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Mark Lewis Jones
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Mark Lewis Jones (born 1964 or 1965) is a Welsh actor. He has played roles in a number of Welsh TV series, as well as other roles in a range of TV series and films. He is known for playing Rob Morgan in the comedy-drama series Stella (2012-2017), Steve Baldini in Keeping Faith (2017-2020) and King Charles III's Welsh teacher Edward Millward in the Netflix series The Crown. He also played First Order Captain Moden Canady in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). He has also had many stage roles, and is a voice actor on radio and video games.
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Mark Lewis Jones was born in 1964 or 1965 in Rhosllannerchrugog, near Wrexham in Wales.[1][2]
He began acting as a teenager with the Clwyd Youth Theatre[3][1] and trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.[4][1]
Career
[edit]Jones has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company,[5] and at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.[1]
In the 1990s, he was given roles in TV series The Bill, Casualty, Soldier Soldier, and A Mind to Kill.[1] Other television roles include appearances in This Life, Holby City, Spooks, Murphy's Law, Waking the Dead, Torchwood. He played Detective Inspector Russell Bing in the police drama 55 Degrees North (2004).[citation needed] Jones played Detective Sergeant Ray Lloyd in police drama Murder Prevention in 2004.[6]
In 2001, Jones portrayed Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur and second husband of Igraine, in the American TV miniseries The Mists of Avalon.[citation needed] In 2003 and 2004 he had roles in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Troy respectively.[7] From 2005 until 2008 he played Irfon in S4C's Con Passionate.[citation needed]
In 2006 he played Josi Evans in Stan Barstow and Diana Griffiths' film adaptation of the novel by Sian James, Calon Gaeth (Small country), shot in Welsh and English, and filmed on location in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Brecon, Glamorgan, and Oxford.[7] and, in 2007, Bryan Jones in Y Pris.[8]
In 2015, he had a lead role in The Passing (Yr Ymadawiad).[1]
Jones auditioned for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) but did not get the part. However, he was later offered the part of Captain Canady for the sequel, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). He appears prominently in the opening sequences and says he played the part with "a posh Welsh accent".[9]
He played Rob Morgan in the comedy-drama Stella (2012–2017), and Steve Baldini in the 2018 drama series Keeping Faith (2017–2020).[1]
Jones played prominent 1960s Welsh nationalist activist Dr Edward Millward in The Crown; Iwan Bevan in Jack Thorne's 2019 drama miniseries The Accident; and Tom Christie in the 6th series of Outlander. He had roles in Chernobyl (2019), Game of Thrones, and BBC's Welsh drama made-for-TV film Men Up.[1]
Other media appearances
[edit]In 2009, Jones was a guest in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, broadcast on 11 June on BBC Two Wales.[10]
Awards and nominations
[edit]In 2016, Jones won a BAFTA Cymru award for Best Actor in the 2015 film The Passing / Yr Ymadawiad.[1]
BAFTA Cymru Best Actor award nominations include: 2013 Awards for Stella; 2017 Awards for The Lighthouse; 2018 Awards for Keeping Faith; and in 2021 for Gangs of London.[citation needed]
Jones was awarded a Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in June 2022.[citation needed]
In 2025, Jones was inducted to the Gorsedd at a ceremony during the National Eisteddfod of Wales at Wrexham.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Jones has four children. As of 2025[update] he is living in Cardiff.[1]
In 2014, Jones took part in the Marathon des Sables, in the Sahara Desert, with fellow Welsh actor Richard Harrington.[12] In April 2018, he ran the inaugural Wales Marathon held in Newport.[13]
Jones was one of the athletes taking part in IronMan Wales[14] on 3 September 2023 to raise money for Head for Change,[15] which will go directly towards the education, care and support and potential treatments in rugby.
