Hubbry Logo
Oliver MuirheadOliver MuirheadMain
Open search
Oliver Muirhead
Community hub
Oliver Muirhead
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Oliver Muirhead
Oliver Muirhead
Oliver Muirhead
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Oliver Muirhead (born 29 May 1957) is an English character actor, known for often portraying pompous country gentlemen. In 1986, he also directed the musical pantomime A Christmas Held Captive. In addition to acting, Muirhead has also lent his voice to various animated series such as P.J. Sparkles and Spider-Man: The Animated Series and the video games Zork: Grand Inquisitor, Dead to Rights, The Hobbit and Eragon.

Key Information

He is known in the United States for his appearances in 1990s commercials for Tombstone Pizza.[1] He also had a memorable cameo as a sarcastic jeweller in the Friends episode "The One with the Ring".

In 1991, he starred in the soap opera Santa Barbara as Mr. Marx: he hired Gina at the Santa Barbara Sperm Bank.

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1989 She's Out of Control Nigel
1993 Ghost Brigade Richard Bradley Alternative title: The Killing Box and Grey Knight
1996 Spider-Man: Sins of the Fathers The Spot (Voice) Direct-to-video release
1997 Swimsuit: The Movie Jeremy Hollister
1999 The Duke Cecil Cavendish
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me British Colonel
2000 MVP: Most Valuable Primate Dr. Peabody
2002 Man of the Year Reg
2005 Fun with Dick and Jane Account Rep, Grand Cayman Bank Alternative title: Alternative Career
2006 Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties Mr. Greene Alternative title: Garfield 2
2007 Alvin and the Chipmunks Butler
National Treasure: Book of Secrets Control Room Guard
2008 An American Carol Neville Chamberlain
Super Capers Herbert Q
Son of Mourning JBS News Anchor
2010 The Social Network Mr. Kenwright
2011 Like Crazy Bernard
2012 The Beauty Inside Alex #23
TBA You Above All Filming
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1987 Young Harry Houdini Bobby Television film
1989 Tarzan in Manhattan Television film
Jake and the Fatman Mr. Pruitt Episode: "My Shining Hour"
1990–1991 Who's the Boss? Maitre d'
Oliver 		2 episodes
1991 Santa Barbara Mr. Marx 7 episodes
1992–1993 The Legend of Prince Valiant King Forsythe/Blake of Haven (voice) 2 episodes
1993 Living Single Waiter Episode: "Whose Date Is It Anyway?"
1994 Getting By Niles Episode: "A Life in the Theater"
Married... with Children Mr. Blithers Episode: "Driving Mr. Boondy"
1995 Kirk Mr. Chumwell Episode: "Welcome to New York"
1995–1996 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Mr. Sunshine
Manager 		2 episodes
1996 Maybe This Time Mr. Nichols Episode: "Acting Out"
1996–1997 Spider-Man: The Animated Series The Spot, Abraham Whistler Voice, 4 episodes
1996–1998 All That Health Inspector/Mr. Thezby 2 episodes
1997 Meego Mr. McQuidy Episode: "Fatal Attraction"
1997–1998 Unhappily Ever After Mr. Monteleone 6 episodes
1998 Suddenly Susan Dr. Hale Episode: "Poetry in Notion"
Seinfeld Lubeck Episode: "The Frogger"
1999 Kenan & Kel Waiter/Gavin Episode: "Freezer Burned"
2000 The Beach Boys: An American Family TV Host Television film
Friends The Jeweler Episode: "The One With the Ring"
2001–2002 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Phillip 2 episodes
2003 The Parkers Ben Episode: "Out with the Old, in with the New"
Will & Grace Walter Episode: "Strangers With Candic"
Joan of Arcadia Proctor God Episode: "Drive, He Said"
2004 Yes, Dear Coleman Episode: "Living with Mr. Savitsky"
2005 Las Vegas Valet Episode: "Hide and Sneak"
2006 Lost Monsignor Episode: "?"
Gilmore Girls Arthur Gordon Episode: "Bridesmaids Revisited"
2007 The Suite Life of Zack & Cody Mr. Duatch Episode: "A Nugget of History"
Notes from the Underbelly Dr. Bob Jennings Episode: "Julie and Eric's Baby"
2008 iCarly Harry Joyner Episode: "iHeart Art"
2009 Bones Badgley Mormont Episode: "The Princess and the Pear"
The Big Bang Theory Dr. Laughlin Episode: "The Pirate Solution"
NCIS Jay Danorth Episode: "Reunion"
2010 True Jackson, VP Ian the butler Episode: "True Royal"
2010–2016 Castle Steven Heisler
Bryce Robert 		2 episodes
2011 Pair of Kings King of the island Cornea Episode: "Kings and an Eye"
The Secret Life of the American Teenager Richard Malkovich Episode: "Deeper and Deeper"
Switched at Birth Hair Salon owner 3 episodes
2012 Mr. Box Office Mr. Hennessey Episode: "Money, Money, Money"
2013 Psych Julian Drake Episode: "Santabarbaratown 2"
Mad Men John Echolls Episode: "Collaborators"
Jessie Nigel Pettigrew Episode: "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges"
2014–2015 Mighty Med Ambrose 2 episodes
2016 2 Broke Girls Dr. Gomulka Episode: "And the Two Openings"
2017 General Hospital Lord Larry Ashton 6 episodes
2019 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Dean Wesley Allister Episode: "The Bimbo"
The Good Place Professor Stjepan Radja Episode: "The Answer"
Fuller House Monsieur Guy Episode: "Hale's Kitchen"
2021 CSI: Vegas Gary Snyder Episode: "Waiting in the Wings"
2023 Young Sheldon Dr. Van Doornewaard Episode: "A Tornado, a 10-Hour Flight and a Darn Fine Ring"
Video games
Year Title Role Notes
2002 Dead to Rights Patch, Marvin Silt, Gofer [2]

