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Dimitri Leonidas
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Dimitri Leonidas (born 14 November 1987) is an English actor, best known for his roles in the films The Monuments Men, and Rosewater (both 2014) and the television series Riviera (2017–2020).
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Leonidas was born on 14 November 1987 in Brent, London, the son of a Greek Cypriot father and an English mother.[1] He also has Welsh ancestry through his mother.[2] He has three sisters: Stephanie and Georgina, both actresses, and Helena, a teacher.[3]
Career
[edit]Leonidas first appeared in a film in 1997, as an extra in Charles Sturridge's FairyTale: A True Story.[4] His first speaking part came in 2001 in the BBC series Grange Hill, in which he stayed for four seasons. Until 2008, he was credited mostly as Shane Leonidas.
In 2009, he co-starred in the teen horror Tormented, and in 2010 he appeared in Centurion, starring Michael Fassbender. In the following years, his works included the TV series Sinbad, a guest role in Doctor Who and the Spanish film Animals.
Leonidas had a breakthrough year in 2013: he was cast by George Clooney in his Second World War drama The Monuments Men, starring Clooney himself, Matt Damon, Bill Murray and Cate Blanchett. He also landed a role in Jon Stewart's Rosewater. This led him to be named as one of Screen International's Stars of Tomorrow.[5]
In 2015, Leonidas had a brief role in the Emmy-nominated[6] television film Killing Jesus. He then appeared in the action film Renegades and in the comedy-horror film Kill Ben Lyk. From 2017 to 2020, he was part of the cast of the series Riviera,[7] followed by a role in the 2021 Netflix science fiction/crime-drama The One. In 2023, he played the role of Hober Mallow in season two of the Apple TV+ science fiction series Foundation.[8] Leonidas starred as Scorpus in the 2024 historical drama series Those About to Die.[9][10]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | FairyTale: A True Story | N/a | Extra |
| 2009 | Tormented | Alex | |
| 2010 | Centurion | Leonidas | |
| 2012 | Animals | Mark | |
| 2014 | The Monuments Men | Sam Epstein | |
| Rosewater | Davood | ||
| 2017 | Renegades | Jack Porter | |
| 2018 | Kill Ben Lyk | Roberto |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Casualty | Ross | Episode: "Heroes and Villains" |
| 2001–2004 | Grange Hill | Josh Irvine | Television debut: 23 January 2001[11] |
| 2002 | The Bill | Josh Harvey | Episode: "Honeytrap" |
| 2005 | The Bill | Ryan Greaves | Episode: "Word to the Wise" |
| 2007 | Holby City | Jez Patterson | Episode: "I Feel Pretty" |
| Doctors | Mike Andreus | Episode: "Chemistry" | |
| 2008 | Banged Up Abroad | Scott White | Episode: "Kuwait" |
| 2011 | Hustle | Pete Wilson | Episode: "The Fall of Railton FC" |
| Doctor Who | Howie Spragg | Episode: "The God Complex" | |
| 2012 | Sinbad | Anwar | 12 episodes |
| 2015 | Killing Jesus | James | Television film |
| 2017–2020 | Riviera | Christos Clios | 21 episodes |
| 2018 | Genius | Kostas Axelos | Episode: "Picasso: Chapter Nine" |
| 2021 | The One | James Whiting | 8 episodes |
| 2023 | Foundation | Hober Mallow | Season 2; 7 episodes |
| 2024 | Masters of the Air | Sgt. George J. Petrohelos | Miniseries, episode: "Part Five" |
| Those About to Die | Scorpus | 10 episodes |
Theatre
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Through a Glass Darkly | Max |
References
[edit]- ^ Day, Elizabeth; Lamont, Tom (5 January 2014). "Rising stars of 2014 – film: Dimitri Leonidas". The Guardian.
- ^ Edelstein, David (11 November 2014). "Jon Stewart's Rosewater Is Dramatic in a Way That's Rare in Political Filmmaking". Vulture.
- ^ "Dimitri Leonidas - "Monuments Men" - intervista a Occupy Deejay". Occupy Deejay. 11 February 2014. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Dimitri Leonidas's CV at Independent Talent Group". Retrieved 27 October 2019.
- ^ "Screen unveils 2013 UK Stars of Tomorrow". Retrieved 27 October 2019.
