Biography
Paul is a long established and much respected British actor and voiceover artist. Born in Denby Dale, West Riding of Yorkshire, on 25th November 1944 he grew up beside a dairy farm. His father, Harold, was involved with local amateur dramatic productions, as were the rest of his family. He went to Penistone Grammar School, then the Northern Counties College of Education in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he received an Associate of the Drama Board (ADB) in Drama. He taught English and Drama in Walthamstow, before he joined the Leeds Playhouse Theatre-in-education Company in 1971. In 1976, Paul won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a New Play for his role in John Wilson's For King and Country. With many and varied roles to follow, Paul soon established himself as one of the UK's leading stage, film, television and radio actors. In 2011-2015 Paul gained worldwide recognition appearing in 16 episodes of the hugely popular television series Downton Abbey playing the popular role of farmer Mr Mason. Paul is married to the actress Natasha Pyne. They married in 1972, after both performing in a Leeds Playhouse production of Frank Wedekind's Lulu, adapted by Peter Barnes, directed by Bill Hays in 1971.
Acted in 117
2020s
- 2025
Big Winners
Arthur Thistle
Play for Today
Arthur Thistle · 1 episode
- 2023
Ticker
Howard
- 2022
- 2021
The Infectious Imagination of Henry Bramble
Great Uncle Geoffrey
- 2020
Ropeless
Larry Windsor
2010s
- 2018
On the Edge
Ray · 1 episode
- 2017
Broken
Joe Kerrigan · 6 episodes
- 2016
Reg
Man 2
The Nest Egg
Movie
- 2015
The Sound of Music Live!
Franz
Code of a Killer
Sidney Jeffreys · 2 episodes
The 12 Days of Christine
Ernie
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Last Tango in Halifax
Harry · 5 episodes
First Encounter: King Lear
King Lear
White Heat
Alan (present day) · 6 episodes
- 2011
- 2010
2000s
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
The Shadow in the North
Paton
- 2006
Johnny and the Bomb
Sgt. Bourke · 3 episodes
- 2005
Marian, Again
Phillip Walsh
Dead Man Weds
Blind Man · 6 episodes
- 2004
- 2003
The Key
Movie
Burn It
Terry Grimshaw · 10 episodes
The Royal
Nesbitt · 1 episode
Hornblower: Duty
Matthews
Hornblower: Loyalty
Matthews
- 2002
The Many Lives of Albert Walker
Danny Peck
- 2001
Messiah
Ian Fleet · 2 episodes
Hornblower: Retribution
Matthews
Hornblower: Mutiny
Mathews
1990s
- 1999
Hornblower: The Frogs and the Lobsters
Mathews
Hornblower: The Duchess and the Devil
Matthews
Queer as Folk
Roy Maloney · 2 episodes
- 1998
Hornblower: The Examination for Lieutenant
Mathews
Hornblower: The Even Chance
Matthews
Written in Blood
Brian Chappel
- 1997
- 1996
- 1994
Roughnecks
Ian · 13 episodes
A Pinch of Snuff
Charlie Heppelwhite
- 1993
- 1992
1980s
- 1989
Stay Lucky
TV
Testimony of a Child
Gerry
Young Charlie Chaplin
Chimnery Sweep · 1 episode
- 1986
Theban Plays: Oedipus at Colonus
Local Man
- 1985
Silas Marner
William Dane
Bird Fancier
Roy Pearson
- 1984
Big Deal
Max · 1 episode
- 1983
The Gathering Seed
Bob Henshaw · 6 episodes
Doll’s Eye
Social Worker
- 1982
Ghost in the Water
Mr. Reed
- 1981
P.Q. 17
PO Jordan
A Brush with Mr. Porter on the Road to El Dorado
Tom
- 1980
Happy
Vernon
Death of a Princess
Steve Jackson
1970s
- 1979
Cries from a Watchtower
Andy
- 1978
On a Paving Stone Mounted
Movie
Travellers
Young William/Middle William/Sales Rep
Mucking Out
Brian Wilson
The Turkey Who Lives on the Hill
Bill
Destiny
Paul McShane
- 1977
A Christmas Carol
Fred (Scrooge's Nephew)
Treasure Island
TV
- 1976
Arnhem: The Story of an Escape
Finnegan
The Chester Mystery Plays
Movie
- 1975
Trinity Tales
Dave the Joiner · 6 episodes
Days of Hope
Ben Matthews · 4 episodes
Alfie Darling
Bakey
Diane
Jim
- 1974
- 1973
Father Dear Father
Dumbo
Speech Day
Woodwork Master
- 1970
Wrote 1
1970s
- 1979
Pillion
Writer
Appearances7
2020s
- 2025
Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks
Narrator (voice) · 2 episodes
2010s
- 2013
Carved with Love: The Genius of British Woodwork
Narrator · 3 episodes
2000s
- 2006
When Kim & Aggie Went To Hospital
Self - Narrator (voice)
- 2003
How Clean Is Your House?
Self - Narrator (voice)
1980s
- 1985
Which Side Are You On?
Narrator (voice)
1970s
- 1979
Black Jack
Narrator
No release date
Dangerous Journey
Narrator