Jones is an ambassador for Believe Organ Donor Support,[16] Marie Curie UK,[17] and Cerebral Palsy Cymru.[18]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Morons from Outer Space | Godfrey | Credited as Mark Jones |
| 1986 | Valhalla | Voice of Odin | English version |
| 1989 | The Angry Earth | Guto | |
| 1990 | Paper Mask | Dr. Lloyd | |
| 1999 | Solomon & Gaenor | Crad Rees | |
| 2003 | Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World | Mr. Hogg | |
| The Measure of My Days | Escapee | Short | |
| 2004 | Troy | Tecton | |
| 2006 | Little White Lies | James, Dr. | |
| Hydra | Jones | Short | |
| Daddy's Girl | Eisner | ||
| Calon Gaeth | Josi | ||
| 2007 | Olas de verano | Steve Baldini | Short |
| 2008 | The Other Boleyn Girl | Brandon | |
| Caught in the Act | Alan Williams | ||
| 2010 | Robin Hood | Stone Mason Longstride | |
| The Cursed Mirror | Sir Oswallt | Short[citation needed] | |
| 2013 | A Viking Saga: The Darkest Day | Aethelwulf | |
| 2014 | Sniper: Legacy | Shope | |
| 2015 | Child 44 | Tortoise | |
| Queen of the Desert | Frank Lascelles | ||
| Just Jim | Donald | ||
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - A Night to Remember | Letho of Gulet | Short | |
| Yr Ymadawiad | Stanley | [19] | |
| 2016 | Trespass Against Us | P.C. Pollock | |
| The Lighthouse | Thomas Griffiths | ||
| 2017 | Star Wars: The Last Jedi | Captain Moden Canady | |
| 2018 | Apostle | Quinn | |
| Gwen | Mr Wynne | ||
| Partridge in a Bear Tree | Bear | Short | |
| 2019 | The Good Liar | Bryn | |
| 2020 | Rebecca | Inspector Welch | |
| 2021 | Munich – The Edge of War | Sir Osmund Cleverly | |
| The Phantom of the Open | Cliff | ||
| 2022 | Murmur | Roy | Short[citation needed] |
| 2023 | Bolan's Shoes | Geraint | [citation needed] |
| Sweetland | Moses | ||
| 2024 | Portraits of Dangerous Women | Jon | [20] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Shell Seekers | Danus | TV film |
| 1989, 1991 | The Play on One | Constable Davies / Ieuan | Two roles |
| 1991 | The Bill | Doctor | 1 episode |
| Heroes II: The Return | Royal Marine Maj. | ||
| 1992 | Between the Lines | P.C. Terry Gilzean | |
| 1995 | Casualty | Allsop | |
| A Mind to Kill | Geraint Humphries | ||
| 1996 | Soldier Soldier | Capt Jonathan Bell | |
| Dangerfield | DI Dicky Sutton | ||
| 1996–1997 | This Life | Dale Jones | Recurring role |
| 1997 | Bride of War | Platoon Commander | 1 episode |
| 1999 | The Knock | David Ancrom | 4th series; main role |
| 2000 | Where the Heart Is | Brian Price | |
| Jason and the Argonauts | Mopsus | Mini-series | |
| 2001 | The Infinite Worlds of H. G. Wells | Arthur Brownlow | Main role |
| Tales from Pleasure Beach | Dunk | Mini-series | |
| The Mists of Avalon | King Uther Pendragon | ||
| Score | Tony | Television film | |
| 2001–2002 | The Bench | Des Davies | Series regular |
| 2002 | A Mind to Kill | Gethin Purse | |
| Y Tŷ | Jim | Series regular | |
| Holby City | Reece King | ||
| Lenny Blue | DC Huw Morgan | ||
| 2003 | Spooks | Mark Whooley | |
| Red Cap | Sgt. Gary Jennings | ||
| Triongl | Dewi | S4C drama | |
| 2004 | Murder Prevention | DS Ray Lloyd | |
| Lie with Me | Paul Stebbing | ||
| Murphy's Law | Simpson | ||
| The Welsh in Shakespeare | Various | TV film[citation needed] | |
| 2005 | Waking the Dead | Tom McQueen | |
| 55 Degrees North | DI Russell Bing | Main role | |
| 2005–2008 | Con Passionate | Irfon | Series regular |
| 2006 | Torchwood | John Ellis | Episode "Out of Time" |
| Torchwood Declassified | Self / John Ellis | TV series[citation needed] | |
| Cravings | Eisner | ||
| Calon Gaeth | Josi Evans | ||
| Stick or Twist | Russ | Series regular | |
| Little White Lies | Dr. James | Series regular | |
| 2007–2008 | The Commander | DCI Doug James | |
