Hubbry Logo
Duncan PowDuncan PowMain
Open search
Duncan Pow
Community hub
Duncan Pow
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Duncan Pow
Duncan Pow
from Wikipedia

Duncan Pow (born 8 October 1977) is a Scottish actor. He is known in the United Kingdom for television roles in the Sky 1 series Dream Team,[3] and the BBC One series Holby City.[4] He is known internationally for his role as Ruescott Melshi in the Star Wars film Rogue One (2016) and the Disney+ prequel series Andor (2022–2025).[5]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Pow was born in Edinburgh, and moved to Wells, England, when he was eleven. Pow attended The Blue School, Wells,[6] going on to study mathematics at the University of Edinburgh and multimedia technology at Leeds Metropolitan University where he received a first class honours degree.[6]

Career

[edit]

Pow began his acting career in 2005 appearing in a Channel 4 TV miniseries titled Psycho.[7] Also in 2005, he first appeared in the Sky 1 drama series Dream Team as the character Liam MacKay. Pow appeared in 61 episodes until the show ended in 2007.'[3]

From 2008 until 2010, Pow played a starring role in the medical drama Holby City, a series that aired weekly on BBC One. It was announced on 6 November 2007 that Pow had been cast in the role of Linden Cullen, when series producer Diana Kyle described the new character as "dishy... good-looking and sexy." In the context of the show, Linden was introduced as the new head of the hospital's Acute Assessment Unit at the end of the ninth series. He made his first appearance in the episode "Stolen", broadcast on 15 January 2008. The character was the head of Holby City Hospital's surgical admissions ward.

In an interview a year into his time in this leading role on the show, Pow commented: "I don't think I've ever enjoyed a job as much. It is a pleasure to get up every morning and spend my days working at Holby. From the producers, writers, and production staff through to the crew and the cast, everyone is lovely to work with and the atmosphere is always positive and good fun. What more could I wish for? I'm getting paid to do something I love [...] Linden is a very complex character to play and getting your teeth into him has been a dream, any actor would relish the opportunity, I just feel lucky and privileged that it was me that was given the chance."[8]

In 2009, Linden was voted Holby City fans' "Favourite Newcomer of Series 10", receiving 58.5% of the vote.[9] Pow commented on his character's popularity and award win: "I try not to think too much about Linden and how he is viewed by fans." I think it's great that you guys voted Linden as best newcomer and that he has been well received but I guess the fact he has a fan base is down to Tony McHale, Diana Kyle and the writing team for coming up with such an interesting character, and Tony, Diana, Liz Stoll and Julia Crampsie for giving me the opportunity to play him."[8] Discussing the feedback he receives from viewers about Linden, Pow explained that people "like his honesty and dedication to others," commenting that "he's quite selfless, I guess, and that is an incredibly endearing quality".[8]

He was killed off at the end of the twelfth series on 12 October 2010. Pow appeared in 137 episodes of the show.[3]

Afterwards, Pow appeared in more television programmes in the UK and US, including The Wrong Mans (2013),[10] Waterloo Road (2013), Law & Order: UK (2014),[11] 24: Live Another Day (2014),[12] Humans (2015),[13] The Night Manager (2016),[14] and Black Mirror (2016).[15]

Throughout his career, Pow has appeared in independent films. In 2016, he played the role of Ruescott Melshi in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016).[16] The character is a sergeant in the Special Forces of the Alliance to restore the Republic and helps Cassian Andor and Jyn Erso.

After his first appearance in the Star Wars franchise, Pow has continued his career in television, appearing in Playground (2017),[17] Henry IX (2017),[18] Silent Witness (2018),[19] The Salisbury Poisonings (2020),[20] La Fortuna (2021),[21] and Halo (2022).[22] He also appeared in the video game Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint (2019), before reprising his role as Melshi in Andor (2022).[23] In the series, Melshi and Andor meet for the first time as fellow inmates on level 5 of the Imperial factory facility on Narkina 5, and breakout together to later join the Rebel Alliance.[24] The character first appears in episode 8 "Narkina 5", first aired on Disney+ on October 26 2022. Pow appears again in episode 9 "Nobody's Listening!", episode 10 "One Way Out", and episode 11 "Daughter of Ferrix".[25]

