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Michael Smiley
Michael Smiley
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Michael Smiley (born 29 January 1963) is a Northern Irish comedian and actor. He is known for his roles in the films Kill List (2011) and The Lobster (2015). He has also made appearances in British television series such as Spaced, Luther, Utopia, Black Mirror and Doctor Who.

Key Information

Early life

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Smiley was born on 29 January 1963 in Belfast and grew up in Holywood with an older brother and sister.[1][2] He was raised Catholic.[3]

He moved to London with his first wife in 1983. He began doing stand-up in 1993, after accepting a bet at an open-mic night.[2] He had worked as a cycle courier, like his character in Spaced, and as an acid house DJ.[4]

Career

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He became well known for his role as Tyres O'Flaherty, the bicycle riding raver, in two episodes of the Channel 4 sitcom Spaced, and for his appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Melbourne Comedy Festival.[4] He played Mac, a former member of the British Army's Parachute Regiment in the 2008 horror film Outpost and as a zombie in Shaun of the Dead.[citation needed]

In 2003, he guest starred in the Doctor Who audio drama Creatures of Beauty. In 2004 he appeared in season 2, episode 4 of Hustle as Max the forger.[5] He also was a small character in episode 2 "The Model" of 15 Storeys High.[citation needed]

He has appeared in all three series of The Maltby Collection on Radio 4 as Des Wainwright, an eccentric security guard who keeps repeating himself and reminding people he was in the SAS. He plays the part of Benny "Deadhead" Silver in the BBC drama series Luther. In 2010, he had a major role in the film Burke & Hare alongside his Spaced co-stars Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes.

In 2011, he starred in British horror film Kill List. The film received critical acclaim, and earned him the "Best Supporting Actor" Award at the 2011 British Independent Film Awards.[6]

In 2013, he has appeared in an episode of BBC One's Ripper Street as George Lusk, and the critically acclaimed Channel 4 shows Utopia as Detective Reynolds and Black Mirror in the episode "White Bear" as Baxter.[citation needed] He also starred in A Field in England as the main antagonist, the alchemist O'Neill. He also played Roddy in Father Figure. In November 2013 he appeared in the third episode of the BBC Two Mitchell and Webb comedy Ambassadors as Mr Jackson. In 2014, he played Micky Murray in BBC Four's The Life of Rock with Brian Pern.[7]

To coincide with the opening stages of the Giro d'Italia in May 2014, Michael Smiley: Something to Ride Home About was a travelog programme for BBC Northern Ireland, directed by George Kane, featuring Smiley cycling around Northern Ireland and meeting local people.[8][9][10] A second series was commissioned for 2015.[8]

Michael Smiley at DIFF 2015

In 2014 Smiley played Colonel Morgan Blue in the Doctor Who episode "Into the Dalek".[11]

In 2019, Smiley co-starred with Elijah Wood and Martin Donovan in the film Come to Daddy directed by Ant Timpson.[12]

In 2020, he starred in Dead Still, a six-part Irish-Canadian television drama series, alongside Eileen O'Higgins & Kerr Logan. It premiered on May 18, 2020 on Acorn TV and May 15, 2020 Citytv.[13] The series is a co-production between Ireland's Deadpan Pictures and Canada's Shaftesbury Films and is written by John Morton, and directed by Imogen Murphy and Craig David Wallace.[14][15]

In 2021, Smiley appeared in the lead role in The Toll, a Welsh black comedy film later released in the United States with the title Tollbooth.

In 2025 he appeared in Alien: Earth as the character 'Schmuel'.

Personal life

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Smiley has been married twice and has four children: two with his first wife and childhood sweetheart Merilees, and two with his second wife, journalist/broadcaster Miranda Sawyer.[2] He resides near Brockwell Park in Herne Hill, London.[16]

He shared a flat with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in the 1990s.[17] He is an avid cyclist.[2]

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Notes
2004 Shaun of the Dead Zombie Tyres O’Flaherty Uncredited
2006 Breaking and Entering Thaddeus
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer Porter
Land of the Blind Thorne's Lieutenant
2008 Outpost McKay
The Other Boleyn Girl Physician
Terra Firma Quentin Short film
2009 Down Terrace Pringle
Believe Lewis Short film
2010 Burke & Hare Patterson
2011 Kill List Gal
Big Fat Gypsy Gangster Mad Mick
2012 Shell Hugh
The ABCs of Death Father Tom Segment: ""U Is for Unearthed"
2013 For Those in Peril Frank
A Field in England O'Neil
Svengali Irish Pierre
We Are the Freaks Killer Colin
The World's End Reverend Green
2014 Glassland Jim
Black Sea Reynolds
2015 The Hallow Garda Davey
The Lobster Loner Swimmer
Orthodox Shannon
My Name is Emily Robert
Tank 432 Capper
2016 Free Fire Frank
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Dr. Cornelius Evazan
2017 Madame David
Jawbone Eddie
2018 Birthmarked Gertz
The Nun Priest
2019 Come to Daddy Jethro
Rialto Noel
2021 Censor Doug Smart
Gunpowder Milkshake Dr. Ricky
The Toll Toll Booth
2022 The Silent Twins Tim Thomas
2024 Bookworm Arnold [18]
TBA The Riders TBA Filming