| 2007–2009 | Y Pris | Chief Constable Bryan Jones | Main role |
| 2008 | The Passion | Apostle Marcus | |
| 2009 | A Child's Christmases in Wales | Geraint Rhys | |
| Merlin | King Olaf | 1 episode | |
| Merlin: Secrets & Magic | Self | TV series[citation needed] | |
| Framed | Dafydd Hughes | ||
| Law and Order UK | Mark Powell | Episode: "Love and Loss" | |
| Top of the Cops | DCI Doug James | ||
| Zig Zag Love | Paul Carmichael | [citation needed] | |
| Welsh Greats | Presenter | [21] | |
| Top of the Cops | Self / DCI Doug James | TV film[citation needed] | |
| 2009–2010 | Crash | Mike Hill | |
| 2010 | Pen Talar | Max | Episode: "1.6" |
| Bouquet of Barbed Wire | Simon Clark | ||
| 2011 | Baker Boys | Pete | Series regular; 2 series |
| Game of Thrones | Shagga | 2 episodes | |
| Making of Game of Thrones | Shagga | Video[citation needed] | |
| Being Human | Richard Hargreaves | ||
| Silent Witness | D.I. Frank Skipper | ||
| 2012 | Silk | Sergeant Major Chris Pierce | 1 episode |
| Casualty | Caleb Flack | ||
| Titanic | David Evans | ||
| Sinbad | Azdi | Episode: "Eye of the Tiger" | |
| 2012–2013, 2015–2017 | Stella | Rob Morgan | Main role; series 1–2, 4–6 |
| 2013 | Talking to the Dead | DCI Owen Jackson | |
| Atlantis | Mac | 1 episode | |
| 2014 | 37 Days | David Lloyd George | |
| Under Milk Wood | Neighbour | ||
| Puppy Love | Dave Wilson | ||
| 2015 | Hinterland | John Bell | 1 episode |
| Father Brown | Arnold Francis | ||
| 2016 | National Treasure | Gerry | Series regular |
| 2016–2018 | Byw Celwydd | Dylan Williams | Series regular; 3 series |
| 2017 | The Machine | Thompson | |
| 2017–2020 | Keeping Faith | Steve Baldini | 3 series[22] |
| 2018 | Hidden | Endaf Elwy | |
| Flex Lewis: Superstar Bodybuilder | Narrator | TV film[citation needed] | |
| 2019 | Chernobyl | General Vladimir Pikalov | |
| Carnival Row | Magistrate Flute | Recurring role; series 1 | |
| The Accident | Iwan Bevan | ||
| The Crown | Dr. Edward Millward | "Tywysog Cymru" episode 6 | |
| 2020 | Gangs of London | Kinney Edwards | Main role |
| Cyswllt (Mewn COVID) | Daf | S4C drama | |
| The Third Day | Jason | ||
| 2021 | It's My Shout (I Am One) | Ron | Short Films from Wales[citation needed] |
| The Pact | Father Martin | ||
| 2022–present | Outlander | Tom Christie | Season 6&7 |
| 2022 | The Tuckers | Mad Malcom | Series 3, episode 1: "Hard Man"[citation needed] |
| Dal Y Mellt | Mici | S4C drama[citation needed] | |
| 2023 | Y Sŵn | William Whitelaw | TV film[citation needed] |
| Men Up | Eddie O'Connor | TV film[citation needed] | |
| The Cleaner | Richard | Series 2, episode 6: "The Dead End" | |
| The Reckoning | Charles Hullighan | 3 episodes[23] | |
| Bodies | Andrew Morley | 3 episodes[citation needed] | |
| Men Up | Eddie O'Connor | Television film | |
| 2024 | Baby Reindeer | Gerald Dunn | 3 episodes |
| The Red King | Gruffud | 4 episodes[24] | |
| The Way | Glynn | 3 episodes | |
| Henry House | Daffyd Roberts | In-production | |
| 2025 | Out There | Caleb Williams | |
| 2026 | Agatha Christie's Seven Dials | Sir Oswald Coote | Miniseries |
Theatre
[edit]- Lord Grey and Henry (Earl of Richmond), Richard III, Royal Shakespeare Company, London, 1993
- Leontes, The Winter's Tale, Globe Theatre, London, 1997
- Milantius, The Maid's Tragedy, Globe Theatre, 1997
- Mark Antony, Julius Caesar, Globe Theatre, 1999
- Taurus, Diomedes, and Sextus Pompeius, Antony and Cleopatra, Globe Theatre, 1999
- Appeared as Billy, Cardiff East, as Willy Nilly, Under Milk Wood, and as Bonario, Volpone, all National Theatre, London; as Costard, Love's Labour's Lost, as Lorenzo, The Merchant of Venice, and as Ferdinand, The Tempest, all Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon, England; as Tristram, Morte d'Arthur, and as Florizel and Antigonas, The Winter's Tale, both Lyric Theatre, London; as a pioneer, Ingolstadt, Gate Theatre; and as Danton and father, Snow Palace, Tricycle Theatre, Kilburn, Yorkshire, England
