John Rhys-Davies
- Actor
- Sound Department
- Producer
Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies was born in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Wales, to Mary Margaretta Phyllis (nee Jones), a nurse, and Rhys Davies, a mechanical engineer and Colonial Officer. He graduated from the University of East Anglia and is probably best known to film audiences for his roles in the blockbuster hits Les Aventuriers de l'arche perdue (1981) and Indiana Jones et la Dernière Croisade (1989). He was introduced to a new generation of fans in the blockbuster trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" (Le Seigneur des anneaux : La Communauté de l'anneau (2001), (Le Seigneur des anneaux : Les Deux Tours (2002), and (Le Seigneur des anneaux : Le Retour du roi (2003)) in the role of Gimli the dwarf. He has also had leading roles in Victor/Victoria (1982), Tuer n'est pas jouer (1987) and Allan Quatermain et les Mines du roi Salomon (1985).
Rhys-Davies, who was raised in England, Africa and Wales, credits his early exposure to classic literature for his decision to pursue acting and writing. He later refined his craft at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (of which he is now an Associate Member). His television credits include James Clavell's Shogun (1980) and La Noble maison (1988), Les Grandes Espérances (1989), Les orages de la guerre (1988) and Archaeology (1991). An avid collector of vintage automobiles, Rhys-Davies has a host of theater roles to his credit, including "The Misanthrope", "Hedda Gabler", and most of Shakespeare's works. He divides his time between Los Angeles and the Isle of Man.
Rhys-Davies, who was raised in England, Africa and Wales, credits his early exposure to classic literature for his decision to pursue acting and writing. He later refined his craft at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (of which he is now an Associate Member). His television credits include James Clavell's Shogun (1980) and La Noble maison (1988), Les Grandes Espérances (1989), Les orages de la guerre (1988) and Archaeology (1991). An avid collector of vintage automobiles, Rhys-Davies has a host of theater roles to his credit, including "The Misanthrope", "Hedda Gabler", and most of Shakespeare's works. He divides his time between Los Angeles and the Isle of Man.