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1989 The Heist Detective Television film; uncredited
1999–2001 Spaced Tyres O'Flaherty 2 episodes
2000 Burnside Matthew Hutchins Episode: "Back with a Vengeance: Part 1"
2000–2002 Time Gentlemen Please Martin 3 episodes
2002 15 Storeys High Insistent Irish visitor Episode: "The Model"
2004 Murder Prevention DC Maurice Gibney 4 episodes
2005 Bleak House Phil Squod 8 episodes
Hustle Max Episode: "Missions"
ShakespeaRe-Told Peter Episode: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Rose and Maloney DS Mallam Episode: "Rise & Fall"
2007 In the Spider's Web Phil Television film
Y Pris Captain Episode: "Episode #1.3"
Nearly Famous Danny Episode: "Episode #1.5"
2008 The Wrong Door 2 episodes
HolbyBlue Brendan Duffy Episode: "Episode #2.10"
Wire in the Blood Dr. Liam Kerwin 7 episodes
2009 Law & Order: UK Danny Doyle Episode: "Unsafe"
2010 One Night in Emergency Mortuary Attendant Television film
2010–2019 Luther Benny Silver 16 episodes
2011 Stolen Sean Television film
2012 Coming Up Ricky Episode: "Spoof or Die"
Good Cop Tom Lomax Episode: "Episode Two"
New Tricks Tinker Episode: "Part of a Whole"
2013 Ripper Street George Lusk Episode: "In My Protection"
Utopia Detective Reynolds Episode: "Episode 1"
Black Mirror Baxter Episode: "White Bear"
Father Figure Roddy 6 episodes
Ambassadors Mr Jackson Episode: "The Tazbek Spring"
2013–2014 Monumental Self
2014 The Life of Rock with Brian Pern Micky Murray 2 episodes
Doctor Who Colonel Morgan Blue Episode: "Into the Dalek"
Edge of Heaven Snowy 2 episodes
2014–2015 Michael Smiley: Something to Ride Home About Self
2015 Comedy Feeds Les Episode: "Fishbowl"
2016 The Aliens Antoine Berry 5 episodes
Murder Whitmore Harris Episode: "The Big Bang"
2020 Dead Still Brock Blennerhasset Series lead
2021 Bloodlands Dinger 4 episodes
Intergalactic Professor Hague Blake Episode 1.4
2022 The Curse 2 episodes
Ragdoll DS Finlay 6 episodes
2022–2024 Bad Sisters Roger Muldoon 13 episodes
2023 Obituary Ward Clancy 6 episodes
2024 Generation Z Wrollen
2025 Alien: Earth Shmuel 2 episodes
Blue Lights Paul "Colly" Collins 6 episodes

Radio

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Year Title Role Notes
2007 Eye Witness BBC Radio 3
2007–2009 The Maltby Collection Des Wainwright BBC Radio 4

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Smiley (born 29 January 1963) is a Northern Irish and best known for his distinctive portrayals in independent films and television dramas. Born in and raised in nearby Holywood, Smiley initially entered the entertainment industry as a stand-up in 1993, prompted by a wager that led him to perform at an open-mic night in London. Over the following decade, he honed his comedic skills through live performances and radio appearances, gradually transitioning into acting with small roles in British television series such as (1999–2001), where he played the eccentric character Tyres O'Flaherty. Smiley's film career gained momentum in the late 2000s with appearances in critically acclaimed works like (2008), directed by , and Kill List (2011), a film that showcased his ability to blend dark humor with intense drama. His role as the Loner Swimmer in Yorgos Lanthimos's surreal comedy (2015) further elevated his profile, earning praise for its deadpan delivery and contributing to the film's . Subsequent notable performances include the chaotic heist thriller Free Fire (2016) and the horror film Censor (2021), where he demonstrated versatility across genres from satire to suspense. In television, Smiley has appeared in acclaimed series such as (2013), (2022–2024), and the police drama Blue Lights (2023–), with roles in the FX series Alien: Earth (2025) and the third season of Blue Lights (2025). His work often draws on his Northern Irish roots, infusing characters with authenticity and wit, and he continues to perform stand-up while maintaining a steady output in film and TV.

