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Greg Wise
Greg Wise
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Matthew Gregory Wise (born 15 May 1966)[1] is an English actor and producer. He has appeared in several British television programmes and feature films. He played the role of John Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility, which also starred Emma Thompson, whom he later married.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Wise was born on 15 May 1966 in Newcastle upon Tyne to architect parents Douglass Wise and Yvonne Jeannine Czeiler. He was educated at the independent St Peter's School, York. He went to Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to study architecture and performed at Bedlam Theatre. Wise studied drama at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.[citation needed][2][better source needed]

Career

[edit]
Wise, 2009

His first professional job was on stage, starring in Good Rockin' Tonight, a musical based on TV producer Jack Good's life.[3][4]

His television work includes four BBC period dramas: The Moonstone with Keeley Hawes, The Buccaneers alongside Carla Gugino, Madame Bovary with Frances O'Connor, The Riff Raff Element in 1992 and 1993, and as Sir Charles Maulver in the 2007 five-part series Cranford. In 1999 he starred as Marshall in ITV's seven-part drama Wonderful You alongside his future mother-in-law Phyllida Law and future brother-in-law Richard Lumsden. He filmed a number of readings of love scenes from a selection of classic and modern love scenes, from Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles to Kiran Desai's The Inheritance of Loss for The Carte Noire Readers.[5][6] In 2011, he appeared in Hallmark Channel's Honeymoon for One, starring Nicollette Sheridan.[7]

He is also the producer of the 2010 BBC/Masterpiece production The Song of Lunch starring his wife, actress Emma Thompson, and Alan Rickman.[8]

In February 2015, Wise made his theatrical return starring in Brad Fraser's Kill Me Now at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, London. In July 2015, he played the role of emotionally distanced father Gilbert Aldridge in the BBC's two-part television adaptation of Sadie Jones' debut novel The Outcast.[9] Wise portrayed Lord Louis Mountbatten in series 1 and 2 (2016/17) of Netflix's The Crown.

Wise won the celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off in aid of Stand Up to Cancer in 2019.[10]

In 2021, Wise was a contestant on nineteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing. He was partnered with Karen Hauer and the couple were eliminated in the fourth week.[11]

Personal life

[edit]

Wise has been in a relationship with actress Emma Thompson since 1995, when they met on the set of Sense and Sensibility.[12] Their daughter Gaia was conceived through IVF and was born in 1999.[13] They married in 2003, and that same year, they informally adopted Tindyebwa Agaba, a Rwandan orphan and former child soldier.[13]

Wise is a socialist.[14]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Title Year Role Notes
Feast of July 1995 Arch Wilson
Sense and Sensibility 1995 John Willoughby
Judas Kiss 1998 Ben Dyson
Africa 1999 Josh Sinclair
Mad Cows 1999 Alex
The Discovery of Heaven 2001 Max Delius
Hills Like White Elephants 2002 The American short
Johnny English 2003 Agent One
Five Moons Plaza 2003 Francesco Doni
Every Seven Years 2004 Boyfriend short
The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby 2005 Minister Lee
A Cock and Bull Story 2005 Greg
The Disappeared 2008 Jake Ryan
Morris: A Life with Bells On 2009 Miloslav Villandry
Effie Gray 2013 John Ruskin
3 Days in Havana 2013 Harry Smith
Walking on Sunshine 2014 Doug
A Private War 2018 Professor David Irens
Military Wives 2019 Richard

