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Garry Cooper
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Garry Cooper as Jean in Miss Julie Internationalist Theatre, 1984

Garry Cooper (born 2 June 1955) is an English actor.

He was born in Hull, East Yorkshire, on 2 June 1955. Garry trained at Drama Centre, London and has worked extensively in film, television and theatre.[1] On stage, he made his mark as Jean in the Internationalist Theatre production of Miss Julie [2]

Filmography

[edit]
Title Year Role Notes
Play for Today 1979 Billy / Young Chas 2 episodes
My Son, My Son 1979 Man In Boiler Suit 1 episode
Quadrophenia 1979 Peter [1]
Secret Orchard 1979 Waiter on Train TV movie
ITV Playhouse 1980 Red Episode: "Looking for Vicky"
Mackenzie 1980 Ricky Episode: "Sole Agent"
Metal Mickey 1981 Lance 2 episodes
BBC2 Playhouse 1981 Orderly Episode: "Going Gently"
Jackanory Playhouse 1982 Peter Episode: "The Blacksmith's Son"
Bognor 1982 Harold Bazeley Episode: "Just Desserts: Part 2 - A Health Warning"
The Brack Report 1982 Motorcyclist Episode: "Chapter 8"
Walter 1982 Roger - Stockroom TV movie
P'tang, Yang, Kipperbang 1982 Tommy TV movie
Jemima Shore Investigates 1983 Barry Hatchett Episode: "High Style"
Nineteen Eighty-Four 1984 Guard #1
Summer Season 1985 Second guard Episode: "A Crack in the Ice"
My Beautiful Laundrette 1985 Squatter
Full House 1985 Mate Episode: "May the Best Man Win"
Prospects 1986 Pete Episode: "Partners in Brine"
Caravaggio 1986 Davide
Dramarama 1986 Father Episode: "A Couple of Charlies"
Dempsey and Makepeace 1986 Swabey Episode: "Out of Darkness"
Prick Up Your Ears 1987 Actor 1 - Mr Sloane
The Bill 1988-2003 Neil Chambers / Frank Wilmot / Sgt. Kegan / Sgt. Kegan / Gary Andrews / Dave West 8 episodes
Hannay 1989 Joe Morris Episode: "That Rough Music"
Coronation Street 1989-1991 Detective Sergeant Richardson 4 episodes
Mountains Of The Moon 1990 Stoyan
Trainer 1991 Harry Smethurst Episode: "Fight Night"
London Kills Me 1991 Mr. G
Boon 1991 Dave Woolfe Episode: "The Night Before Christmas"
Soldier Soldier 1991-1996 Sgt Griffiths, RMP 4 episodes
Between the Lines 1992 D.S. Mercer
Rumpole Of The Bailey 1992 Michael Mathieson
Perfect Scoundrels 1992 Marty Hampton
An Ungentlemanly Act 1992 Colour Sgt. Muir
Spender 1993 Terry Armstrong Episode: "Kid"
Darling Buds Of May 1993 George
Harry 1993 Jo Jo 1 episode
Casualty 1993-1995 Phil / Han Dybendak 2 episodes
Men Of The World 1994 Mr. Royston Episode: "The Assessment"
Lovejoy 1994 Kevin The Ponce Episode: "Guns and Roses"
Jacob 1994 Canaanite TV movie
Heartbeat 1994-2006 Arthur Jacobs / Len Brown 2 episodes
Peak Practice 1995 Alan Davies Episode: "A Normal Life"
Emmerdale 1995 Derek Simpson 10 episodes
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries 1996 Sergeant Holt Episode: "A Case of Coincidence": Part 1, 2
The Writing On The Wall 1996 Fred TV movie
Beautiful Thing 1996 Ronnie Pearce
Breakout 1997 Andy Cresswell TV movie
Dalziel and Pascoe 1997 Frostrick Episode: "Exit Lines"
Screen One 1997 Gennady Episode: "Hostile Waters"
Bugs 1997 Johns Episode: "Buried Treasure"
The Fix 1997 Skipper TV movie
The Emissary: A Biblical Epic 1997 Saul / Paul
Dangerfield 1998 James Southel Episode: "The Long Weekend"
The Children Of The New Forest 1998 Oswald Partridge TV movie
Where the Heart Is 1999 Tom Lewis Episode: "Not My Brother"
The Vice 1999-2000 Supt. Jeffrey Callard 6 episodes
Holby City 1999-2004 George Keating / David Coombes 11 episodes
At Home with the Braithwaites 2000-2002 Colin Skidmore 8 episodes
In a Land of Plenty 2001 Stanley 6 episodes
Ella and the Mothers 2002 DI Robertson TV movie
Barbara 2003 Cynthia Episode: "Queenie"
Murder in Mind 2003 DI Frank Slater Episode: "Landlord"
Charles II: The Power and the Passion 2003 General Monck 1 episode
Midsomer Murders 2004 James Griss Episode: "Things That Go Bump in the Night"
Hiroshima 2005 Groves TV movie documentary
Doctors 2005 Nigel Baines Episode: "Herbaceous Borders"
Taggart 2006 Noah Buckland Episode: "Law"
The Harvest 2006 Paul Stoichita Short
Criminal Justice 2008 Ruddock 3 episodes
Minder 2009 Jacko Episode: "Till Debt Do Us Part"
Universal Soldier: Regeneration 2009 Dr. Porter
Broadside 2009 Tromp TV movie
Dead Man Running 2009 Faceless Man
Bibliothèque Pascal 2010 The Professor
Zen 2011 Angelo 3 episodes
House of the Dragon 2022 Ryam Redwyne Episode: "The Heirs of the Dragon"
Better 2023 Peter 'Bulgey' Donovan Police drama[3]