- Aston, The Caretaker, Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, 1990
- JB Feller in The Man Who Had All the Luck by Arthur Miller at The Donmar Warehouse, 28 February – 5 April 2008
- Sergeant-Major Reg Drummond in Privates on Parade by Peter Nichols at Noël Coward Theatre, 1 December 2012 – 2 March 2013
Video games
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Dragon Age 2 | Emeric | Voice |
| Star Wars: The Old Republic | Various | Voice | |
| The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings | Letho of Gulet | Voice | |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Letho of Gulet | Voice |
Radio
[edit]- Appeared in radio broadcasts of Cadfael and Cocaine[25]
- Samson in Julian Simpson's The Listener[26]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Price, Karen (16 March 2025). "Actor in everything from Outlander to The Crown who gets stopped for one thing". Wales Online. Archived from the original on 20 October 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ "Rhos actor Mark Lewis Jones on starring in Star Wars, Keeping Faith and Game of Thrones ahead of Welsh BAFTAs". The Leader. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
- ^ "Clwyd Theatr Cymru". Archived from the original on 27 June 2007.
- ^ "Home | Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama". rwcmd.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 23 April 2009.
- ^ "Royal Shakespeare Company". Archived from the original on 28 June 2009.
- ^ "Murder Prevention". Archived from the original on 7 January 2009.
- ^ a b "Small Country/Calon Gaeth". AWeber. Archived from the original on 1 March 2009.
- ^ "S4/C-Y Pris". Archived from the original on 13 May 2009.
- ^ Nathan Bevan (16 December 2017). "Star Wars fans watching The Last Jedi might recognise a familiar Welsh face in the opening scenes". Wales Online. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
- ^ "BBC – BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, 2009, Highlights, Round 5". BBC. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
- ^ "Eisteddfod 2025: Cyhoeddi rhestr anrhydeddau'r Orsedd". BBC Cymru Fyw (in Welsh). 1 June 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ Williams, Kathryn (7 April 2015). "Get your daps on! Welsh celebrities are doing the London Marathon for charity". WalesOnline.
- ^ "Runner tackles marathon in bid as part of fitness challenges". Penarth Times.
- ^ "Head for IronMan Wales". JustGiving.
- ^ "Head For Change". Head For Change.
- ^ "Charity aiming to promote and support Organ Donation". Believe.
- ^ "Care and support at the end of life". Marie Curie UK.
- ^ "Therapy and support for children and their families". Cerebral Palsy Cymru.
- ^ John DeFore (23 November 2015). "'The Passing' ('Yr Ymadawiad'): Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
- ^ Bradshaw, Peter (7 October 2024). "Portraits of Dangerous Women review – dog car crash sets off baffling and peculiar drama". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ Welsh Greats Emlyn Williams (2009), BBC.
- ^ "Keeping Faith to return for final series". BBC News. 24 January 2020.
- ^ "The Reckoning – Episode 1 of 4".
- ^ Cormack, Morgan (15 April 2024). "The Red King: Release date, trailer and latest news for Alibi drama". Radio Times. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ "Jones, Mark Lewis | Encyclopedia.com". encyclopedia.com.
- ^ "radio plays drama,bbc,Julian Simpson , DIVERSITY website, science fiction, journey into space". suttonelms.org.uk.