Biography

Early life

Michael Smiley was born on 29 January 1963 in , . He grew up in the town of , specifically in the area, where his parents often recounted the story of his birth. During his youth, Smiley attended from the ages of 11 to 16 and described himself as a wild child in his formative years. Smiley's first marriage to his Merilees Taylor was a in 1982. In the early 1980s, following the birth of their son Dillon on 1 January 1984, the couple relocated to , where Smiley experienced a period of lasting nine months before finding steady work. They later had a daughter, , in 1988, before divorcing in the early . He spent over a decade employed as a bicycle , navigating the city's streets and delivering to various offices, including those in the media industry. Smiley showed no initial interest in the , but in 1993, following a bet with a friend, he spontaneously performed at an open-mic night, marking the beginning of his entry into .

Personal life

Smiley married British journalist and broadcaster in July 2007. The couple has two children together: a son born in 2006 and a daughter born in 2011. The family resides primarily in , near in . They occasionally return to , where Smiley has expressed a strong pull toward his roots, including plans during the lockdown to visit with his family. Smiley maintains a keen interest in , a passion rooted in his early days as a in , which he credits for providing both exercise and benefits like endorphin boosts.

Professional career

Comedy

Michael Smiley entered the scene in 1993 when he accepted a £50 bet to perform at a open-mic night, marking his debut on . This impromptu appearance quickly propelled him into the vibrant circuit, where he secured regular gigs across various venues. Smiley's comedic style emerged as distinctly observational, drawing heavily from his experiences in club culture, which he would dissect and mock with sharp wit, all delivered through his unmistakable Northern Irish accent. Central to his routines were self-deprecating anecdotes from his days as a in , recounting the absurdities and hardships of the job with humorous candor. Early performances at iconic spots like helped solidify his presence, allowing him to hone this blend of personal storytelling and cultural commentary that resonated with audiences. His transition to television comedy came through key appearances in sketch shows, which served as his debut in broadcast comedy formats. These roles showcased his timing and improvisational skills, bridging his live stand-up roots with scripted humor. By the , Smiley's style had evolved toward more character-driven comedy, incorporating vivid personas inspired by his eclectic life experiences. He undertook live tours and made repeated appearances at major festivals, such as the —where he performed annually from 1993 to 1998 and was a runner-up in the "" competition—along with international events like the Melbourne Comedy Festival. This development in his stand-up work laid a foundational influence on his emerging acting persona, emphasizing versatile, relatable characters rooted in everyday absurdity.

Radio presenting

Michael Smiley began his radio career as a house music DJ in the and , leveraging his background in club culture to develop a distinctive presenting style characterized by observational humor and energetic delivery. His expertise was sought by various stations, including Kiss 100 in , where he contributed to and electronic music programming, and , incorporating witty anecdotes drawn from his experiences as a and former cycle courier. In the 2010s and , Smiley transitioned to freelance radio work, frequently appearing as a guest co-presenter on BBC Radio Ulster's Rock and Soul show hosted by Ralph McLean. These appearances involved curating playlists spanning soul, rock, and indie tracks—such as selections from to —while sharing humorous personal stories and insights into Northern Irish music influences. Notable episodes include a 2017 collaboration where he discussed songs significant to his life, and a 2021 special emphasizing tall tales alongside music picks. This format highlighted Smiley's ability to blend music enthusiasm with comedic , appealing to audiences interested in both and cultural reflection.