References

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

Garry Cooper

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Garry Cooper (born 2 June 1955) is an English actor best known for his breakout role as Peter, the stylish mod boyfriend of Steph in the cult classic film (1979). Born in Hull, East , he trained at the Drama Centre in and has built a prolific career spanning over four decades in film, television, and theatre. Cooper's early film roles established him as a versatile in British cinema, including appearances in (1982), the dystopian adaptation (1984), Stephen ' My Beautiful Laundrette (1985), and Derek Jarman's (1986), where he portrayed the painter's lover Davide. He continued with notable parts in (1987) and Mountains of the Moon (1990), often embodying complex, working-class characters reflective of his northern English roots. On television, Cooper has made guest and recurring appearances in long-running series such as , , , Casualty, , and , showcasing his range in dramatic and procedural formats. In recent years, he has appeared in (2023) and taken on the role of King in The season 2 (2025), following his portrayal of Ser Ryam Redwyne, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, in the series House of the (2022). Throughout his career, Cooper has also maintained an active presence in , performing in productions at venues like the Playhouse.

Early life and education

Childhood in Hull

Garry Cooper was born on 2 June 1955 in Hull, , .

Training at Drama Centre

Garry Cooper underwent his formal training at the Drama Centre in , a prestigious institution emphasizing techniques derived from . This period equipped him with an inward-looking approach to character immersion and emotional authenticity, foundational to his subsequent career. The Drama Centre's rigorous curriculum prepared him for professional engagements by fostering deep psychological exploration in performance. Notable have credited the school's intensive methods for shaping their craft, with Cooper's experiences highlighting a focus on introspective rehearsal processes.