References

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

Oliver Muirhead

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Oliver Muirhead (born 29 May 1957) is an English character actor and voice performer, recognized for his frequent portrayals of aristocratic or officious English figures in film, television, animation, and video games. Born in London, Muirhead launched his on-screen career in the late 1980s, debuting in the comedy film She's Out of Control (1989) alongside Tony Danza, whom he later joined for episodes of the sitcom Who's the Boss? (1990–1991). Over the ensuing decades, he built a steady presence in Hollywood productions, often in supporting roles that highlighted his distinctive British accent and demeanor. His film credits include the role of a British colonel in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), the butler in Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007), and supporting parts in National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) and The Social Network (2010). On television, Muirhead has made guest appearances across numerous acclaimed series, such as Seinfeld (1994), Married... with Children (1997), Friends (1999), Will & Grace (2000), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2001–2002), and more recently The Good Place (2016), Young Sheldon (2023), CSI: Vegas (2021), and 9-1-1: Lone Star (2025). In addition to live-action work, Muirhead has contributed to animation and gaming, voicing characters like Spot and Dr. Jonathon Ohn in Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1996), Whistler in Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994–1998), and roles in video games including Zork: Grand Inquisitor (1997), Dead to Rights (2002), and The Hobbit (2003). His versatile career also extends to commercials and stage performances, underscoring his enduring contributions to entertainment.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Oliver Muirhead was born on 29 May 1957 in , . He grew up in , a suburban area in southwest , during the post-war era of the late and . This period in was marked by economic recovery, the emergence of , and a burgeoning arts scene, including the rise of British theatre and that would later shape the city's creative landscape. Limited public details exist regarding his family background, with no verifiable information on parental professions or siblings available from credible sources.

Education

Oliver Muirhead attended the , where he pursued his higher education. Specific details regarding his degree or duration of studies are not publicly documented, but this period marked an important phase in his early academic development following his upbringing in .

Career

Early career and theatre work

Oliver Muirhead, born in , began his professional acting career following his studies at the , where he developed an interest in theatre. He established himself as a versatile performer and director in , particularly through his long association with the Interact Theatre Company, founded in 1989. With Interact, Muirhead took on key acting roles in productions such as The Devil's Disciple, The Great White Hope, You Can't Take It With You, The Browning Version, Antigone, and Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, alongside original works by playwrights Jim Caputo, Chip Bolcik, and Rick Friesen. His performances often highlighted his command of British accents and character depth, contributing to the company's reputation for ensemble-driven storytelling. Muirhead also directed several acclaimed Interact productions, including Anna Christie, Arcadia, The Devil's Disciple, The Cherry Orchard, and Hippolytus, showcasing his ability to balance classical texts with modern sensibilities. Notably, his direction of Other People's Money at the Pico Playhouse and UCLA earned praise for its brisk pacing and sharp corporate satire. Beyond Interact, Muirhead appeared in other stage works like I Hate Holmes, Bullshot Crummond and the Invisible Bride of Death, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Importance of Being Earnest, often embodying refined English archetypes that underscored his early typecasting as a British character actor during the 1980s and 1990s. These roles reflected the challenges of navigating limited opportunities for non-lead British performers in American regional theatre at the time, where he frequently contended with stereotypes of pompous or aristocratic figures.

