Philip Jackson

Philip Jackson is an English actor whose career spans over five decades, encompassing stage, television, film, and voice work. Born on 30 June 1948 in Stockton‑on‑Tees, County Durham, England, Jackson first entered the professional acting world in the early 1970s after training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and he quickly became a versatile character actor respected for his distinctive voice and nuanced performances. His breakthrough on television came with the iconic role of Inspector Raymond “Ray” Jacks in the popular 1970s series Minder, a part that showcased his ability to blend humour with gritty realism and earned him a loyal fan base across the UK. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jackson added a string of memorable supporting roles to his résumé, appearing in classic dramas such as The House of Eliott, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and the wartime epic A Tale of Two Cities, where his portrayal of Mr. Darnell highlighted his skill in period pieces. In addition to on‑screen work, Jackson is a prolific voice actor, lending his resonant timbre to numerous radio dramas, animated series, and documentary narrations, most notably the beloved children’s programme The Magic Roundabout where he voiced multiple characters with striking versatility. His stage credentials are equally impressive, having performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, taking on demanding roles ranging from Macbeth to contemporary works by Tom Stoppard. Recognised for his dedication to the craft, Jackson received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the British Academy Television Awards in 2002 for his role in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Even as he entered his seventies, he continues to act, appearing in recent productions such as The Crown and contributing voice work to video games, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to storytelling across media. The breadth of Philip Jackson’s career reflects a rare combination of talent, adaptability, and longevity that has made him a respected figure in British entertainment.