- ^ "67th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners: Outstanding Television Movie - 2015". Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- ^ Goodman, Tim (13 September 2017). "Riviera: TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (1 February 2022). "Foundation: Apple TV+ Sci-Fi Drama Adds 10 to Season 2 Cast, Unveils First Look". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
- ^ "Everything to Know About Dimitri Leonidas, Who Plays Scorpus in Peacock's Those About to Die". NBC. 4 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ Pavic, Anastasija (17 July 2024). "Dimitri Leonidas on Transforming into Scorpus". Dscene. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "Grange Hill - Episode #24.1". IMDb. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
Dimitri Leonidas
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Family and upbringing
Dimitri Leonidas was born on November 14, 1987, in Brent, London, England.[5] His father is of Greek Cypriot descent, while his mother is English with additional Welsh ancestry.[2][6] Leonidas has three sisters: Stephanie, Helena, and Georgina, all of whom share his multicultural family background.[7] Notably, sisters Stephanie and Georgina have pursued careers in acting, reflecting a familial interest in the performing arts.[2] Raised in Wembley, London, Leonidas grew up in an environment shaped by his diverse heritage, blending Greek Cypriot traditions with English and Welsh influences.[7] This multicultural upbringing in the British capital contributed to his sense of cultural pride, as he has expressed appreciation for the combined heritages that form his identity.[8]Initial interest in acting
Leonidas began his involvement in acting at age 10 as an extra in the film Fairy Tale: A True Story (1997).[4] He first developed a deeper interest in acting as a pre-teen, around the age of 12 or 13, when he enrolled in local drama classes held above a pub in his hometown of Wembley, London.[9] There, he discovered an unexpected affinity for improvisation, which built his confidence and sparked his passion for performance.[9] His family background offered a supportive foundation for such creative endeavors, as his mother actively encouraged participation in extracurricular activities during his youth.[9] Lacking any formal training from a drama school, Leonidas entered the industry through informal opportunities arranged by his drama teacher, beginning with extra work on sets.[9] This led to his initial speaking roles via television, such as in Grange Hill (2001–2004), secured in his early teens, allowing him to learn the craft on the job in a self-taught manner.[10] Motivated by the enjoyment of improvisation and the realization that acting could serve as a viable career—having witnessed professionals at work on television—he viewed these early gigs as a natural progression rather than a structured pursuit.[9] Following the completion of his post-secondary education at college, where he balanced academics with acting, Leonidas committed to the profession full-time.[10] This decision marked a pivotal shift, as he relied on practical immersion to hone his skills, often reflecting on whether formal training might have provided additional tools but ultimately thriving through hands-on exposure.[9]Professional career
Early television appearances
Dimitri Leonidas began his professional acting career in British television as a teenager, marking his debut in 2001 with a guest role as Ross in the episode "Heroes and Villains" of the long-running medical drama Casualty on BBC One.[7] This early appearance, at the age of 13, introduced him to the demands of episodic television production. Shortly thereafter, he secured his first recurring role as Josh Irvine in the BBC children's series Grange Hill, appearing from 2001 to 2004 across multiple seasons, which provided a steady platform to develop his skills in a school-based ensemble setting.[11] Throughout the mid-2000s, Leonidas built his resume with guest spots in prominent UK police and medical procedurals, including roles as Josh Harvey in The Bill in 2002 and Ryan Greaves in 2005.[12] He continued this pattern in 2007 with appearances as Jez Patterson in Holby City and Mike Andreus in the episode "Chemistry" of Doctors.[12][13] These roles, often portraying troubled youths or patients, highlighted his versatility in short-form storytelling and helped him navigate the competitive landscape of British TV, where young actors frequently honed their craft through one-off episodes.[14] As he transitioned into his early twenties, Leonidas took on more substantial guest parts, including Howie Spragg in the 2011 Doctor Who episode "The God Complex," a role that showcased his ability to blend humor and vulnerability in a high-profile sci-fi context.[15] The following year, he appeared as Anwar, the ship's doctor, in the fantasy miniseries Sinbad, marking one of his earliest international co-productions.[5] Lacking formal drama school training, Leonidas relied on on-the-job learning during these formative years, crediting the rigorous schedules of shows like Casualty and The Bill for teaching him professionalism and resilience in the industry.[14] This period of episodic work from the mid-2000s to early 2010s solidified his presence in UK television, transitioning him from amateur theater to paid professional engagements.Film debut and breakthrough