Film roles

Oliver Muirhead made his film debut in 1989 as Nigel, the stuffy British tutor in the comedy , where he shared the screen with in a supporting role that highlighted his knack for portraying precise, upper-class characters. One of his most recognizable film appearances came a decade later in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), playing the British Colonel, a minor but memorable part in the spy parody that captured the film's satirical take on British stiff-upper-lip through his dry delivery and authoritative demeanor. The role contributed to the movie's cultural resonance as a comedic staple, reinforcing Muirhead's affinity for eccentric authority figures in Hollywood productions. In the mid-2000s, Muirhead appeared in family-oriented films, including playing Mr. Greene, a solicitor in (2006), and a guard in the action-adventure National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), roles that continued his pattern of understated, professional British archetypes in casts. Muirhead's film work in the shifted toward dramatic territory, with notable supporting turns as Mr. Kenwright, a faculty member in (2010), and Bernard, the father of the protagonist in the romantic drama (2011), where his portrayals emphasized composed, insightful paternal or institutional figures. Throughout his film career, Muirhead has evolved from comedic supporting roles in the late 1980s and 1990s to more nuanced dramatic parts in the 2000s and beyond, frequently embodying pompous or eccentric British gentlemen that add texture to larger narratives without dominating the spotlight.

Television roles

Muirhead began his television career with a recurring role as Maitre d' Oliver on the sitcom Who's the Boss?, appearing in two episodes during the 1990–1991 season, where his polished demeanor and interactions with series lead highlighted his knack for portraying sophisticated service professionals. In 1991, he took on a recurring role as Mr. Marx in the Santa Barbara, appearing in seven episodes and embodying the intrigue of the show's dramatic ensemble by managing key plot elements at the Santa Barbara Sperm Bank. Muirhead's guest appearances gained wider recognition with his turn as the sarcastic Jeweler in the Friends episode "The One with the Ring" in 2000, where his dry British wit added memorable comedic tension during a pivotal mix-up. Later in his career, he portrayed Lord Larry Ashton in a recast role on in 2017, appearing in six episodes from March to May and bringing aristocratic flair to the soap's family dynamics. More recently, he guest-starred as Dr. Van Doornewaard in the 2023 episode of titled "A Tornado, a 10-Hour Flight and a Darn Fine Ring," contributing to the series' blend of humor and academia with his authoritative presence. He also guest-starred as in CSI: Vegas (2021) and as Dr. Keith Chalmers in 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–2025). Throughout his television work, Muirhead has demonstrated versatility in ensemble casts, frequently cast as refined British figures such as butlers, lords, and officials, a persona that echoes his film roles in portraying elegant antagonists and authority types.

Voice acting and directing

Oliver Muirhead has expanded his career into , particularly in and video games, where his distinctive British accent and precise diction lend themselves to authoritative and villainous characters. In the mid-1990s, he provided voices for : The , including the roles of Whistler in three episodes and the villain Spot (also known as Dr. Jonathan Ohn) in the 1996 episode "Sins of the Fathers Chapter 12: The Spot." His performance as Spot, a dimension-hopping criminal with a posh demeanor, exemplified his ability to infuse intellectual menace into animated antagonists. Muirhead's video game voice work further showcased his versatility in ensemble casts. In the 1997 adventure game Zork: Grand Inquisitor, he voiced multiple characters, including the Inquisition Guard, Earl Schuman, and the Old Inquisition Guard, contributing to the game's satirical fantasy tone through authoritative and bureaucratic intonations. Similarly, in the 2006 video game adaptation of Eragon, he lent his voice to the Imperial Soldiers, portraying the Empire's enforcers with a stern, commanding presence that aligned with the story's epic conflict. These roles, often involving militaristic or supervisory figures, highlighted Muirhead's vocal style suited to conveying power and precision, a skill honed from his earlier television work where modulation was key for diverse character portrayals. In the , Muirhead diversified further by voicing Roddy St. James, the sophisticated , in the 2006 Flushed Away, adding depth to the rodent hero's refined personality amid the animated underworld adventure. He also contributed voices to other projects, such as additional characters in Dead to Rights (2002) including Patch, Marvin Silt, and Gofer, emphasizing gritty, no-nonsense tones in action-oriented narratives. Although listed in the cast of the 2007 live-action/CGI film as the Butler, no specific voice credits for animated elements in that production have been documented, but his overall body of voice work during this period marked a shift toward diversification post-2000. Beyond voice acting, Muirhead has pursued directing, building on his early theatre experience. In 1986, he directed the musical pantomime A Christmas Held Captive. Later, as a member of the Interact Theatre Company, he directed Eugene O'Neill's Anna Christie, a gritty drama exploring redemption and human frailty, staged at venues like the UCLA/Pico Playhouse. He has also helmed several other productions and readings for Interact, including works like Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to classical and contemporary theatre direction in the Los Angeles scene. This directing work represents a natural evolution in his career, allowing him to shape narratives from behind the scenes while maintaining his acting foundation.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1989Nigel
1993Richard Bradley
1997SwimsuitJeremy Hollister
1999The DukeCecil Cavendish
1999British Colonel
2000MVP: Most Valuable PrimateDr. Peabody
2002MVP 2: Most Vertical PrimateMr. Raheja
2002Man of the YearReg
2005Fun with Dick and JaneAccount Rep, Grand Cayman Bank
2006Mr. GreeneVoice
2007Butler
2007National Treasure: Book of SecretsControl Room GuardUncredited
2008
2008Herbert Q.
2010Son of MorningJBS News Anchor
2010Mr. Kenwright
2011Bernard
2014Window of OpportunityRoger