Television

[edit]
Title Year Role Notes
A Masculine Ending 1992 Jamie Baird TV film
Covington Cross 1992 Henry of Gault Episode: Pilot
Typhon's People 1993 Cato Macgill / Adam Prime TV film
The Riff Raff Element 1993 Alister TV series
Taggart 1994 Greg Martin Episode: Hellfire
Feast of July 1995 Arch Wilson
The Buccaneers 1995 Guy Thwaite TV mini-series
The Moonstone 1996 Franklin Blake TV film
Tales from the Crypt 1996 Justin Amberson Episode: Fatal Caper
The Place of the Dead 1997 Corporal Hugh Brittan TV film
Hospital! 1997 Dr. Jim Nightingale
House of Frankenstein 1997 1997 Crispian Grimes TV film
Alice Through the Looking Glass 1998 Red Knight TV film
Wonderful You 1999 Marshall, chartered accountant TV mini-series
Madame Bovary 2000 Rodolphe TV film (episodes 2, 3)
Battersea to Bethlehem: A Christmas Story 2001 Narrator
Sirens 2002 Oliver Rice
Hornblower, Loyalty 2003 Major Côtard TV film
According to Bex 2005 Charles Mathers
Number 13 2006 Professor Anderson BBC Ghost Stories for Christmas
Trial & Retribution Sins of the Father 2006 John Harrogate TV film
Elizabeth David: A Life in Recipes 2006 Peter Higgins TV film
Agatha Christie's Marple 2007 Nevile Strange Episode: Towards Zero
Place of Execution 2008 Philip Hawkin TV film
Cranford 2009 Sir Charles Maulver
The Song of Lunch 2010 Producer TV film
Law & Order: UK 2011 Gavin Williams Episode 32: Crush
Honeymoon for One 2011 Sean TV film
Homefront 2012 Major Pete Bartham
Unknown Heart [fr] 2014 Duncan Lancaster
The Outcast 2015 Gilbert Aldridge
Galavant 2016 Arnold Galavant
The Crown 2016–2017 Louis, Earl Mountbatten of Burma Main role (Seasons 12)
Modus 2017 Warren Schifford
Strange Angel 2018 Alfred Miller TV series
Strictly Come Dancing 2021 Contestant Series 19
The Buccaneers (2023 TV series) 2025 Reede Robinson Season 2

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew Gregory Wise (born 15 May 1966) is an English actor and producer best known for his breakthrough role as in the 1995 film adaptation of , opposite , whom he later married. Born in to architect Professor Douglass Wise, he grew up in a family with strong ties to the field of architecture, which initially influenced his academic path. Wise attended the independent St Peter's School in before pursuing a degree in at in , where he also performed in plays that sparked his interest in acting. He subsequently trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of ), graduating in 1991 with a focus on classical theater techniques including Shakespeare and Stanislavski methods. His professional stage debut came in 1992 with the musical Good Rockin' Tonight, a production centered on TV producer Jack Good. Throughout his career, Wise has balanced film, television, and stage work, appearing in supporting roles across British productions such as the miniseries The Buccaneers (1995) as Guy Thwaite, Madame Bovary (2000), and Cranford (2007). Notable film credits include Feast of July (1995), The Discovery of Heaven (2001), Johnny English (2003) as Agent One, and more recent works like A Private War (2018) and Last Christmas (2019). On television, he portrayed Lord Louis Mountbatten in seasons 1 and 2 of The Crown (2016–2017). In 2021, Wise gained additional public attention as a contestant on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, reaching week 10. Beyond acting, he has produced projects and authored the 2023 memoir Not Alone: Reflections on Faith and Resilience, detailing his experiences caring for his sister Clare during her battle with cancer until her death in 2015. In his personal life, Wise met Thompson on the set of Sense and Sensibility, where mutual friend Kate Winslet played a role in encouraging their romance; the couple married on 29 July 2003 in Dunblane, Scotland. They have two children: biological daughter Gaia Romilly Wise (born 4 December 1999), an actress, and adopted son Tindyebwa "Tindy" Agaba (born 1988), a Rwandan refugee they welcomed in 2003 when he was 16. The family resides in London and has been noted for their shared advocacy on environmental and humanitarian issues.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Greg Wise was born Matthew Gregory Wise on 15 May 1966 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. His parents, Douglass Wise and Yvonne Jeannine Czeiler, were both architects, with his father serving as a professor in the field. The family environment, immersed in architectural design and creativity, profoundly influenced Wise's early years in northern England. Wise grew up with a close-knit , particularly with his older Clare, who shared his upbringing and later became a significant influence in his life. The siblings maintained a strong bond from childhood through adulthood, marked by mutual support and shared experiences in their northern English home. Clare's battle with cancer, which led to her death in September 2016 at age 51, deepened their connection, as Wise provided hands-on care during her final months and co-authored a reflecting on their journey together. During his childhood, Wise attended St Peter's School in , a where he served as a chorister, performing solos at and developing an early passion for the . This period in , combined with his parents' architectural profession, sparked his dual interests in design and performance, shaping his creative outlook before pursuing further studies.

