Toby Jones is one of Britain’s most respected (and brilliant) actors, a performer whose face might be instantly familiar even if his name takes a moment to place. Known for his intelligence, versatility, and understated style, Jones has built a career that spans stage, film, and television, moving easily between drama and comedy, playing both leading roles and scene-stealing supporting characters.
Who is Toby Jones?
Toby Jones was born in Hammersmith, London, in 1966, into a family of actors - his father, Freddie Jones, was also a well-known performer. He trained at the University of Manchester and later at L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, developing a skillset that has informed his physical, and thoughtful, approach to acting. Over his career, Jones has earned multiple awards, including a BAFTA for Marvellous (2014) and a Royal Television Society Award for Detectorists. He has also received nominations from the Olivier Awards, the Emmys, and the Golden Globes, reflecting the breadth of his work across different mediums.
Where have you seen him before?
Jones’s credits are wide-ranging and impressive. On television, he’s appeared in acclaimed series such as The Detectorists, Sherlock, Marvellous, and Capital. His film work includes Infamous (in which he portrayed Truman Capote), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Hunger Games, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. On stage, he has been a regular presence in major productions, from the National Theatre to the West End, appearing in plays such as The Painter and The Birthday Party.
Wasn’t he in Mr Bates vs The Post Office?
Yes! Toby Jones starred as Alan Bates in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, ITV’s powerful drama about the Horizon IT scandal. The series became one of the most talked-about television events of 2024. Jones’s performance as the determined sub-postmaster who helped expose the injustice was central to its impact, earning widespread critical acclaim and sparking renewed public attention to the real-life case.
What else have I seen him in?
Even if you don’t realise it, you’ve almost certainly seen Jones before. He voiced Dobby the house-elf in the Harry Potter films, appeared in Doctor Who, and featured in Empire of Light, The Wonder, and First Cow. His ability to blend into any role means he’s as at home in a period drama as in a blockbuster or gentle comedy. Whether playing heroes, eccentrics, or bureaucrats, Jones brings a subtlety that makes every character feel grounded and believable.
What’s next for Toby Jones?
Toby Jones is currently appearing on stage in Othello at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, alongside David Harewood and Caitlin Fitzgerald. This high-profile production runs until 17 January 2026 and continues his long relationship with theatre. He may be a familiar face on screen, but Toby Jones remains deeply rooted in live performance, and we’re very glad he is too!