External links
[edit]Mark Lewis Jones
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Upbringing
Mark Lewis Jones was born on 31 August 1964 in Rhosllannerchrugog, Wrexham, Wales.[1] He grew up in this village, where his family maintained strong ties; his parents, two brothers, and their children resided there as of 2013, and his extended family continued to live in the area as of 2024.[8][9] Raised in the former coal mining community of Rhosllannerchrugog, Jones experienced a childhood steeped in local traditions and communal bonds.[10] The village's history as a hub of Welsh-speaking immigrants and industrial labor fostered a vibrant cultural environment near the English border, instilling in him a deep sense of Welsh identity from an early age.[11] Jones attended Ysgol y Rhos for primary education and later Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham for secondary school, where he first showed an interest in performing arts through school activities.[9] This early enthusiasm paved the way for his involvement with the Clwyd Youth Theatre during his teenage years.[12]Education and training
Jones's interest in acting was nurtured during his youth in Wales, where he joined the Clwyd Youth Theatre in Mold for initial training as a teenager.[13] He pursued formal education at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, graduating in 1986 with a focus on acting.[9] Following graduation, Jones gained early professional experience through stage work at Theatr Clwyd in Mold, building foundational skills in theatre production and performance.[14] In 1987, seeking expanded opportunities, he relocated to London, where he resided and worked for 27 years until returning to Cardiff in 2014.[14]Career
Theatre career
Mark Lewis Jones began his professional theatre career following training at the Clwyd Youth Theatre and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, joining Theatr Clwyd in Mold, Wales, in 1986 for roles in regional productions during the late 1980s. He performed in various stage works at the venue before relocating to London in 1987, where he continued building his repertoire in British theatre.[14] In the 1990s, Jones gained prominence at major institutions, including the National Theatre in London, where he appeared as Willy Nilly in Under Milk Wood in the mid-1990s and as Bonario in Volpone alongside Michael Gambon. His contributions to Welsh and British theatre during this period also included roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company, such as Lord Grey and Henry, Earl of Richmond in Richard III (1993), as well as performances in The Tempest, Love's Labour's Lost, and The Merchant of Venice.[14][4] Transitioning to larger platforms in the 2000s, Jones took on West End roles, notably as JB Feller in Arthur Miller's The Man Who Had All the Luck at the Donmar Warehouse in 2008, marking his shift toward central London and international theatre circuits. This period showcased his ability to navigate ensemble dynamics in both classical revivals and contemporary works.[15] His foundational stage training has notably overlapped with skills applied in television performances.[4]Television career
Jones gained prominence in Welsh-language and British television through his recurring role as Rob Morgan, Stella's on-off partner, in the Sky1 comedy-drama series Stella (2012–2017), which marked a significant breakthrough and highlighted his ability to blend humor with heartfelt drama in a Pontypridd setting.[16] He solidified his reputation with leading supporting roles in high-profile series, including the ex-convict Steve Baldini in the BBC thriller Keeping Faith (2017–2020), a character entangled in moral dilemmas and family secrets across three seasons.[17] In the same period, Jones portrayed Edward Millward, the nationalist Welsh tutor to a young Prince Charles, in season three of Netflix's The Crown (2019).[18] Jones's international profile expanded with guest appearances in major productions, starting with the fierce hill tribe leader Shagga in season one of HBO's Game of Thrones (2011), followed by the devout and authoritarian Tom Christie in season six of Starz's Outlander (2022).[19][20] More recently, he has taken on pivotal roles in BBC and Netflix dramas, including the outspoken handyman Eddie O'Connor in the feature-length film Men Up (2023), which explored erectile dysfunction trials in 1990s Wales, and Gerry Dunn, the supportive yet strained father of the protagonist, in the limited series Baby Reindeer (2024), and General Livingston in the series Hostage (2025).[21][22][1]Film career
