online with in-person events from January 11 to February 8, including a Grand Award Gala on January 25, Redman emphasized the festival's inclusive mandate, attracting short films from around the world and providing a platform for diverse voices in independent cinema.^[24][25] In interviews, he highlighted the event's growth, noting a surge in international entries from countries beyond traditional markets like the US and UK, driven by word-of-mouth and the potential for showcased projects to evolve into full feature films.^[23] Beyond judging, Redman contributes to industry events through panel discussions and mentoring, focusing on guiding emerging directors and producers by sharing insights on career navigation and festival participation.^[23] His efforts support up-and-coming talent by facilitating connections and highlighting promising works that could lead to broader recognition.^[23] In recent years, particularly post-2020, Redman has appeared on podcasts discussing festival dynamics and personal career challenges, such as adapting to industry shifts and the value of inclusive events in fostering new talent.^[26] These discussions underscore his commitment to promoting growth in the film community through behind-the-scenes coordination and advocacy for independent projects.

Filmography

Film Credits

Dean Redman's feature film appearances span a range of genres, often involving supporting roles and stunt work in high-profile productions. His credits demonstrate his versatility as an actor and stunt performer in live-action theatrical and direct-to-video releases.

• The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008): Military Policeman, contributing to the film's military ensemble scenes.^[27]
• 2012 (2009): Vegas Fireman, appearing in disaster sequences amid the film's global catastrophe narrative.^[28]
• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010): Nashville Cop #1 (uncredited), a brief law enforcement role in the mythological adventure.
• TRON: Legacy (2010): Light Jet Sentry, with additional stunt performance in the digital world's action sequences.^[29]
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): Security Guard #2, involving stunt coordination during containment facility confrontations.
• Maximum Conviction (2012): Jones, a key operative in the direct-to-video action thriller's prison break plot.
• RoboCop (2014): OmniCorp Exterior Security, supporting the corporate security forces in the sci-fi remake's dystopian setting.^[30]
• Godzilla (2014): National Guard #1, with stunt work in the military response to the monster's rampage.
• Come and Find Me (2016): Jackson, a character aiding the protagonist's nonlinear search for answers.^[31]
• Warcraft (2016): Varis and Caged Frostwolf, dual roles blending acting and motion capture in the fantasy epic's orc-human conflict.^[32]
• War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): XO Stone (Commanding Officer), a military antagonist in the franchise's climactic battle sequences, with stunt involvement.
• Freaks (2018): ADF Captain, appearing in the sci-fi horror's authoritarian enforcement scenes.^[33]
• Colorblind (2023): Beniyah, a supporting role in this drama exploring racial and perceptual themes through a colorblind artist's experiences.

Television Credits

Dean Redman's television appearances span a variety of genres, often featuring him in authoritative or security roles that leverage his background in stunts and martial arts. His most notable recurring work came in the superhero series Smallville, where he portrayed Police Officer Dominic Mercer across multiple seasons from 2007 to 2011. This character appeared in key episodes such as "Nemesis" (Season 6, Episode 19), where Mercer assists in a high-stakes pursuit involving Lex Luthor's schemes; "Kara" (Season 7, Episode 2), aiding in the investigation of a mysterious newcomer; "Toxic" (Season 8, Episode 4), during a tense school lockdown; and "Absolute Justice" (Season 9, Episode 11), part of a larger ensemble addressing a legacy of vigilantes. Additionally, Redman played a Lab Guard in the earlier episode "Upgrade" (Season 6, Episode 4).^[13] Earlier in his career, Redman debuted on U.S. network television with a supporting role as Guard/NSA Guard in two episodes of the sci-fi series Jake 2.0 during its 2003-2004 run, including "Training Day" (Season 1, Episode 5), where he appeared amid Jake's intense operational training sequences.^[34] In supernatural and horror-themed shows, Redman made guest appearances that highlighted his versatility. He played Second Girl's Father in Supernatural's "Everybody Loves a Clown" (Season 2, Episode 2, 2005), contributing to the episode's exploration of grief and rakshasa mythology. Later, in the revival of The X-Files, he portrayed a Police Officer in "Founder's Mutation" (Season 10, Episode 5, 2016), a standalone story delving into genetic experiments and family secrets.^[35] Redman continued with dramatic roles in more recent series. In Second Chance (2016), he guest-starred as C.O. Biggs in "That Time in the Car" (Season 1, Episode 7), a correctional officer involved in personal and ethical conflicts surrounding the protagonist's resurrection. More contemporarily, he appeared as Fire Chief Smith in two episodes of Virgin River (Season 5, 2023), notably during the wildfire crisis arcs that test the community's resilience. Among his television movie credits distinct from feature films, Redman featured in Stealing Christmas (2003) as Store Guard in this holiday-themed heist drama, and Fatal Lessons: The Good Teacher (2004) as a supporting figure in the thriller's investigative plot. He also appeared in Polar Storm (2009), portraying a Sergeant amid a sci-fi disaster scenario involving solar flares. These roles underscored his early foray into made-for-TV productions. Recent credits include a recurring role as Warden William Ellis in Superman & Lois (2023–2024); Francis in the miniseries VC Andrews' Dawn (2023); Landon Jones in the TV movie Yoga Teacher Killer: The Kaitlin Armstrong Story (2024); a supporting role in the TV movie The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death is Listening (2024); a supporting role in Sugarplummed (2024); Marquis Rawlins in the pilot episode of Boston Blue (2025); and Archie Moore in the Netflix series The Greatest (2025).^[1][3][6]

Voice Work Credits

Dean Redman's voice acting career commenced in the mid-2000s through affiliations with Ocean Studios in Vancouver, where he debuted in animated dubbing projects. His breakthrough role came in 2006 as Dutch, the ex-marine leader of the Lagoon Company, in the anime series Black Lagoon, voicing the character across the initial 24-episode run, The Second Barrage (12 episodes), and the Roberta's Blood Trail OVA (5 episodes), marking a significant ongoing commitment to the franchise spanning 2006–2011.^[36][37] Subsequent credits expanded into Western animation and further Marvel dubbing. From 2009 onward, Redman has portrayed Nick Fury in multiple Marvel animated productions, including the 52-episode series Iron Man: Armored Adventures (2009–2012) and the short Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk (2013), establishing his recurring presence in the Marvel universe. These credits reflect Redman's versatility in anime dubbing and Western animation, with Black Lagoon and Marvel roles underscoring his most enduring contributions.^[4][38][5]