Education

Wise initially pursued a degree in architecture at in during the early 1980s, following in the footsteps of his parents who were both architects. During his time there, he became involved with the Edinburgh University Theatre Company and performed at the Bedlam Theatre, which ignited his passion for and led him to abandon his architectural studies. Recognizing his true interest lay in performance, Wise pivoted to drama training and enrolled at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in . He completed a three-year program there, emphasizing classical techniques that prepared him for stage work. The curriculum at the academy provided Wise with foundational exposure to Shakespearean roles and ensemble performance practices, alongside methods from Stanislavski, movement, and voice training, which profoundly shaped his approach to acting. This rigorous education marked the culmination of his academic journey and directly informed his transition to a professional career in theatre.

Acting career

Theatre

Greg Wise began his professional career on stage shortly after graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1991, making his debut in the musical Good Rockin' Tonight, a production based on the life of Jack Good that originated at the Library Theatre before transferring to London's West End. In the early 1990s, Wise established himself in regional theatre with roles in classical and contemporary plays. He appeared as Juror #12 in a production of Reginald Rose's with Theatre Positive+ Scotland, performing at venues including the Third Eye Centre in and the Arches in 1990-1991. He portrayed Captain Plume in George Farquhar's at the Royal Exchange Theatre in from May to June 1992, directed by Braham Murray alongside a cast including and . In 1993, Wise took on the role of Jacques in Crimes of Passion at Playhouse, directed by Pip Broughton, a production that explored themes of desire and deception in a circus setting. Wise's London stage debut came in 1998 with Peter Moffat's Nabokov's Gloves at the , where he played the lead role of , a grappling with grief and ethical dilemmas; the play received mixed reviews but praised Wise's engaging performance for its charm and depth. After a period focused on film and television, he returned to in 2006, appearing as Henry Bolingbroke opposite in a production of Shakespeare's Richard II during a tour in directed by Stephen Rayne. In 2015, Wise made a notable return to the London stage after nearly two decades, starring as Jake Sturdy in the European premiere of Brad Fraser's Kill Me Now at the Park Theatre in , directed by Braham Murray; the play addressed and family dynamics, earning praise for Wise's portrayal of a father confronting his son's . His early grounding in , particularly through ensemble work at institutions like the Royal Exchange and Nottingham Playhouse, sharpened his versatility and emotional range, skills that seamlessly translated to his subsequent screen career.

Film

Greg Wise has appeared in numerous films throughout his career, spanning from period dramas to contemporary roles. The following is a chronological list of his cinematic film credits.
YearTitleRoleCitation
1995Feast of JulyArch Wilson
1995John Willoughby
1998Judas KissBen Dyson
1999Mad CowsAlex
1999Alice Through the Looking Glass
2000Rodolphe
2001The Discovery of HeavenMax Delius
2003Five Moons PlazaFrancesco Doni
2003Agent One
2005Mr. Wagstaff
2005Minister Lee
2008The DisappearedJake Ryan
2011Honeymoon for OneSean Hughes
2011An Ordinary FamilySeth
20133 Days in HavanaHarry Smith
2014
2014Walking on SunshineDoug
2014BlackwoodDominic
2017Beautiful DevilsJames Lacy MP
2017Love of My LifeBen
2018Professor David Irens
2019Richard
2019Mr. Bauer
2019Audience Member (uncredited)
2022James Walker
2025LOSSStarring role