Television

Oliver Muirhead began his television career in 1987 with a role in a made-for-TV film. 1987: Young Harry Houdini (TV movie) - Bobby 1989: Tarzan in Manhattan (TV movie) - Servant 1990: Rich Men, Single Women (TV movie) - Servant 1990–1991: Who's the Boss? - Maitre d' Oliver, multiple episodes including "Ridiculous Liaisons" and "A Well-Kept Housekeeper" 1991: Santa Barbara - Mr. Marx, 1 episode (#1.1737) 1991: Man of the People - , 1 episode 1991: The Family Man - Brian, 1 episode ("") 1991: Step by Step - Geoffrey Howell, 1 episode ("Model Daughter") 1994: Married... with Children - Mr. Blithers, 1 episode ("Driving Mr. Boondy") 1994–1998: : The Animated Series - Spot / Dr. Jonathan Ohnn; (voice), multiple episodes 1998: Seinfeld - Irwin Lubeck, 1 episode ("The Frogger") 1999: Kenan & Kel - Waiter / Gavin, 1 episode 2000: The Beach Boys: An American Family (miniseries) - TV Host 2000: Friends - The Jeweler, 1 episode ("The One with the Ring") 2001–2002: Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Phillip, 2 episodes ("Checkpoint," "Never Leave Me") 2003: Will & Grace - Walter (Maitre d'), 1 episode ("Strangers with Candice") 2008: Grave Misconduct (TV movie) - Don Crown 2009: Bones - Badgley Mormont, 1 episode ("The Princess and the Pear") 2011: The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Richard Malkovich, 1 episode ("Deeper and Deeper") 2016: The Good Place - Professor Stjepan Radja, 1 episode 2017: General Hospital - Lord Larry Ashton, 6 episodes 2019: Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Dean Wesley Allister, 1 episode 2021: CSI: Vegas - Gary Snyder, 1 episode 2023: Young Sheldon - Dr. Van Doornewaard, 1 episode ("A Tornado, a 10-Hour Flight and a Darn Fine Ring") 2025: 9-1-1: Lone Star - Dr. Keith Chalmers, 1 episode Muirhead has also appeared in several television commercials, including spots for Tombstone frozen pizza in 1995 and Cesar dog food in 2003.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0611407/
  2. https://www.fandango.com/people/oliver-muirhead-471917/biography
  3. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/muirhead-oliver
  4. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/oliver-muirhead/credits/3030458844/
  5. https://gojimmygo.net/2012/04/23/a-conversation-with-actor-oliver-muirhead/
  6. https://www.interactla.org/ensemble/oliver-muirhead
  7. https://stagemag.broadwayworld.com/modern/ART-by-Yasmina-Reza-INTERACT-THEATRE-COMPANY-6781
  8. https://stagemag.broadwayworld.com/modern/LONG-DAY-S-JOURNEY-INTO-NIGHT-by-Eugene-O-Neill-INTERACT-THEATRE-COMPANY-3778
  9. https://www.onthestage.tickets/interact-theatre-company/about
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2KQQrdGCEA
  11. https://stageraw.com/other-peoples-money/
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-02-ca-37617-story.html
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098308/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145660/characters/nm0611407/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455499/characters/nm0611407/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465234/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/fullcredits/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1758692/characters/nm0611407/
  19. https://variety.com/2011/film/markets-festivals/like-crazy-1117944354/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0747807/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0747702/
  22. https://www.cybercom.net/~jima/cast.html
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583640/
  24. https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/comings-and-goings/1699/oliver-muirhead-recast-as-general-hospitals-lord-larry-ashton/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056758/characters/nm0611407
  26. https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/comings-and-goings/1731/oliver-muirhead-departs-general-hospital/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6226232/characters/nm0611407
  28. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/1115613/young-sheldon-dr-van-doornewaard
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132641/fullcredits/
  30. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Eragon/Imperial-Soldiers/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0952640/characters/nm0611407
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098308/fullcredits
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0982546/fullcredits
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0642258/characters/nm0611407/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0706857/characters/nm0611407/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0611407/fullcredits
  37. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/oliver-muirhead
  38. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/93035-oliver-muirhead
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0533460/characters/nm0611407
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1143142/fullcredits
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1894322/characters/nm0611407
  42. https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Oliver-Muirhead/amzn1.dv.gti.c1e7e37a-dcc1-43db-a202-85f701b96f1d/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27458735/
  44. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0611407/otherworks/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.