Described by the British Film Institute as 'one of the most versatile English actors of his generation', David Morrisey is said to take every acting role he has very seriously, by undergoing meticulous preparation and research for each character.
The 60-year-old made his acting debut when he was just 18 years old in the series One Summer (back in 1983) and has since gone on to star in some of the most popular West End plays and television shows, including Sherwood, The Walking Dead and more recently, BBC comedy Daddy Issues.
David Morrissey: Movies and TV shows
Here is some of David Morrissey's television work, which you are likely to recognise him from:
Sense and Sensibility (2008)
David Morrissey had a lead role in Sense and Sensibility on the BBC back in 2008. playing Colonel Brandon, Marianne's (Charity Wakefield) long-standing admirer.
This version of Jane Austen's classic novel was a three-part television miniseries, directed by John Alexander and adapted by Andrew Davies. Other cast members include Call The Midwife's Linda Bassett as Mrs Jennings, Daisy Haggard (Breeders, Back To Life, Boat Story) as Miss Steele, Outnumbered star Claire Skinner as Fanny Dashwood and Dominic Cooper (from Mamma Mia!) as John Willoughby.
Doctor Who 'The Next Doctor' (2008)
Christmas TV is full of surprise cameos and guest appearance in popular shows and on the 25th December 2008, David Morrissey joined the cast of Doctor Who as "The Doctor", or so they thought...
He was actually Jackson Lake, a human that thought he was the Time Lord after the Cybermen infiltrated his memories.
The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
David Morrissey gained widespread recognition for his role in The Walking Dead (a zombie apocalypse series). The Governor, whose real name is Philip Blake, is one of the most notorious and complex antagonists in the show, known for his ruthless and authoritarian rule over the town of Woodbury.
Morrissey's portrayal of The Governor is chilling and compelling, showcasing his ability to blend charm with menace. Introduced in the third season, The Governor quickly becomes a central figure in the story, representing a significant threat to Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his group.
The Long Shadow (2023)
In 2023, David Morrissey portrayed a real-life policeman in The Long Shadow on ITV. The true crime drama focused on the five-year manhunt for the Yorkshire Ripper - one of the UKs infamously notorious serial killer cases - who turned out to be taxi driver Peter Sutcliffe.
Set between 1975 and 1981, the seven episodes follow both the police investigation as well as the life of the victims and their families.
As well as Morrissey, the cast includes an extraordinary list of British talent, including Katherine Kelly (Protection Liar, Coronation Street, Happy Valley), Daniel Mays (Line of Duty, Des), Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Detectorists), Liz White (Life on Mars, Unforgotten), Jill Halfpenny (The Drowning, The Holiday, In the Club), Lee Ingleby (The A Word, Inspector George Gently, Our Zoo, Innocent), Daisy Waterstone (The Durrells, The Capture), Alexa Davies (Raised by Wolves, Honour, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again), Jasmine Lee-Jones and Gemma Laurie.
Sherwood (2022, 2024)
One of the most popularTV dramas to come out of the BBC in recent years is Sherwood. David Morrissey plays DCS Ian St Clair, a policeman trying to solve two murder cases and find both of the suspects who are hiding in the forest, all whilst trying to juggle the rivalry between the fractured mining village community.
The show is based on the UK's biggest manhunt which involved two murderers (who were former miners) hiding out in Sherwood Forest at the same time.
Here's what's in store: "Set in the present day it introduces two new families that find themselves entangled with the Sparrows, entering a complex web of local gangs, old rivalries, revenge, and betrayal. Meanwhile, a newly appointed Sheriff of Nottingham is passionately fighting against a proposed new mine for the area, which brings the promise of much needed jobs and prosperity but also unwelcome reminders of the legacy that has mired the community for so long."
Daddy Issues (2024)
In a break from the drama, David Morrissey is playing a first-time Grandad Malcom in Daddy Issues, a comedy from BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. In the show, his daughter (played by Sex Education and Alice & Jack star Aimee Lou Wood) falls pregnant after a one-night stand and he moves in to help her, despite not having any basic life skills of his own.
Here's the official synopsis: "When hedonistic 24 year old Gemma discovers she’s pregnant after a random hook-up, she has no choice but to turn to her hapless father Malcolm for support. Recently divorced from Gemma’s mother (who made off with their joint savings to ‘Eat Pray Love’ her way around the world), Malcolm is unable to load a washing machine, boil an egg or microwave rice without it exploding. Up until now, he’s been living in squalor with fellow divorcee Derek but when Gemma’s own flatmate decides to move out, the combination of financial desperation and a desire to not be totally alone makes her resort to the unthinkable: she asks her dad to move in with her. Because what’s the worst that could happen…?
From dating disasters and failed romances through to toxic friendships and messy family dynamics, plus a dangerously sociopathic antenatal teacher, Daddy Issues is an affectionate heart-warming story between father and daughter and the reality of facing up to parenthood - at any stage of life."
Is David Morrissey related to Neil Morrissey?
David Morrissey isn't related to fellow actor Neil Morrissey (Men Behaving Badly, Bob the Builder, The Good Karma Hospital), despite having the same surname.
David has three siblings: comedian Paul Morrissey, Tony Morrissey and Karen Morrissey.
How old is David Morrissey?
Actor David Morrissey was born on the 2st June 1964, making him 60 years old currently.
How tall is David Morrissey?
David Morrissey is 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m).
Does David Morrissey have social media?
Yes, the actor and filmmaker has multiple social media accounts.
You can follow him on Instagram @davidmorrissey and X (formerly Twitter), under @davemorrissey64.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.