The decision to bring Pow back to the Star Wars franchise was made by Tony Gilroy, creator of Andor. As reported by series writer Beau Willimon in an interview with Collider "I remember Tony talking about how much he enjoyed working with that actor and was looking for an opportunity to bring Melshi back... I don't remember who said it out loud first, but what if Melshi's in that prison? And it's like, "Oh, my god.""[26] Gilroy stated "I love the character. Duncan Pow, who plays Melshi, was a great hang on Rogue, and I just really liked him. So I was just like, "How can we get him back in?"".[27]

Personal life

[edit]

Charity work and support

[edit]

Pow is a supporter of the children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent having experience of the charity's work through personal circumstances. When his cousin, Westley Hendry, died of cancer aged 16, the family was supported by CLIC Sargent and he has since been an active supporter[citation needed]. He won a Holby City special edition of the BBC quiz show The Weakest Link and raised £8,600 for the charity.[28] Pow ran the 2008 Great South Run in Portsmouth[29] for CLIC Sargent and completed the Flora London Marathon for CLIC Sargent in 2009.[30]

Pow is the patron of the Leon Heart Fund, which was named after Leon Montanari and helps children and families who visit the University Hospital of Wales' Paediatric Cardiology Department.[31] He has helped raise money for the cancer charity by appearing on the ITV show This Morning several times.[31]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2011 Here's to Big Bear Joe Short film
2014 The Journey Jason
Blackwood Lee
2015 The Chameleon Detective Eigner
2016 Dark Signal Nick Keller
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Ruescott Melshi
2021 Dune Hawat Officer Uncredited

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2005 Psycho Kevin Episode: "Kill Me If You Can"
2005–2007 Dream Team Liam Mackay 61 episodes
2008–2010 Holby City Linden Cullen 136 episodes
2010 Doctors Gary Sneddon Episode: "Father to the Man"
2013 Waterloo Road Frankie McGregor Episode: "Father Figure"
The Wrong Mans Petr 2 episodes
2014 Doctors Patrick Borley Episode: "White Van"
Law & Order UK David Winkleman Episode: "Flaw"
24: Live Another Day Captain Greg Denovo 3 episodes
Lovesick Gareth Episode: "Bethany"
2015 Humans Dr. Sanzen Episode: "1.8"
Unforgotten Tom 3 episodes
Serial Thriller Detective Eigner 2 episodes
2016 The Night Manager Charles Narramore Miniseries; Episode: "1.2"
Black Mirror Garrett Scholes Episode: "Hated in the Nation"
Suspicion JD Douglas Episode: "A Daughter Disappears"
2017 Playground Mike 10 episodes
Henry IX Byron 3 episodes
Trust Me Rob Beasley 2 episodes
2018 Silent Witness Gary Hadlow 2 episodes
Flowers Dennis 2 episodes
2019 The Rook Damien Soames Miniseries; Episode: "Chapter 1"
The Last Czars Yakov Yurovsky 3 episodes
2019–2020 Traces Patrick Monk 2 episodes
2020 The Salisbury Poisonings Dr. James Haslam Docudrama; 3 episodes
2021 La Fortuna Tony 5 episodes
2022 Halo John's Father 5 episodes
2022–2025 Andor Ruescott Melshi 7 episodes [32]
2023 For Her Sins Rob 4 episodes
Colosseum Trajan Docudrama; 2 episodes

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2019 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint Karel Sekulic Deep State DLC
2023 Diablo IV Additional voices
2024 Still Wakes the Deep Muir, Douglas