Career

Theatre work

Garry Cooper began his professional acting career in after training at the , where he developed a foundation in classical and contemporary performance. His early work included repertory productions and tours, establishing him as a versatile capable of handling Shakespearean roles and modern dramas alike. Over the decades, Cooper has appeared in numerous productions across major venues, often taking on supporting and leading roles that showcase his commanding presence and vocal range. In 1984, Cooper made his mark in the Internationalist Theatre production of Miss Julie, produced by its founder Angelique Rockas, who also starred in the title role. The Sunday Telegraph critic Francis King wrote: "Mr Cooper with his sad, stricken eyes in an obdurate prize-fighter`s face is the perfect embodiment of the character" By the 2010s, Cooper had solidified his reputation in high-profile Shakespearean revivals. In 2015, he performed dual roles including in a production of at the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, delivering a portrayal noted for its seamless shifts from romantic intensity to menacing authority. That same year, he took the central role of Danny, the passionate yet ailing band leader, in at Derby Theatre, a production that highlighted his ability to convey working-class grit and emotional depth in a story of community and industrial decline. Cooper's work with further exemplified his affinity for Elizabethan drama. In 2013, he appeared in the Henry VI trilogy, contributing to the ensemble's exploration of political turmoil and power struggles. He also starred as the Duke (and Antonio) in during 2016, bringing nuance to the character's moral ambiguities. In 2017, at the (affiliated with the Globe), Cooper portrayed Cardinal Monticelso in John Webster's , embodying the cleric's hypocrisy and ambition in a production praised for its visceral intensity and double-casting innovations. Later in his career, Cooper balanced classical and contemporary works. He played the in King Lear at in 2003, opposite , where his performance added layers to the ensemble's depiction of familial betrayal and madness. In 2019, he returned to the West End as Tony Matthews in the revival of Ghost Stories at the Ambassadors Theatre (and later Duke of York's), a thriller that leveraged his skills in building suspense through understated menace. Other significant credits include The Last Days of Troy at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 2014, where he supported the epic narrative of war and heroism, and a tour of adaptation at the Trafalgar Studios in 2007, adapting his stage presence to satirical political comedy. These roles underscore Cooper's enduring commitment to theatre, spanning intimate venues to major national stages.

Film roles

Garry Cooper's entry into feature films came early in his career with a supporting role as Peter, the stylish mod boyfriend of the protagonist's sister, in the 1979 British drama Quadrophenia, directed by Franc Roddam. This cult classic, adapting The Who's rock opera, captured the mod subculture of 1960s London and marked Cooper's breakthrough on screen, showcasing his ability to portray charismatic yet volatile youth figures. Throughout the 1980s, Cooper appeared in several notable independent and arthouse films, often in character roles that highlighted his versatility in period and social dramas. In Michael Radford's dystopian adaptation Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984), he played a guard, contributing to the film's stark portrayal of Orwell's totalitarian world. The following year, he took on the role of a squatter in Stephen Frears' My Beautiful Laundrette (1985), a poignant exploration of race, class, and sexuality in Thatcher-era Britain, where his brief but memorable performance added to the ensemble's raw authenticity. Cooper continued with Davide, a young model and lover in Derek Jarman's experimental biopic Caravaggio (1986), embodying the artist's bohemian circle amid the film's vivid Renaissance recreations. In 1987, he appeared as one of the actors auditioning in Prick Up Your Ears, Stephen Frears' biopic of playwright Joe Orton, playing a role in a meta-scene that underscored the film's themes of performance and identity. The 1990s saw Cooper in more substantial supporting parts, including Stroyan, a expedition member in Bob Rafelson's adventure epic Mountains of the Moon (1990), which chronicled the search for the Nile's source and emphasized colonial exploration's perils. He portrayed the enigmatic , a local figure in the Notting Hill underworld, in Hanif Kureishi's directorial debut (1991), a film delving into urban alienation and aspiration. One of his most acclaimed roles came in Hettie Macdonald's coming-of-age romance Beautiful Thing (1996), where he played Ronnie Pearce, the gruff yet protective father of one of the leads, adding emotional depth to the story of young queer love on a estate. In the 2000s and beyond, Cooper's work shifted toward international productions and genre pieces, often in authoritative or antagonistic capacities. He appeared as Dr. Porter, a involved in the film's cloning experiments, in ' action sequel Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009). That same year, he took a small but intense role as the Faceless Man in the crime thriller , directed by , enhancing the narrative's tension around redemption and pursuit. In 2010, Cooper played The Professor in Szabolcs Hajdu's surreal drama Bibliothèque Pascal, a Hungarian blending and in a remote setting. His most recent screen role was as Ronnie Cornwell, the father of , in ' 2023 documentary-drama hybrid , which interwove interviews with reenactments to explore the author's life and inspirations. Cooper's film roles, though often supporting, have consistently demonstrated his skill in bringing nuance to peripheral characters across diverse genres, from youth rebellion and to historical epics and modern thrillers.