Television

Greg Wise began his television career in the late with guest appearances in and has since built a diverse portfolio spanning dramas, , and specials, often portraying complex characters in period and contemporary settings. His roles frequently highlight his versatility, from historical figures to modern professionals, with notable recurring appearances in series like and . Below is a chronological table of his television credits.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1992Henry de BrieRecurring role, 3 episodes.
1993Typhon's PeopleCato/Adam, 3 episodes.
1993The Riff Raff ElementSeries regular, 8 episodes.
1994Greg MartinGuest role in "Black Hearts" episode.
1996Tales from the CryptJustin AmbersonGuest role, 1 episode ("Fatal Caper", US-UK co-production).
1996Guy Thwaite, 5 episodes.
1996Franklin Blake, 4 episodes.
1996The Place of the DeadHugh BrittainTV movie.
1997Hospital!Dr. Jim Nightingale, 6 episodes.
1997House of Frankenstein/Grimes, 2 episodes.
1998Alice TV movie/special.
1999Wonderful YouMarshall, 7 episodes (lead role).
2000Rodolphe, 2 episodes.
2001Sirens, 2 episodes.
2003Hornblower: LoyaltyMajor CôtardTV movie.
2003According to Series regular, 13 episodes.
2003: A Life in RecipesPeter HigginsTV movie.
2004John HarrogateGuest role, 2 episodes.
2006Miss Marple: Neville StrangeTV movie.
2006No. 13Professor AndersonTV movie.
2007The Commander: VirusMark Davey, 3 episodes.
2007Cranford Maulver, 5 episodes.
2009Philip Hawkin, 3 episodes.
2011FavelloniGuest role, 1 episode.
2011Honeymoon for OneSeanTV movie.
2013: UKProfessor Gavin Guest role in "Customs" episode.
2014Duncan Lancaster (also known as Unbroken Heart), 6 episodes.
2015The OutcastGilbert Aldridge, 2 episodes (recurring).
2016Lord MountbattenRecurring role, 5 episodes (seasons 1–2).
2018RupertRecurring role, 4 episodes.
2023–2025Reede RobinsonRecurring role, 8+ episodes (seasons 1–2).
2024The Death and Life of River SongGarrison Clay (voice)Big Finish audio special/TV tie-in, 1 story.
2024The Jury: Murder TrialNarratorTV series.
2025: Rise of a 3 episodes (documentary).

Other work

Producing

Greg Wise entered the field of producing with the 2010 BBC short film The Song of Lunch, an adaptation of Christopher Reid's narrative poem that explores themes of regret and lost love through a tense lunch reunion between former colleagues. As executive producer, Wise spearheaded the project at the BBC, recognizing the poem's inherent cinematic qualities and its potential for visual storytelling despite its literary origins. Directed by Niall MacCormick, the 50-minute film starred Alan Rickman as the unnamed male protagonist and Wise's wife, Emma Thompson, as his former lover, with the production emphasizing intimate, dialogue-driven scenes set in a London restaurant to capture the poem's emotional subtlety. Wise's producing role involved overseeing the adaptation process, collaborating with Christopher Reid and the team to translate the verse into a dramatic format suitable for television, marking a deliberate focus on elevating contemporary through screen media. The film premiered on on October 8, 2010, and later aired on PBS's in the United States, receiving praise for its nuanced performances and innovative approach to blending with visual . This debut project highlighted Wise's interest in intimate, character-focused stories drawn from literary sources, contributing to the tradition of British television's support for high-caliber, low-budget adaptations that prioritize artistic depth over commercial spectacle.