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Duncan Pow (born 8 October 1977) is a Scottish actor and producer best known for his role as Sergeant Ruescott Melshi, a key Rebel Alliance operative, in the Star Wars franchise, including the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and the Disney+ series Andor (2022–2025). Born in Edinburgh, Pow initially pursued interests in mathematics and media before transitioning to acting, debuting on stage in a production of Trainspotting. His character Melshi originated as a minor fighter pilot in Rogue One but was significantly expanded during reshoots led by Tony Gilroy, transforming him into a central figure in the Wobani prison rescue scene and establishing him as Jyn Erso's first on-screen Rebel contact. Pow's television career gained traction in the United Kingdom with recurring roles such as Curtis Alexander in the Sky1 football drama Dream Team (2001–2005) and surgeon Linden Cullen in the BBC medical series (2008–2011), where his portrayal of the complex, emotionally layered character earned him recognition as a standout newcomer. He has also appeared in international productions, including Air Force Captain Greg Denovo in 24: Live Another Day (2014) and supporting parts in series like . In addition to acting, Pow has worked as a and has been involved in charity efforts, such as running marathons to support children's cancer organizations. Beyond Star Wars, Pow's film credits include roles in La Fortuna (2021), a Spanish miniseries adaptation of the graphic novel El tesoro del Cisne Negro by Paco Roca and Guillermo Corral, and the thriller Dark Signal (2016), showcasing his versatility across genres. His appearances in the Andor series further developed Melshi's backstory, depicting the character's time in an Imperial prison on Narkina 5 and his pivotal involvement in a , highlighting themes of resistance and sacrifice central to the Star Wars narrative.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Duncan Pow was born on October 8, 1977, in , . Although born in the capital, he spent much of his early childhood in , a small town in , where his family had settled. Pow grew up in a supportive family environment that included his mother, stepfather, and sisters, with his sister Lynsey being a significant part of his formative years until her tragic death by suicide in 2013. At the age of 11, in 1988, he witnessed the devastating bombing over . During this period, Pow nurtured early creative interests through cinema, frequently visiting the local Rex Cinema to watch films like , which fueled his imagination and affinity for storytelling. Pow and his family relocated to , , around age 11. He began his formal education in Wells at The Blue School.

Academic pursuits

Duncan Pow attended The Blue School in Wells, , for his secondary education after relocating from to around age 11 or 12. He pursued undergraduate studies in mathematics at the , where he developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. Following this, Pow earned a postgraduate degree in multimedia technology from Leeds Metropolitan University, graduating with first-class honours. This program emphasized practical skills in , including and interactive technologies. Pow's technical background in and significantly shaped his transition toward a in the industry. His multimedia training provided hands-on experience in media production, such as assisting in television content creation, which enhanced his grasp of behind-the-scenes aspects like scripting and technical execution in film and television. These skills complemented his analytical mindset from mathematics, enabling a deeper appreciation for the structured elements of and production as he entered .

Acting career

Breakthrough in television

Duncan Pow's acting career commenced in 2005 after he completed studies in mathematics at the and multimedia technology at Leeds Metropolitan University, where he earned a first-class . His professional debut on came that year, portraying the volatile Francis Begbie in a production of Trainspotting at the from April to May. This early theatre work provided foundational experience that transitioned into television opportunities, marking the beginning of his presence in media. Pow's television debut followed later in 2005 with a guest role as Kevin in the Channel 4 miniseries Psycho, a exploring themes of and deception. He then secured his first major recurring role as Liam MacKay in the Sky 1 football drama Dream Team, appearing in 63 episodes from 2005 to 2007. Portrayed as a reserved, disciplined Scottish footballer and Harchester United's captain, Liam embodied dedication and ambition, reflecting Pow's own drive as noted in a 2006 where he described the role as nerve-wracking yet enjoyable due to the supportive cast. The series, which chronicled the fictional team's on- and off-pitch dramas, helped establish Pow's profile among audiences, with his performance in high-intensity scenes alongside co-stars like highlighting his versatility in ensemble dynamics. From 2008 to 2010, Pow starred as Linden Cullen in the medical drama , appearing in 136 episodes as a consultant general in the Acute Admissions Unit. Introduced as a maverick with strong faith shaped by personal loss—including the death of his wife Olivia—Cullen's arc delved into his struggles with , ethical dilemmas in surgery, and romantic entanglements, such as his relationship with nurse Faye Morton and conflicts over his daughter Holly's illness. Pow described the character as selfless, honest, and complex, crediting the writing for allowing exploration of Linden's "demons" while maintaining his dedication to patients. The role garnered positive fan reception, with Linden voted "Best Newcomer" in the holby.tv awards, praised for Pow's portrayal of a driven yet vulnerable that resonated with viewers. Pow continued building his television credentials with supporting roles in subsequent years, including Petr, a shadowy operative, in two episodes of the comedy-thriller (2013), which satirized conspiracies, and Air Force Captain Greg Denovo in 24: Live Another Day (2014). In 2016, he played the antagonist Garrett Scholes in the Black Mirror episode "," a dystopian story about and autonomous drones, where his character masterminded a deadly online backlash scheme. These appearances showcased Pow's range in genre-spanning narratives, laying groundwork for his later transitions into international productions.

