John Rhys-Davies was born on May 5, 1944, in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Wales. He was introduced to classic literature at a young age, which sparked his passion for acting and writing. He later refined his craft at the prestigious London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he honed his skills alongside fellow students including Emma Thompson and Phoebe Nicholls.
As he embarked on his career, Rhys-Davies became one of the most respected and recognizable character actors in the industry, with iconic roles in film and television that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. With a Primetime Emmy nomination under his belt, Rhys-Davies has built a legacy that spans decades, with memorable performances in popular franchises and iconic movies. So, here’s our pick of his 5 best roles.
5. The Living Daylights as General Leonid Pushkin (1987)
In the 1987 film The Living Daylights, Timothy Dalton‘s first outing as James Bond marked a bold departure from the traditional lighthearted tone of the franchise. The plot follows Bond as he becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue involving the KGB, a stolen atomic bomb, and a group of Afghan freedom fighters. As Bond navigates this treacherous landscape, he finds himself at odds with General Leonid Pushkin (Rhys-Davies), the new head of the KGB, who initially appears to be a ruthless villain. However, as the story unfolds, Bond comes to realize that Pushkin is actually a key ally, and together they join forces to take down the real villain, Koskov, who has betrayed his country.
This unexpected twist marked a significant shift in the tone of the franchise, with Dalton’s Bond being darker and more serious than his predecessors. The film’s gritty realism and emphasis on character development also set it apart from earlier Bond films, making The Living Daylights a memorable and influential entry in the series. John Rhys-Davies’ portrayal of General Pushkin added depth to the story, showcasing his ability to bring nuance and complexity to his characters as he switches from foe to friend.
Watch The Living Daylights on Apple TV+
4. Shogun as Vasco Rodrigues (1980)
Before the acclaimed 2024 series, the epic novel Shogun by James Clavell was adapted into a highly successful NBC mini-series in 1980. Directed by Jerry London, the five-part miniseries starred Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorne, an English pilot who finds himself stranded in 17th-century Japan after a shipwreck. The series followed Blackthorne’s journey as he navigates the complexities of feudal Japan, encountering the powerful and enigmatic Lord Toranaga (played by Toshirô Mifune) and his daughter Lady Mariko (Yoko Shimada).
John Rhys-Davies brought to life the complex character of Vasco Rodrigues, a Portuguese pilot of the Black Ship who forms an unlikely bond with the series’ hero, John Blackthorne. When Blackthorne’s Dutch merchant ship, the Erasmus, is blown off course and into Japanese waters in the 17th century, Rodrigues is initially wary of the Protestant Blackthorne due to the tense religious climate, with Catholicism holding strong sway in Japan and Protestants viewed as heretics. However, their initial wariness gives way to mutual respect and trust as they work together, with each saving the other’s life at critical moments.
Watch Shogun (1980) on Prime Video
3. Sliders as Maximilian Arturo (1995-1997)
Sliders, a cult classic sci-fi series, followed the adventures of Quinn Mallory (Jerry O’Connell), a brilliant and charismatic young inventor, and his unlikely companions as they navigated the vast expanse of parallel universes. After inventing the device that enables inter-dimensional travel through a wormhole, Quinn, along with his friends Rembrandt “Cryin’ Man” Brown (Cleavant Derricks), Professor Arturo (John Rhys-Davies), and Rembrandt’s girlfriend Lisolette (Kari Wuhrer), found themselves jumping from one reality to another, searching for a way back to their own world.
As the series progressed, the group encountered various alternate versions of themselves, historical events, and alternate versions of familiar characters, all while trying to evade the sinister forces seeking to exploit their technology. Amidst an impressive cast, John Rhys-Davies brought gravity and gravitas to the role of Professor Arturo, Quinn’s mentor and guide, whose wisdom and experience proved invaluable as they traversed the infinite possibilities of the multiverse. He starred in the show for 40 episodes between 1995 and 1997.
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark as Sallah (1981)
The character of Sallah, played by John Rhys-Davies, has been a constant presence in the Indiana Jones franchise, appearing in multiple films in the popular series. However, it was his debut in Raiders of the Lost Ark that cemented his iconic status as a key figure in the series. This breakthrough role marked a significant turning point in Rhys-Davies’ career, transitioning from a background in television and stage productions to a prominent Hollywood role.
As Sallah, Rhys-Davies brought a sense of warmth and jocularity to the character, showcasing his extensive knowledge of antiquities as an Egyptian excavator. Moreover, Sallah’s personal connection to Indy (Harrison Ford) as an old friend added depth to their relationship, making their interactions all the more memorable and filled with banter. Notably, Sallah’s large family, including nine children, played a pivotal role in protecting Indy from Nazi gunfire, solidifying their bond and showcasing Sallah’s loyalty and bravery.
Watch Raiders of the Lost Ark on Disney+
1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy as Gimli
Amongst his extensive repertoire of roles, John Rhys-Davies’ portrayal of Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy remains his most iconic and enduring performance. Despite being a supporting character, Gimli’s presence in the fellowship of hobbits, elves, and humans was a memorable one, thanks to Rhys-Davies’ masterful portrayal. As the stalwart and loyal dwarf warrior, Gimli’s pride and gruff demeanour often clashed with the peaceful nature of the fellowship, leading to humorous and endearing moments.
Rhys-Davies brought a level of depth and nuance to the character, showcasing his ability to convey both darkness and humour through Gimli’s grumbling and sarcastic remarks. Throughout the trilogy, Rhys-Davies’ performance as Gimli earned him a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, cementing his status as a beloved character in the fantasy genre. Want to read about the best roles of another iconic actor? Here’s our ranking of Robert De Niro‘s Oscar-nominated roles.
Watch The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on Apple TV+
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