Writing

Greg Wise co-authored the memoir Not That Kind of Love with his sister Clare Wise, published by Quercus Books in 2018. The book originated from Clare's , which she began in 2013 following her initial cancer diagnosis—though a lump was first discovered in 2007, it was identified as bone cancer in 2015—and continued through her treatment and until her death in September 2016. As Clare became too weak to type, Greg took over the writing, contributing the final third of the book and transforming the raw blog entries, which had amassed 96,000 hits by 2015, into a cohesive . The explores themes of profound , the unbreakable bond between siblings, and the intimate realities of , while incorporating moments of unexpected humor to highlight the value of amid suffering. It also offers pointed critiques of the healthcare system, including the lack of support for the seven million unpaid carers and the over-medicalization of death, though it praises institutions like the Macmillan Cancer Centre for their role in Clare's care. Wise's personal reflections emphasize the raw, unedited nature of the writings, capturing real-time emotions without hindsight. The book received widespread acclaim for its honesty, emotional depth, and blend of poignancy with levity, with reviewers noting its power to both devastate and inspire readers to appreciate life's fragility. It earned high praise in outlets such as , which described it as "a remarkable account of illness, loss and the power of sibling love," and highlighted Wise's insights on as particularly valuable. To promote the , Wise participated in interviews and tours, including discussions on platforms like RTE's , where he elaborated on the collaborative process and its cathartic impact. Beyond the memoir, Wise has contributed occasional articles to reputable publications, including pieces in in 2018 reflecting on acting challenges and personal loss through his sister's illness. These writings often intersect his professional experiences with themes of vulnerability and resilience, providing deeper context to his literary voice.

Reality television

In 2019, Greg Wise participated in the charity special of The Great British Bake Off: Stand Up to Cancer, competing in the fifth episode of the second series alongside contestants including Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Nicola Adams, and Caroline Flack. His bakes, which featured homemade jam from garden fruit and technical challenges that impressed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, earned him the title of Star Baker for the episode. Wise's involvement was driven by a personal commitment to fundraising for cancer research, following the death of his sister Clare from bone cancer in 2016, for whom he had served as a full-time carer in her final months. The appearance highlighted his enthusiasm for the challenge, with viewers and critics noting his surprising baking talent and positive energy, though some remarked on his confident demeanor as overly self-assured. Wise returned to reality television in 2021 as a contestant on the nineteenth series of , partnered with professional dancer . The pair performed routines including an American Smooth in week one and a Paso Doble in week three, receiving scores that placed them mid-table, before facing elimination in the fourth week after a dance-off against and , where all judges opted to save the latter couple. His participation served as a tribute to his late sister, who was a devoted fan of the show, and allowed him to channel personal challenges into raising awareness for unpaid carers—a cause he champions as an ambassador for organizations like Carers Trust—while confronting his own through the physical and emotional demands of the competition. Public response praised Wise's heartfelt dedication, particularly during an emotional Couple's Choice routine inspired by his sister's memory, which drew acclaim for his vulnerability and effort, boosting visibility for his philanthropic efforts in support and cancer-related advocacy.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Greg Wise first met actress Emma Thompson on the set of the 1995 film Sense and Sensibility, where he portrayed John Willoughby opposite her Elinor Dashwood. Their romantic relationship began later that year, shortly after Thompson's divorce from Kenneth Branagh was announced in September 1995. The couple married on 29 July 2003 in a private ceremony in , . Wise and Thompson share a blended with two children: their biological , Romilly Wise, born on 4 December 1999 via IVF, and their adopted son, Tindyebwa "Tindy" Agaba, a born in 1987 whom they informally adopted in 2003 at the age of 16 after he had been a child soldier during the . The family resides in , where they have cultivated a close-knit dynamic, with Gaia describing Tindyebwa as her adored big brother. Wise and Thompson actively support their children's endeavors, including 's burgeoning acting career, which includes roles in films like (2008) and her recent appearance alongside her mother in The Dead of Winter (2025).

