Philip James Dunster

Phil Dunster

Phil Dunster, an American actor known for his work in theater, film, and television, rose to international acclaim for his portrayal of Tristan in the “Humans” project. His career boasts equally noteworthy performances in the dramatic series “Strike Back,” the detective show “Murder on the Orient Express,” the sports-themed “Ted Lasso,” and the suspenseful thriller “The Devil’s Hour.” In 2023, Dunster received a prestigious Emmy nomination for his exceptional work as a Best Supporting Actor.

What we know about this person

Full name:

Philip James Dunster

Date of birth:

March 31, 1992

Zodiac sign:

Aries

Birthplace:

Northampton, United Kingdom

Age:

32

Citizenship:

UK

Marital status:

Unmarried

Children:

No

Height:

5' 9" (1.75 m)

Occupation:

actor, film producer

Early life

Philip James Dunster entered the world on March 31, 1992, in Northampton. His father served in the military, and he has an elder brother who followed in their father’s footsteps. Dunster’s educational journey led him to Leighton Park School in Reading, where he excelled as a prefect and a member of the youth rugby team. Sports always held a special place in Phil’s heart, and he ardently supported the Wimbledon football club, attending matches and engaging in rugby play.

Standing at a modest height of 175 centimeters during his youth, Dunster’s coach suggested he explore alternative career paths. It was then that Phil contemplated a future in acting. Against his family’s initial reservations, he took a significant step by enrolling at the Old Vic Bristol Theatre School. In 2014, he emerged from his educational pursuits with a bachelor’s degree in acting.

Career

Phil Dunster made his cinematic debut in 2013 with the drama “The Film-Maker’s Son.” In 2015, he assumed the role of Claudio in the theatrical production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at the Reading Theater. Concurrently, he ventured into the realm of television with the series “Catastrophe,” where he crossed paths with Rob Delaney, Sharon Horgan, and Ashley Jensen. Additionally, he took on the character of Dickie Baker in the low-budget film “The Rise of the Krays,” sharing the screen with Kevin Leslie and Simon Cotton.

The year 2016 marked Dunster’s presence in the sequel “The Fall of the Krays.” During the same period, he graced the stage in “Pink Mist,” portraying Arthur, a role that garnered him an Olivier Award nomination. Subsequently, he embarked on guest appearances in series such as “Stan Lee’s Lucky Man,” “Benidorm,” and “Man in an Orange Shirt.”

In 2017, Phil Dunster assumed the character of Lance Corporal Will Jensen in the television series “Strike Back,” alongside the likes of Richard Armitage, Andrew Lincoln, Philip Winchester, and Sullivan Stapleton. The show achieved commendable ratings, and Dunster, in one of his interviews, touted it as his most stellar career performance. A few months later, an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s work graced the screens.

Dunster portrayed Colonel John Armstrong in “Murder on the Orient Express.” He collaborated with an illustrious cast, including Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Olivia Colman, and Sergei Polunin. The actor relished the experience of working on historical projects, making notable appearances in mini-series like “Catherine the Great” alongside Helen Mirren and “Dracula” featuring Lydia West. In the biographical drama “Judy,” he brought Ben’s character to life, complementing Renée Zellweger’s leading role.

In 2020, the actor starred in the comedy series “Ted Lasso.” He portrayed Jamie Tartt, a talented yet money-driven young striker. During the show’s production, Phil Dunster mastered the Manchester accent and reenacted Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic goal. His fellow cast members included Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Anthony Head, and Brett Goldstein. In season 2 of “Ted Lasso,” Phil Dunster proudly flaunts a racing stripe shaved into his right eyebrow, playfully fulfilling a long-held teenage dream.

brett-goldstein-and-phil-dunster-as-jamie-tartt-in-ted-lasso

Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent and Phil Dunster as Jamie Tartt (on the left) in Ted Lasso

Philip James Dunster Movies and TV Shows

  • 2022

    The Devil’s Hour

    Mike Stevens

  • 2020–2023

    Ted Lasso

    Jamie Tartt

  • 2020

    Dracula

    Quincey Morris

  • 2019

    The Good Liar

    Roy Courtnay

  • 2019

    Judy

    Ben

  • 2017

    Murder on the Orient Express

    Colonel John Armstrong

  • 2017

    Megan Leavey

    Coletta

  • 2015–2018

    Humans

    Tristan

  • 2015–2017

    Catastrophe

    Nico

  • 2010–2020

    Strike Back

    Lance Corporal Will Jensen

Talk Shows

  • 2023

    Entertainment Tonight

    Role: Guest

  • 2023

    The Kelly Clarkson Show

    Role: Guest

  • 2023

    The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

    Role: Guest

  • 2023

    Today

    Role: Guest

  • 2021

    The Talk

    Role: Guest

Phil Dunster’s personal life and family

Phil Dunster is still on the journey to find a life partner and hasn’t yet found a wife. However, he’s currently in a loving romantic relationship with Eleanor Heydon, a gifted director and co-founder of Pelican Productions. They crossed paths in 2018 and regularly share glimpses of their life together on social media. The actor’s passion lies in immersing himself in his characters’ emotions, which is why he gravitates toward roles with extensive dialogue.

To prepare for his craft, Dunster listens to motivational music and seeks solace in moments of silence. His primary hobbies encompass swimming and hitting the gym. During his leisure time, he indulges in amateur boxing sparring, maintaining excellent physical fitness. Dunster aspires to enhance his filmography with iconic roles.

phil-dunster-with-girlfriend-ellie-heydon

Phil Dunster with girlfriend Ellie Heydon

Phil Dunster now

Phil Dunster continues to shape his film career. In 2022, he assumed a prominent role in the series “The Devil’s Hour” as Mike Stevens, collaborating with Jessica Raine, Peter Capaldi, Nikesh Patel, and Benjamin Chivers. His involvement has also been announced in the psychological series “Surface.”

Published: September 20, 2023
Updated: July 2, 2024
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