Transition to film

Following his established roles in British television series such as , Duncan Pow made his transition to feature films with the independent thriller The Chameleon (2015), where he portrayed Detective Eigner, a key investigator in a story involving a serial killer's descent into chaos. This role represented his first major cinematic outing, shifting from episodic TV formats to a more contained narrative structure typical of indie productions. In , Pow expanded his film portfolio with Dark Signal, playing Keller in a horror-thriller that blended elements with ghostly radio signals haunting a Welsh countryside. The film received mixed , earning a 33% approval rating on for its atmospheric and gothic vibe, though reviewers noted its convoluted plot and uneven pacing as drawbacks. This project marked an early step in Pow's diversification beyond television, showcasing his ability to handle genre-blending roles in low-budget international features. Pow's visibility in high-profile cinema grew with an uncredited appearance as Hawat Officer in Denis Villeneuve's (2021), a brief but notable involvement in one of the year's biggest sci-fi adaptations. His participation in the film's Budapest-shot sequences highlighted the logistical scale of major blockbusters, though his role remained subtle amid the ensemble cast. Further international exposure came in 2021 with La Fortuna, a Spanish-British co-production where Pow played Tony, a supporting character in a treasure-hunting legal drama led by . The series garnered solid reviews for its polished production and historical depth, achieving a 6.6/10 on and 65% on , positioning Pow within a cross-cultural project distributed globally via AMC+. These roles collectively demonstrated Pow's evolving presence in film, moving from domestic indies to collaborative international efforts that emphasized nuanced supporting performances over lead TV arcs.

Star Wars franchise roles

Duncan Pow was cast as Sergeant Ruescott Melshi during the reshoots of : A Star Wars Story (2016), a role created specifically for the film's additional filming overseen by . Pow described the opportunity as arising from being "in the right place at the right time," including casual conversations with Gilroy about topics like that led to his involvement. On set, he collaborated closely with co-stars such as , who portrayed , forging a professional rapport that informed their shared scenes. In , Melshi serves as a dedicated sergeant, embodying the resolve of ordinary soldiers against the , with a rooted in personal resentment toward Imperial from his youth. Key moments include his during the Scarif beach escape, where he and Cassian rally survivors amid the chaos of the Death Star's destruction, highlighting themes of and camaraderie. Prior to , fans speculated on Melshi's ambiguous fate post-Scarif, theorizing his survival based on visual cues and narrative gaps, which later canon confirmed through expanded lore. Pow reprised the role of Melshi in the Disney+ series (2022–2025), appearing across seven episodes total. In Season 1, Melshi features in the Narkina 5 prison arc (episodes 8–10), where he encounters Cassian as a fellow inmate, offering quiet encouragement and joining the daring escape that underscores their budding alliance. Season 2 expands his arc, with appearances in episodes such as "Welcome to the Rebellion" (Season 2, episode 9), where he aids in early rebel coordination, and "Who Else Knows?" (Season 2, episode 11), delving into strategic discussions amid rising Imperial threats. In interviews, Pow has expressed enthusiasm for reprising Melshi, noting how the character's evolution from prisoner to key rebel leader adds emotional depth to the Star Wars saga, emphasizing the human cost of . Melshi's portrayal has gained cultural significance in Star Wars lore as an "unsung hero," bridging Rogue One's high-stakes action with 's grounded political intrigue, and resonating with fans for humanizing the Rebellion's foot soldiers. While no individual awards for Pow have been reported, Andor received Emmy recognition for its production, amplifying buzz around supporting roles like Melshi. Pow attended conventions such as Star Wars Fan Fun Day 2024 in Blackburn, England, where he engaged with enthusiasts on his experiences portraying the character.

Personal life

Marriage and relationships

Duncan Pow married Yuridia Ortega Correa, a national, in a in Moffat, , in late 2016. The wedding was a low-key event attended by close family, with Ortega Correa traveling from for the occasion shortly before the ceremony. The couple opted not to take an immediate honeymoon, instead planning a larger celebration with friends and extended family in the future. Pow has spoken publicly about the marriage as a bright spot in a challenging period, providing joy to his family after the 2013 suicide of his sister Lynsey. No children have been publicly announced from the marriage, and the couple maintains a private family life.