Acting

Michael Smiley's acting career gained prominence with his breakthrough role as the eccentric bicycle courier Tyres O'Flaherty in the Channel 4 sitcom Spaced (1999–2001), where his manic energy and improvisational style, honed from his stand-up comedy background, helped define him as a go-to supporting actor for quirky, offbeat characters. This performance marked his transition from comedy circuits to scripted television, showcasing his ability to blend humor with underlying pathos in ensemble settings. Smiley's collaboration with director Ben Wheatley elevated his profile in independent cinema, beginning with the lead supporting role of Gal, a hitman grappling with personal demons, in the psychological horror Kill List (2011), for which he earned the British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He followed with roles in Wheatley's dark comedy road-trip film Sightseers (2012) as the hapless Macca and as the menacing alchemist O'Neill in the hallucinatory historical horror A Field in England (2013), delivering intense, layered performances that highlighted his command of tension and ambiguity in genre-blending narratives. These films solidified his niche in British indie horror and dark comedy, praised for his naturalistic intensity and versatility in portraying morally complex figures. On television, Smiley portrayed the reliable yet haunted Detective Sergeant Benny "Deadhead" Silver across multiple seasons of the crime drama Luther (2010–2019), contributing to the series' gritty ensemble dynamic opposite . He also appeared as Colonel Morgan Blue, a seasoned space traveler, in the episode "" (2014), bringing a grounded to the sci-fi adventure. More recently, Smiley has continued to diversify with roles such as the mentor-like Ward Clancy in the Irish thriller series (2023), demonstrating his range in dramatic and suspenseful formats. Critics have lauded his adaptability across dark and horror, noting his skill in infusing roles with wry humor and emotional depth, as seen in Wheatley's films and beyond, earning nominations and acclaim for elevating ensemble casts. Smiley played the recurring character Shmuel in the first season of the FX sci-fi series Alien: Earth (2025), a high-profile project that underscores his ongoing evolution in genre television.

Filmography

Television

Michael Smiley has appeared in a variety of television series, mini-series, and specials throughout his career, often in supporting or guest roles that showcase his versatility in comedy and drama.
YearTitleRole
1999–2001SpacedTyres O'Flaherty
2000–2002Time Gentlemen PleaseMartin
200215 Storeys HighInsistent Irish Visitor
2004Murder PreventionDC Maurice Gibney
2005Bleak HousePhil Squod
2005HustleMax
2008Wire in the BloodDr. Liam Kerwin
2010–2019LutherDS Benny Silver
2011Black MirrorBaxter
2014Doctor Who ("Into the Dalek")Colonel Morgan Blue
201437 DaysJohn Burns
2019The CaptureCarey
2020Dead StillBrock Blennerhasset
2022–Bad SistersRoger Muldoon
2023–Blue LightsPaul 'Colly' Collins
2025Alien: EarthShmuel

Film

YearTitleRole
2004Shaun of the DeadBicycle Courier Zombie (uncredited)
2006Perfume: The Story of a MurdererPorter
2006Breaking and EnteringThaddeus
2008HungerGerry Campbell
2008The Other Boleyn GirlPhysician
2008OutpostMcNocher
2009Down TerracePringle
2010Burke and HareCharles Patterson
2011Kill ListGal
2012SightseersMan with Dog
2013A Field in EnglandCaptain O'Neil
2013The World's EndReverend Green
2015The LobsterLoner Swimmer
2016Free FireFrank
2016Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryDr. Cornelius Evazan (uncredited)
2021CensorDoug
2021In the EarthDr. Martin
2022You Won't Be AloneWondjina (Father)
2024BookwormArnold

Radio

Michael Smiley began his radio acting career in the mid-2000s with dramatic roles on platforms, contributing to a range of plays and adaptations that showcased his versatile voice work in comedy-dramas, personal narratives, and historical reconstructions. His early credits include the 2007 production Eye Witness by Tom Kelly, where he portrayed the central character Eye in a raw, autobiographical exploration of growing up amid Belfast's . That same year, he joined the comedy-drama series The Maltby Collection, recurring across all three series (2007–2009) as Des Wainwright, an eccentric former SAS security guard known for his repetitive anecdotes and deadpan humor. In 2008, Smiley featured in two notable BBC Radio 4 dramas: Death of a Pirate by and John Hardwick, in which he played Finn, a key figure in the story of a pirate radio operator's final broadcast; and Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville Inquiry, a two-part dramatic reconstruction of civilian testimonies from the 1972 events, where he appeared as part of the voicing witnesses and participants. Moving into the 2010s, Smiley took on supporting roles in more intimate productions. In 2013, he voiced Beany in the BBC Radio 4 afternoon drama Neurotics Anonymous by Ben Crompton, a satirical look at a support group for the emotionally unstable. Two years later, in 2015, he served as the reader for the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of Robert McLiam Wilson's An Irishman's Guide to Paris, delivering a solo narration of the humorous memoir reflecting on Irish expatriate life.
YearTitleRoleStationNotes
2007Eye WitnessEyeWritten by Tom Kelly; autobiographical drama.
2007–2009The Maltby CollectionDes WainwrightRecurring role in three series; comedy-drama.
2008Death of a PirateFinnWritten by and John Hardwick.
2008Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville InquiryTwo-part historical reconstruction.
2013Neurotics AnonymousBeanyAfternoon drama by .
2015An Irishman's Guide to ReaderAdaptation of Robert McLiam Wilson's memoir.

References

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