Activism and philanthropy

Wise has long identified as a socialist and a supporter of the UK Labour Party, emphasizing and fair ation as core principles. In a 2015 interview, he described himself as a "profound socialist" who has "actively loved paying " to support public services, reflecting his belief that society must function on the principle of shared burdens. That same year, Wise joined his wife in a high-profile boycott protesting the Swiss banking scandal, vowing not to pay "a penny more" in taxes until wealthy tax evaders faced prosecution, a stance he linked to his disappointment with Labour's response to ahead of the general election. Alongside Thompson, Wise has engaged in environmental activism, including support for anti-fracking campaigns in the late and broader initiatives. The couple has advocated for , with Wise participating in public discussions on during family-involved efforts in the . In recent interviews, he has highlighted the transcendent importance of in personal and global contexts, underscoring the urgency of addressing change through collective action. Wise's philanthropic work centers on health, caregiving, and grief support, often motivated by his experiences caring for his sister Clare before her death from cancer in 2016. He won the 2019 edition of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for , using the platform to raise funds and awareness for . Wise serves as an ambassador for Carers Trust, drawing from his time as a full-time carer, and for , which provides , crediting the organization with supporting him during his sister's illness. He is also an ambassador for The Good Grief Trust, promoting open conversations about bereavement to help others navigate loss. In terms of refugee advocacy, Wise and Thompson informally adopted Tindyebwa Agaba, a Rwandan and former child soldier, in 2003 after meeting him at a refugee event; they supported his integration into British society, at a top , and subsequent career in . Agaba, now known as Tindyebwa Wise, has founded a charity aiding victims of in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an effort Wise has praised as exemplary rooted in personal resilience.

Filmography

Film

Greg Wise has appeared in numerous films throughout his career, spanning from period dramas to contemporary roles. The following is a chronological list of his cinematic film credits.
YearTitleRoleCitation
1995Feast of JulyArch Wilson
1995John Willoughby
1998Judas KissBen Dyson
1999Mad CowsAlex
2001The Discovery of HeavenMax Delius
2003Five Moons PlazaFrancesco Doni
2003Agent One
2005Mr. Wagstaff
2005Minister Lee
2008The DisappearedJake Ryan
2011An Ordinary FamilySeth
20133 Days in HavanaHarry Smith
2014
2014Walking on SunshineDoug
2014BlackwoodDominic
2017Beautiful DevilsJames Lacy MP
2017Love of My LifeBen
2018Professor David Irens
2019Richard
2019Mr. Bauer
2019Audience Member (uncredited)
2022James Walker
2025LOSSTBA
No additional film projects for Wise have been announced or released beyond those listed as of November 2025.

Television

Greg Wise began his television career in the late with guest appearances in and has since built a diverse portfolio spanning dramas, , and specials, often portraying complex characters in period and contemporary settings. His roles frequently highlight his versatility, from historical figures to modern professionals, with notable recurring appearances in series like and . Below is a chronological table of his television credits.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1989Tales from the CryptJustin AmbersonGuest role, 1 episode (US-UK co-production).
1992Henry de BrieRecurring role, 3 episodes.
1993Typhon's PeopleCato/Adam, 3 episodes.
1993The Riff Raff ElementAlistairSeries regular, 8 episodes.
1994Greg MartinGuest role in "Black Hearts" episode.
1996Guy Thwaite, 5 episodes.
1996Franklin Blake, 4 episodes.
1996The Place of the DeadHugh BrittainTV movie.
1997Hospital!Dr. Jim Nightingale, 6 episodes.
1997House of FrankensteinVictor Frankenstein/Grimes, 2 episodes.
1998Alice Through the Looking GlassTV movie/special.
1999Wonderful YouMarshall, 7 episodes (lead role).
2000Rodolphe, 2 episodes.
2001Sirens, 2 episodes.
2003Hornblower: LoyaltyMajor CôtardTV movie.
2003According to BexSeries regular, 13 episodes.
2003Elizabeth David: A Life in RecipesPeter HigginsTV movie.
2004John HarrogateGuest role, 2 episodes.
2006Miss Marple: Towards ZeroNeville StrangeTV movie.
2006No. 13Professor AndersonTV movie.
2007The Commander: VirusMark Davey, 3 episodes.
2007Cranford Maulver, 5 episodes.
2009Philip Hawkin, 3 episodes.
2011FavelloniGuest role, 1 episode.
2011Honeymoon for OneSeanTV movie.
2013Professor Gavin RichardsGuest role in "Customs" episode.
2014Duncan Lancaster (also known as Unbroken Heart), 6 episodes.
2015The OutcastGilbert Aldridge, 2 episodes (recurring).
2016Lord MountbattenRecurring role, 5 episodes (seasons 1–2).
2018RupertRecurring role, 4 episodes.
2023–Reede RobinsonRecurring role, 8+ episodes (seasons 1–2).

References

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