Philanthropic efforts

Duncan Pow has been a dedicated supporter of children's health charities throughout his career, with his philanthropic efforts largely inspired by personal family experiences with illness. In the mid-2000s, following the death of his cousin from leukemia, Pow began actively fundraising for CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading cancer charity for children and young people. He participated in the 2008 Holby City versus Casualty special edition of the BBC quiz show The Weakest Link, directing the proceeds to CLIC Sargent to support families affected by childhood cancer. That same year, he ran the Great South Run in Portsmouth, raising £1,300 for the organization. Pow's commitment deepened over time, leading him to become a patron of CLIC Sargent, where he has advocated for the charity's services, including financial aid, accommodation, and emotional support for affected families. In 2009, he trained for and completed the Flora to further bolster the charity's efforts, despite later health setbacks like a that temporarily halted his running plans in 2010. He has also endorsed events such as the 2012 Mikhailovsky ballet performances in , which donated proceeds to CLIC Sargent for children's cancer care. In addition to cancer support, Pow serves as a patron of The Leon Heart Fund, established in 2009 to assist children and families on cardiac wards at the , providing grants, equipment, and emotional resources for those facing congenital heart conditions. His involvement reflects a broader focus on pediatric health issues, including heart-related initiatives tied to the fund's work in . Pow has appeared at golf fundraisers and other events to promote these causes, such as a 2010 tournament that aimed to raise £3,000 for CLIC Sargent. Into the 2020s, Pow has sustained his through public appearances at charity-linked events, including the 2024 Star Wars Fan Fun Day at , which benefited East Hospice in support of local health services. In 2025, he attended NORCON, partnered with Cancer Charity to fund cancer research and support at Norfolk hospitals, underscoring his ongoing dedication to children's and community health causes.

Filmography

Film credits

Duncan Pow's film credits are as follows:
YearTitleRoleBilling
2014BlackwoodLeeSupporting
2016Dark SignalNick KellerSupporting
2016The JourneyJasonSupporting
2016Sergeant Ruescott MelshiSupporting
2021Hawat OfficerUncredited

Television credits

Pow began his television career with a recurring role as Liam MacKay in the Sky One sports drama series Dream Team, appearing in 61 episodes from 2005 to 2007. He gained prominence in British television as Dr. Linden Cullen in the BBC One medical drama Holby City, portraying the character across 137 episodes from 2008 to 2010. In 2013, Pow appeared as Petr in two episodes of the BBC comedy-thriller miniseries The Wrong Mans. In 2014, he played Air Force Captain Greg Denovo in three episodes of 24: Live Another Day. In 2015, Pow guest-starred as a Scientist in an episode of Humans. In 2016, he appeared as Charles Narramore in an episode of The Night Manager. Pow featured in the anthology series Black Mirror in 2016, playing Garrett Scholes in the episode "Hated in the Nation." In 2019, Pow played DC Patrick in an episode of The Rook. From 2019 to 2020, he portrayed Drew Cubbin in six episodes of Traces. In 2020, Pow appeared as Dr. James Haslam in four episodes of the miniseries . In 2021, he played in the series . He had a guest role as John's Father in the Paramount+ series Halo in 2022, appearing in the episode "Contact." From 2022 to 2025, Pow reprised his role as Ruescott Melshi in the series , appearing in seven episodes across both seasons. In 2023, he starred as Rob Conroy in the ITV miniseries For Her Sins. Additional television credits include Serial Thriller: The Chameleon (2015, Detective Eigner, 3 episodes) and La Fortuna (2021, Tony, 6 episodes).

Video game credits

Duncan Pow has contributed to several video games through voice acting, leveraging his background in multimedia technology from Leeds Metropolitan University to inform his performances in interactive media. His video game credits include:
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint (2019): Voice of Karels Sekulic in the Deep State DLC, a voice-only role focused on narrative delivery for the expansion's storyline.
  • Diablo IV (2023): Provided additional voices, contributing to the game's expansive ensemble of character dialogues and creature effects in this action RPG.
  • Still Wakes the Deep (2024): Voiced the characters Muir and Douglas, delivering emotional performances in this horror narrative set on an oil rig, with voice direction emphasizing Scottish accents and interpersonal dynamics.
No further video game credits for Duncan Pow have been announced or released as of November 2025. All listed roles are voice acting contributions without motion capture involvement.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.