Jones has featured in Welsh-language productions, showcasing his versatility in intimate, character-driven dramas. In 2015, he starred as the reclusive farmer Stanley in the supernatural thriller The Passing (Welsh: Yr Ymadawiad), directed by Gareth Bryn, where his portrayal of a man haunted by grief and isolation earned critical praise for its emotional depth.[23] For this performance, Jones won the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actor in 2016, highlighting his command of the Welsh language and subtle intensity on screen.[13] Jones's transition to international cinema marked a significant expansion of his profile, beginning with his Hollywood debut in the blockbuster Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017), directed by Rian Johnson. He portrayed Captain Moden Canady, a stern First Order officer commanding the Fulminatrix starship during the film's space battle sequences, delivering a memorable villainous turn that underscored his ability to thrive in high-stakes ensemble casts.[24] This role, part of the franchise's sequel trilogy, represented a pivotal shift from regional Welsh cinema to global blockbusters, broadening his appeal beyond theatre and television.[13] Continuing to balance independent films with larger productions, Jones took on the lead in Sweetland (2024), a Canadian drama directed by Christian Sparkes and adapted from Michael Crummey's novel. As Moses, a stubborn fisherman resisting the relocation of his endangered Newfoundland community, Jones anchored the film's exploration of isolation and resilience, earning acclaim for his grounded, poignant performance in a story of quiet defiance against modernization.[25]Other media
Jones has extended his voice acting from film into video games, portraying complex characters in prominent titles. He provided the voice for Letho of Gulet, a key antagonist, in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) and its sequel The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015), contributing to the immersive storytelling of these critically acclaimed RPGs.[1] In the massively multiplayer online game Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011), Jones voiced Sith Lords Darth Decimus and Darth Vengean, enhancing the narrative depth of the game's Imperial storyline.[26] Beyond games, Jones has been active in radio drama, particularly with BBC Radio Wales. He starred in the 2014 anthology series 21st Century Dylan: Short Plays from New Voices, including the romantic drama If We Were Fish by Catherine Dyson, where he performed alongside Genevieve O'Reilly.[27] These productions highlight his versatility in audio formats, often drawing on contemporary Welsh and British writing. In digital media, Jones has appeared in short films showcased through initiatives like It's My Shout: Short Films from Wales (2012), playing the role of Ron in one of the featured segments. This work represents his involvement in emerging Welsh cinematic projects outside traditional feature films.Awards and honours
BAFTA Cymru recognition
Mark Lewis Jones received his first BAFTA Cymru nomination in 2013 for Best Actor for his role in the TV series Stella.[28][29] In 2016, Jones won the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film The Passing / Yr Ymadawiad, directed by Gareth Bryn.[30][31] He earned another nomination for Best Actor in 2017 for his work in The Lighthouse, a Welsh-language drama.[28] In 2024, Jones starred in the BBC drama Men Up, which received six nominations overall.[30][31] That same year, he was honored with the Siân Phillips Award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards for his outstanding contributions to film and television in Wales.[30][32][33]Other distinctions
In 2024, Mark Lewis Jones was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Wrexham University in recognition of his significant contributions to theatre and the performing arts.[9] The honour, presented during a ceremony at the university's William Aston Hall on 31 May, celebrated his career spanning stage, screen, and his roots in the local community near Wrexham.[9] Jones's ties to Welsh cultural traditions were further acknowledged in 2025 when he was appointed Honorary President of the National Eisteddfod of Wales for the Wrecsam event.[34] Announced on 10 June, this role involved delivering the president's address on the Pavilion stage and receiving honours from Gorsedd Cymru, highlighting his embodiment of Welsh heritage through artistic excellence.[34][35] In 2025, Jones received the John Hefin Lifetime Achievement Award at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival for his contributions to film.[36] In May 2025, Jones was recognized at Focus Wales as a keynote speaker and headliner for the festival's Film Festival, honouring his status as a BAFTA Cymru-winning actor and his influence on Welsh and international cinema.[37][38] This appearance at the BAFTA Cymru-qualifying event in Wrexham emphasized his role in promoting emerging talent and regional filmmaking.[39]Personal life