Television appearances

Garry Cooper's television career, spanning over four decades, is marked by a series of guest and recurring roles in British dramas, historical , and more recently, high-profile international fantasy productions. Beginning in the early , he debuted on screen in the TV film (1982), portraying the lead role of Tommy, a schoolboy navigating first during the 1948 London Olympics. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Cooper became a familiar face in long-running UK police and medical series, often playing authoritative figures such as sergeants and detectives. He made multiple appearances in The Bill from 1988 to 2003, including roles as Sgt. Kegan in episodes like "Cutting It" (1994) and "No Name, No Number" (1994), as well as Neil Chambers in "Aptitude Test" (2002). In the military drama Soldier Soldier, he portrayed Sgt. Griffiths of the Royal Military Police across four episodes between 1991 and 1996, contributing to storylines involving discipline and intrigue within the British Army. Cooper also featured in Casualty as Phil and later Dominic "Dom" Pearson, and in Coronation Street as Detective Sergeant Keith Richardson in episodes from 1989 and 1991. His recurring role as Superintendent Jeff Callard in six episodes of the gritty crime series The Vice (1999–2000) highlighted his ability to embody tough, morally complex law enforcement characters. In the 2000s, Cooper diversified into period dramas and ensemble casts, playing General Monck in the historical miniseries Charles II: The Power and the Passion (2003) and Stanley in three episodes of In a Land of Plenty (2001). He appeared as Dominic Chapman in two episodes of New Tricks (2004) and Colin Skidmore in eight episodes of At Home with the Braithwaites (2000), showcasing his range in family-oriented narratives. Guest spots continued in procedurals like Midsomer Murders (1998) as James Griss, Holby City (1999) as Dave Coombes, and Hannay (1988) as Joe Morris. The 2010s saw Cooper take on roles in international co-productions and prestige TV, including Angelo, a mob-connected figure, in three episodes of the 's (2011), and Cliff Cringle in Vera (2011). He played Chieftain 1 in the historical fantasy (2018), DI Len Ambrose in Temple (2019), and John Harks in four episodes of Gangs of London (2020). In 2023, he portrayed the intense criminal Peter "Bulgey" Donovan in four episodes of the thriller Better. Cooper's recent international breakthrough came with the role of Ser Ryam Redwyne, the esteemed Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, in the series (2022), appearing in the premiere episode to establish the Targaryen dynasty's early power dynamics. He also appeared as King in season 2 of Netflix's The Sandman (2025).

Filmography

Films

Garry Cooper began his film career in the late with a breakout role as Peter, the stylish mod boyfriend and rival of the , in the youth culture drama (1979), directed by , which captured the mod-rocker clashes of 1960s Britain. Throughout the 1980s, he took on supporting parts in several influential British films, including the role of Guard #1 in Michael Radford's dystopian adaptation (1984), based on George Orwell's novel. He followed this with a cameo as a squatter in ' (1985), a poignant exploration of immigrant life and interracial romance. In Derek Jarman's biographical drama (1986), Cooper portrayed Davide, the young model and companion to the titular Renaissance painter. His decade closed with a minor role as Mr. Sloane in ' (1987), depicting the life of playwright . In the 1990s, Cooper appeared in London Kills Me (1991) as Mr. G, a character navigating London's underworld in Hanif Kureishi's script. He played the father Ronnie Pearce in Hettie MacDonald's tender coming-of-age story Beautiful Thing (1996), set in a South London estate and focusing on young queer romance. Other period roles included supporting parts in biblical epics like Jacob (1994). Cooper continued with character roles in the 2000s and beyond, notably as Dr. Porter, a scientist involved in the UniSol program, in the sci-fi action sequel Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009). He also featured as The Professor in the surreal French drama Bibliothèque Pascal (2010). More recently, he had a role as Ronnie Cornwell in the biographical film The Pigeon Tunnel (2023), directed by Errol Morris, chronicling author John le Carré's life.