Leonidas made his film debut in the 2010 historical action film Centurion, directed by Neil Marshall, where he portrayed the character Leonidas, a Greek legionary scout in the Ninth Legion, alongside Michael Fassbender as the lead Quintus Dias. The film, set in 117 AD during the Roman invasion of Britain, depicted the legion's ambush by Pict warriors and the survivors' desperate fight for survival, earning praise for its intense battle sequences and atmospheric depiction of ancient warfare.[16] Leonidas's performance in this supporting role showcased his ability to handle physically demanding action scenes, building on his earlier television experience that provided a solid foundation in dramatic acting.[4] In 2014, Leonidas achieved further prominence with roles in two high-profile ensemble films. He played Sam Epstein, a young Jewish-American soldier fluent in German recruited for his linguistic skills, in George Clooney's The Monuments Men, a World War II drama based on the true story of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program that recovered Nazi-looted art. The film starred Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, and Cate Blanchett, and Leonidas's portrayal contributed to the ensemble's exploration of cultural preservation amid war, with the production emphasizing historical accuracy through consultations with survivors like Harry Ettlinger, whom Epstein was loosely based on.[17] That same year, Leonidas appeared as Davood, an Iranian prison guard, in Jon Stewart's directorial debut Rosewater, adapted from journalist Maziar Bahari's memoir about his 2009 detention in Iran. Starring Gael García Bernal as Bahari, the film highlighted themes of resilience and psychological interrogation, with Leonidas's role adding depth to the depiction of the oppressive regime; it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received positive reviews for its balanced portrayal of real events.[18] These consecutive film roles from 2010 to 2014 marked Leonidas's breakthrough in cinema, elevating his profile from television supporting parts to international features with acclaimed directors and casts. His work in The Monuments Men led to his selection as one of Screen International's UK Stars of Tomorrow in 2013, recognizing his potential as an emerging talent, while Rosewater further solidified his reputation for nuanced character work in politically charged narratives.[19] The critical attention and industry buzz from these projects propelled his career trajectory, opening doors to more prominent opportunities in both film and television.[20]Television series and international recognition
Building on his film breakthrough, Leonidas's television career expanded with leading international roles.[5] His breakthrough in serialized television arrived with the role of Christos Clios in the Sky Atlantic drama Riviera (2017–2020), where he portrayed the ambitious and volatile son-in-law of the central character, co-starring alongside Julia Stiles across all three seasons.[21][22] The series, a high-stakes thriller set on the French Riviera, explored themes of wealth, betrayal, and family intrigue, with Leonidas's character embodying moral ambiguity and ruthless drive.[23] In 2017, Leonidas also took on a supporting role as Jack Porter, an explosives expert in the Navy SEAL team, in the action film Renegades, directed by Steven Quale, marking his involvement in high-octane ensemble projects during this period.[24][25] Leonidas entered the science fiction genre in 2023 as Hober Mallow in season two of Apple TV+'s Foundation, adapting Isaac Asimov's foundational novels; he played the roguish interplanetary trader and con artist who aids the Foundation's efforts against imperial threats.[26] This role highlighted his versatility in portraying cunning, anti-authoritarian figures within expansive, futuristic narratives.[27] Critics praised Leonidas for his dramatic range in these ensemble-driven series, noting his ability to infuse complex emotional layers into antagonistic or morally gray characters, such as the "awful and hateful" yet compelling Christos in Riviera.[23] His performances contributed to the shows' global appeal, with Riviera distributed internationally via Sky Atlantic and Sundance Now, and Foundation streaming on Apple TV+ worldwide, reaching audiences across Europe, North America, and beyond.[28][29]Recent projects
In 2021, Leonidas portrayed James Whiting, a key figure entangled in a web of romance and deception, in the Netflix sci-fi thriller series The One, created by Howard Overman.[30] The eight-episode series explores the consequences of DNA-based matchmaking technology, with Leonidas's character serving as a close ally and former collaborator to the protagonist, Rebecca Webb.[31] Leonidas took on a leading role as Scorpus, a charismatic and skilled chariot racer in ancient Rome, in the 2024 Peacock historical drama Those About to Die, developed by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich.[3] The series delves into the brutal world of gladiatorial games and political intrigue during the Flavian dynasty, requiring Leonidas to undergo intensive physical training to embody the athlete's prowess, including learning authentic chariot racing techniques under expert guidance.[32] He drew on historical research into Roman spectacles to inform his performance, highlighting Scorpus's rise from humble origins to arena stardom amid the era's spectacles.[10] This role marked a shift toward high-stakes action epics, building on his prior portrayal of Hober Mallow in Foundation to secure casting in period pieces demanding both intellectual depth and physicality.[3] He also appeared as Sgt. George J. Petrohelos in the Apple TV+ World War II miniseries Masters of the Air (2024).[33] As of 2025, Leonidas is set to appear in the BBC legal drama The Split Up, a spin-off from the acclaimed series The Split, focusing on a British-Asian family running a Manchester law firm navigating modern relationships and divorce cases.[34] Filming began in October 2025, with Leonidas joining a cast that includes Ritu Arya and Sanjeev Bhaskar, further diversifying his portfolio into contemporary British ensemble dramas.[35] These projects reflect Leonidas's expanding range across genres, from speculative fiction and historical action to intimate legal procedurals.Filmography
