Many British actors have made the leap across the pond into Hollywood, but audiences seem to be familiar with only a few names. And, while we love Idris Elba — seriously, how could you not? — there’s plenty of UK talent working in Hollywood that we often overlook, some who recently catapulted into the limelight, and others we’re ready to see more of on our screens. Here’s a list of familiar and not-so familiar faces.
05
Malachi Kirby
In the states, Malachi Kirby made a name for himself in the 2016 remake of Roots, where he starred as Kunta Kente. Last month, he portrayed real-life British activist Darcus Howe, one of the Mangrove 9, in Steve McQueen’s retelling of the highly publicized case that arguably kicked off the the civil rights movement in the United Kingdom.
09
Martins Imhangbe
In Bridgerton, Martins Imhangbe stars as Will Mondrich, Regé-Jean Page’s sparring partner and confidant. His character, based on real-life boxer Bill Richmond, Imhangbe told Shondaland.com, “I became obsessed with this man, just thinking about the courage and the tenacity it must’ve taken to achieve such a vision.” On stage in London, has starred in Lionboy, Absolute Hell, An Adventure and most recently, The Death of a Salesman.
10
Arinzé Kene
Back in the U.K, Arinzé Kene has been heralded as one of “British theatre’s most exciting voices.” He broke ground with his play Misty in 2018 and last year he starred alongside Wendell C. Pierce in an all-Black revival of Death of a Salesman at the Young Vic in London. Recently, Kene can be seen in I’m Your Woman on Amazon Prime Video.
11
Ricky Whittle
Whittle has us intrigued as Shadow on American Gods—the third season begins in January 2021. Before the UK born (he has an English mother and Jamaican father) actor appeared in the Starz series, he made American audiences swoon in Mistresses and become a fan favorite on The CW’s The 100.
13
Richard Ayoade
The BAFTA-winning comedian, writer, and actor made us laugh until we cried on The IT Crowd and starred opposite Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill in 2012’s The Watch. Ayoade has a cult following in the US, but with such great comedic skill and writing he’s bound to receive a lot more attention soon.
14
Jacob Anderson
If you watched Game of Thrones, then you’ll recognize Jacob as Grey Worm. But, what you may not know is that the actor is an amazing rapper, going by the name Raleigh Ritchie. His debut album You’re a Man Now, Boy was released in 2016 and last May his latest single, “Aristocrats,” is the lead single for next album, Andy.
19
Adrian Lester
Adrian is not only an amazing actor whose resume includes stellar theatre work — he won a Best Actor award from the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his work in Othello and played Ellis Carter in Girlfriends, Joan’s love interest — he was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2013 for his service to drama.
22
Jimmy Akingbola
Jimmy is another Arrow actor having appeared on the show as Baron Reiter. And, in 2008, he became the first black actor to play the role of Jimmy Porter in acclaimed playwright John Osborne’s Look Back In Anger. His brother Sola also happens to be head percussionist for Jamiroquai.
26
Ben Bailey Smith
The UK rapper and actor has made audiences laugh in the UK’s Murder in Successville and the English version of Drunk History. He often appears under his stage name Doc Brown and has released some awesome studio albums, EPS, and singles. He also happens to be the brother of writer Zadie Smith.
31
Noel Clarke
The London-born actor has appeared in Star Trek Into Darkness and has been award the Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performer for his performance in the Royal Court Theatre’s Where Do We Live and BAFTA’s Orange Rising Star Award for Kidulthood and Adulthood.