Family
Mark Lewis Jones married Welsh fashion entrepreneur Gwenno Penrhyn around 2014, shortly after relocating from London to Cardiff.[40][14] The couple met following Penrhyn's 40th birthday, and their union marked a significant personal milestone for Jones after nearly three decades based in the English capital.[40] Jones and Penrhyn have no children together, but Jones is the father of four grown sons from a previous relationship.[40] Their blended family is centered in Canton, Cardiff, where Penrhyn owns a home, and the sons occasionally join family gatherings, such as barbecues and trips to north Wales.[14] One son resides in Australia, while the others live nearby in Wales, contributing to a close-knit dynamic.[14] During his extensive career phase in London from 1987 to 2014, Jones's family provided ongoing support through maintained connections and visits to Wales, enabling him to balance professional demands with personal ties.[14] His return to Cardiff in 2014 allowed for a more integrated family life, including time with his elderly parents—his 83-year-old (as of 2024) father and mother in a Coedpoeth nursing home.[14] Jones's Welsh roots have influenced these family values, emphasizing regular familial engagement and community bonds.[14]Interests and activities
Beyond his acting career, Mark Lewis Jones has pursued demanding physical challenges, notably participating in the Marathon des Sables in 2014, a grueling 250 km (156-mile) ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert, which he completed alongside fellow Welsh actor Richard Harrington to raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.[41] The event, spanning six days in extreme heat, highlighted his commitment to endurance athletics and charity, with the pair aiming to collect £100,000 for the cause.[42] In April 2018, Jones completed the inaugural Newport Marathon as part of a series of fitness challenges to support Marie Curie, Bloodwise, and Believe, preparing for the Ironman Wales triathlon later that year.[43] This effort underscored his ongoing dedication to running for charitable purposes, building on his earlier ultra-endurance experience.[44] Jones is a vocal advocate for the Welsh language and culture, serving as the Honorary President of the 2025 National Eisteddfod in Wrecsam (Wrexham), where he delivered a speech reflecting on his roots in the nearby Rhosllannerchrugog community and the event's role in promoting Welsh identity.[45] His involvement emphasizes bridging working-class Welsh experiences with cultural traditions, countering earlier misconceptions he held about the Eisteddfod's inclusivity.[46] Since relocating to Cardiff in 2014, Jones has maintained strong ties to Wrexham-area events, drawing from his upbringing in the region to engage in community cultural initiatives.[14]Filmography
Film
Mark Lewis Jones's film career spans from indie productions to major Hollywood features. His roles are listed below in chronological order, including feature films, short films, and documentaries where applicable.| Year | Title | Role | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Morons from Outer Space | Godfrey | Mike Hodges [47] |
| 1986 | Valhalla | Odin (voice) | Peter Madsen (and Jeffrey J. Varab) [48] |
| 1990 | Paper Mask | Dr. Lloyd | Christopher Morahan [49] |
| 2003 | Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World | Whaler | Peter Weir [50] |
| 2004 | Troy | Teflos | Wolfgang Petersen [51] |
| 2006 | Little White Lies | Jeff | Caradog W. James [52] |
| 2008 | The Other Boleyn Girl | Brandon | Justin Chadwick [53] |
| 2010 | Robin Hood | Stone Mason Longstride | Ridley Scott [54] |
| 2010 | The Cursed Mirror (short) | Sir Oswalt | Jon Rennie [55] |
| 2013 | A Viking Saga: The Darkest Day | Aethelwulf | Chris Crow [56] |
| 2014 | Sniper: Legacy | Shope | Don Michael Paul [57] |
| 2015 | Child 44 | General Nesterov | Daniel Espinosa [58] |
| 2015 | The Passing | Rees | Gareth Bryn [59] |
| 2015 | Queen of the Desert | Mr. Brett | Werner Herzog [60] |
| 2016 | The Lighthouse | Thomas Griffiths | Simon Evans [61] |
| 2017 | Star Wars: The Last Jedi | Captain Moden Canady | Rian Johnson [62] |
| 2018 | Apostle | Frank Woodhall | Gareth Evans [63] |
| 2018 | Gwen | Mr. Elgin | William McGregor [64] |
| 2019 | The Good Liar | Bryn | Bill Condon [65] |
| 2020 | Rebecca | Tom | Ben Wheatley [66] |
| 2021 | The Phantom of the Open | Cliff Osborn | Craig Roberts [67] |
| 2021 | Munich: The Edge of War | Adolf Hitler | Christian Schwochow [68] |
| 2023 | Murmur | Max | Simon Smith [69] |
| 2023 | Bolan's Shoes | Terry | Ian Puleston-Davies [70] |
| 2023 | Sweetland | Moses | Christian Sparkes [71] |
| 2024 | Portraits of Dangerous Women | Jon | Pascal Bergamin [72] |