Film roles
Leonidas made his feature film debut in the horror-comedy Tormented (2009), where he portrayed Alexis under director Jon Wright.[36] In Centurion (2010), a historical action film, he played the character Leonidas, directed by Neil Marshall.[37] He appeared as Mark in the Spanish drama Animals (2012), directed by Marçal Forés.[38] Leonidas starred as Sam Epstein in The Monuments Men (2014), a World War II ensemble film directed by and co-starring George Clooney.[39] In the same year, he took on the role of Davood in Rosewater (2014), a political drama directed by Jon Stewart.[40] His role as Jack Porter came in the action thriller Renegades (2017), also known as American Renegades, directed by Steven Quale.[24] Finally, in Kill Ben Lyk (2018), a comedy-thriller, Leonidas played Roberto, directed by Erwan Marinopoulos.[41]Television roles
Leonidas's television career began in the early 2000s with guest spots on established British series, marking his entry into acting as a teenager.[3] His breakthrough in TV came with a recurring role in the long-running children's drama Grange Hill, where he portrayed Josh Irvine across 58 episodes from 2001 to 2004, initially credited as Shane Leonidas.[42] This role established him in youth-oriented programming before transitioning to more diverse guest appearances. Throughout the mid-2000s, Leonidas accumulated one-off and short-arc roles in procedural dramas, honing his skills in ensemble casts. In 2002, he appeared as Josh Harvey in an episode of The Bill.[12] He returned to the series in 2005 as Ryan Greaves in another episode.[43] That same year, he guest-starred as Ross in the episode "Heroes and Villains" of Casualty.[44] In 2007, he played Mike Andreus in an episode of Doctors and Jez Patterson in Holby City in the episode "I Feel Pretty". In 2008, he appeared as Scott White in the episode "Kuwait" of Locked Up Abroad.[43] By the early 2010s, Leonidas secured more prominent series roles, blending fantasy and historical genres. In 2011, he appeared as Howie Spragg, a conspiracy theorist with a stammer, in the Doctor Who episode "The God Complex," and as Pete Wilson in an episode of Hustle.[45] From 2012 to 2013, he portrayed Anwar, Sinbad's loyal friend and a series regular, across all 12 episodes of the fantasy adventure Sinbad. In 2015, he played James in the Nat Geo mini-series Killing Jesus, a four-part production. These roles showcased his versatility in supporting characters within serialized narratives. Leonidas gained international recognition through co-productions and streaming series in the late 2010s and 2020s. He starred as Christos Clios, the ambitious son-in-law in a wealthy family, in the Sky Atlantic/Netflix drama Riviera from 2017 to 2020, appearing in 21 episodes across three seasons.[46] In 2021, he played James Whiting, co-founder of a DNA matchmaking company, as a main role across all 8 episodes of the Netflix mini-series The One.[47] His role expanded in prestige television with Hober Mallow, a roguish trader, in season two of Apple TV+'s Foundation in 2023, recurring over multiple episodes.[48] In 2024, he appeared as Sgt. George J. Petrohelos in the Apple TV+ mini-series Masters of the Air, specifically in the episode "Part Five."[49] That year, he also led as Scorpus, a charismatic charioteer, in the Peacock historical drama Those About to Die, a recurring role in the 10-episode first season.[3] In 2025, he joined the cast of the BBC legal drama The Split Up as Luke, with filming beginning in October 2025.[34]| Year(s) | Series | Role | Episodes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2004 | Grange Hill | Josh Irvine | 58 | Recurring; early breakout role in British youth drama |
| 2002 | The Bill | Josh Harvey | 1 | Guest appearance |
| 2005 | The Bill | Ryan Greaves | 1 | Guest appearance |
| 2005 | Casualty | Ross | 1 | Guest in episode "Heroes and Villains" |
| 2007 | Doctors | Mike Andreus | 1 | Guest appearance |
| 2007 | Holby City | Jez Patterson | 1 | Guest in episode "I Feel Pretty" |
| 2008 | Locked Up Abroad | Scott White | 1 | Guest in episode "Kuwait"; documentary series |
| 2011 | Doctor Who | Howie Spragg | 1 | Guest in episode "The God Complex" |
| 2011 | Hustle | Pete Wilson | 1 | Guest in episode "The Fall of Railton FC" |
| 2012–2013 | Sinbad | Anwar | 12 | Series regular; fantasy adventure |
| 2015 | Killing Jesus | James | 4 | Mini-series; historical drama |
| 2017–2020 | Riviera | Christos Clios | 21 | Recurring lead; international co-production |
| 2021 | The One | James Whiting | 8 | Main role in Netflix mini-series |
| 2023 | Foundation | Hober Mallow | Multiple | Recurring in season 2; sci-fi streaming series |
| 2024 | Masters of the Air | Sgt. George J. Petrohelos | 1 | Guest in episode "Part Five"; WWII mini-series |
| 2024 | Those About to Die | Scorpus | 10 | Recurring lead; historical epic on Peacock |
| 2025 | The Split Up | Luke | TBA | Upcoming BBC legal drama; filming began October 2025 |