Television

Garry Cooper began his television career in the early with a lead role in the TV movie (1982), where he portrayed Tommy, a young boy navigating first love and cricket during the 1953 broadcast. This debut showcased his ability to handle period pieces and coming-of-age narratives, marking an early highlight in his small-screen work. Throughout the and early , Cooper frequently appeared in British police and crime dramas, often playing authoritative figures. He had multiple guest roles in (1984–2010), including Sgt. Kegan in the episode "Cutting It" (1994) and Neil Chambers in "Aptitude Test" (2002), demonstrating his versatility in procedural formats. Similarly, in (1991–1997), he depicted officers such as Sgt. RMP in "Something Old, Something New" (1992) and Sgt. Griffiths in "Dear Joe..." (1996), contributing to the series' exploration of army life. One of his more substantial television arcs came in The Vice (1999–2003), where he played Superintendent Jeff Callard across six episodes, embodying a tough, no-nonsense in the gritty setting. In later years, Cooper diversified into historical and fantasy genres. He portrayed Angelo, a mob enforcer, in three episodes of the crime miniseries (2011), adding depth to the show's Italian-inspired intrigue. His television presence extended into prestige dramas with roles like James Griss in (2004) and DCI John Harks in Gangs of London (2020), the latter highlighting his command in high-stakes gangland narratives. More recently, he appeared as Lord Commander Ryam Redwyne in the premiere episode of (2022), a key figure in the prequel's political machinations. In 2023, he played Peter 'Bulgey' Donovan in five episodes of Better and Cliff Cringle in Vera. He guest-starred as Dominic 'Dom' Pearson in Casualty (2024). Upcoming roles include King Hades in The Sandman (2025) and Stanley Farthing in (2025). These roles underscore Cooper's enduring range across decades of British television production.

Theatre

Garry Cooper has had an extensive career in , spanning over four decades, with notable roles in both classical and contemporary productions across major venues. His stage work includes Shakespearean plays and modern dramas, often portraying authoritative or complex characters.
YearProductionRoleVenue
1984JeanInternationalist ,
1987A Small Family BusinessNot specifiedNational (Olivier),
2002, (and tour)
2006Long Time DeadGrizzly Playhouse, (and Festival)
2006–2007FrankTrafalgar Studios, (and tour)
2010Dad Playhouse (and tour)
2013Henry VI (trilogy) / various, (and tour)
2014The Last Days of TroyRoyal Exchange , (transfer to , )
2015 Everyman
2015DannyDerby
2016Duke of Milan / Antonio / , (and Everyman)
2017Cardinal Monticelso,

References

  1. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/27323-garry-cooper
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079766/characters/nm0178041
  3. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/garry-cooper/umc.cpc.4fsjgq4abzaxfdbef67cqfbnv
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0178041/
  5. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/garry-cooper
  6. https://www.tvsa.co.za/actors/viewactor.aspx?actorid=13859
  7. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009chbq
  8. https://coronationstreet.fandom.com/wiki/Garry_Cooper
  9. https://yorkminster.org/whats-on/event/christmas-carol-concerts/
  10. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12149667.happy-to-repay-debt-owed-to-citizens-of-glasgow/
  11. https://lyric.co.uk/people/garry-cooper/
  12. https://theatricalia.com/play/8h/miss-julie/production/wb4
  13. https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/a-midsummer-nig-liverpool-every-11356
  14. https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/news/derby-theatre-reveals-brassed-4939
  15. https://www.chad.co.uk/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/cooper-heads-brassed-off-cast-2217710
  16. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2017/feb/02/white-devil-review-sam-wanamaker-playhouse-london-annie-ryan-webster
  17. https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/ghost-stories-west-end-full-cast-_49952.html
  18. https://playbill.com/article/west-end-cast-of-ghost-stories-set-to-scare-audiences-once-more
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087803/fullcredits/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091578/fullcredits/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093776/fullcredits/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100196/fullcredits/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102328/fullcredits/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1311699/fullcredits/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084459/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0704385/fullcredits
  27. https://www.tvmaze.com/people/40125/garry-cooper
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1618371/fullcredits
  29. https://screenrant.com/house-dragon-ryam-redwyne-kingsguard-death-game-thrones/
  30. https://redanianintelligence.com/2024/06/01/the-sandman-season-2-adds-hades-to-its-cast/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079766/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090798/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115640/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1288403/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28486633/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0524662/
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0704385/
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0704339/
  39. https://www.theatricalia.co.uk/05nt/nt80s.htm
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2002/nov/18/theatre.artsfeatures2
  41. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/nov/01/theatre
  42. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2010/sep/09/billy-liar-review
  43. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/leisure/theatre/10518177.review-henry-vi-three-plays-shakespeares-globe-on-tour-until-july-14/
  44. https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/the-last-days-o-royal-exchange-10132.pdf
  45. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/mar/29/a-midsummer-nights-dream-everyman-liverpool-review
  46. https://everymanplayhouse.com/event/the-two-gentlemen-of-verona/
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