Television
Mark Lewis Jones has appeared in a wide range of television series, miniseries, and guest roles, spanning British, American, and Welsh-language productions from the 1990s to the present. His credits include prominent parts in high-profile dramas such as Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, and Outlander, as well as key roles in Welsh-language series broadcast on S4C. Below is a selection of his television appearances, organized chronologically by first broadcast year.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Casualty | Unknown | Bit part, BBC series.[4] |
| 1996 | Soldier Soldier | Capt. Jonathan Bell | 1 episode, ITV series.[73] |
| 1996–1997 | This Life | Dale Jones | 6 episodes, recurring role, BBC series.[3] |
| 2008 | Merlin | King Olaf | 1 episode ("Sweet Dreams"), BBC series.[74] |
| 2012 | Game of Thrones | Shagga | Seasons 2–3, 2 episodes, HBO series.[1] |
| 2012 | Titanic | David Evans | Miniseries, 4 episodes, ITV.[75] |
| 2017–2021 | Keeping Faith (Un Bore Mercher) | Steve Baldini | Main role across 3 seasons, S4C/BBC Wales bilingual series.[76] |
| 2019 | The Crown | Edward Millward | Season 3, 2 episodes, Netflix series.[77] |
| 2019 | Chernobyl | General Pikalov | Miniseries, 2 episodes, HBO.[1] |
| 2019 | Carnival Row | Magistrate Flute | 1 episode, Amazon Prime series.[78] |
| 2020 | The Third Day | Jason | 6 episodes, HBO/BBC series.[79] |
| 2020 | Gangs of London | Kinney Edwards | Season 1, 5 episodes, Sky Atlantic series.[1] |
| 2021 | The Pact | Father Martin | Miniseries, BBC drama.[80] |
| 2022 | Rough Cut (Dal y Mellt) | Mici Ffin | 6 episodes, S4C/Netflix Welsh-language series.[81] |
| 2022 | The Light in the Hall (Y Golau) | Rhys | Main role, season 1, S4C/BBC Wales series.[82] |
| 2022–2024 | Outlander | Tom Christie | Seasons 6–7, main role, Starz series.[1] |
| 2023 | Bodies | Andrew Morley | 2 episodes, Netflix series.[3] |
| 2023 | The Red King | Gruffudd Prosser | Main role, Alibi series.[75] |
| 2023 | Men Up | Eddie O'Connor | TV film/miniseries, BBC.[3] |
| 2024 | Baby Reindeer | Gerry Dunn | Miniseries, Netflix.[83] |
| 2024 | The Way | Glynn | 3 episodes, BBC series.[84] |
| 2024 | Out There | Caleb Williams | Channel 4 series.[75] |
| 2025 | Hostage | General Livingston | 3 episodes, upcoming miniseries.[3] |
| 2025 | The Light in the Hall (Y Golau) | Rhys Owen | Season 2, main role, S4C/BBC Wales series.[85] |
Theatre
Jones began his professional theatre career in the 1980s at Theatr Clwyd in Mold, Wales, following his training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.[14] During the 1990s, he established himself with the Royal Shakespeare Company and other major London venues, taking on roles in classic plays.| Year | Production | Role | Venue | Company/Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–1993 | The Merchant of Venice | (Role unspecified) | Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon | Royal Shakespeare Company |
| 1992–1993 | Richard III | Lord Grey / Henry, Earl of Richmond | Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon | Royal Shakespeare Company |
| 1994 | Love's Labour's Lost | Costard | Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon | Royal Shakespeare Company |
| 1995 | Under Milk Wood | Willy Nilly | Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, London | National Theatre / Roger Michell |
| 1997 | Cardiff East | Billy | Cottesloe Theatre, National Theatre, London | National Theatre |
| 1997 | The Winter's Tale | Leontes | Shakespeare's Globe, London | Globe Theatre |
| 1998–1999 | Julius Caesar | (Role unspecified) | Shakespeare's Globe, London | Globe Theatre |
| 1998–1999 | Antony and Cleopatra | (Role unspecified) | Shakespeare's Globe, London | Globe Theatre |
| 1999 | Volpone | Bonario | (Venue unspecified), London | National Theatre |
Video games
Mark Lewis Jones has provided voice acting for several prominent video games, often portraying authoritative or antagonistic characters in fantasy and science fiction settings. His contributions span multiple franchises, including Star Wars and The Witcher series.[86] The following table lists his known video game credits chronologically:| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Star Wars: The Old Republic | Darth Andru, Darth Decimus, Darth Vengean, Colonel Vrain, Moff Zamar |
| 2011 | The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings | Letho of Gulet |
| 2011 | Dragon Age II | Additional Voices |
| 2013 | Puppeteer | Dog, Moon Tribe Member |
| 2014 | Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 | Cleric, Scientist, Soldier, Third Acolyte |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Letho of Gulet[87] |
| 2017 | Star Wars Battlefront II | Captain Moden Canady |

