Phil Dunster's Next Act: The 10 Essential Movies And TV Shows You Must See (Including His New HBO Comedy)
Phil Dunster: Complete Biography and Career Profile
Philip James Dunster, known professionally as Phil Dunster, is an English actor who has built a reputation for embodying complex, often morally ambiguous, characters with charm and depth.- Full Name: Philip James Dunster
- Date of Birth: 31 March 1992
- Age (as of December 2025): 33
- Place of Birth: London, England
- Nationality: British (English)
- Education: Trained at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting.
- Career Start: His first professional acting role was in the 2013 film *The Film-Maker's Son*.
- Key Recognition: Primetime Emmy Award nomination (2023) for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (*Ted Lasso*).
- Theatre Recognition: Olivier Award nomination for Best Performance in an Affiliate Theatre Production for his role in *Pink Mist*.
- Breakout Role: Jamie Tartt in the Apple TV+ series *Ted Lasso* (2020–2023).
The Essential TV Shows and Films That Defined His Career
While *Ted Lasso* is undoubtedly the role he is most famous for, Phil Dunster has a rich and varied filmography that demonstrates his commitment to diverse projects. His work extends across multiple genres, including spy thrillers, period dramas, and psychological sci-fi.Major Television Roles
Dunster has consistently chosen roles in high-quality, critically acclaimed television series, showcasing his dramatic and comedic timing.1. Ted Lasso (2020–2023) as Jamie Tartt
This is the role that made Phil Dunster a household name. As the arrogant, talented, yet ultimately vulnerable footballer Jamie Tartt, Dunster delivered one of the most compelling character arcs in modern television. The journey of Jamie Tartt, from a self-centered Premier League star on loan to AFC Richmond to a redeemed, emotionally mature team player, was pivotal to the series' success. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2023, cementing his status as a major talent.
2. The Devil’s Hour (2022–Present) as Mike Stevens
In a sharp contrast to his comedic role, Dunster played Mike Stevens, the estranged husband of the main character, Lucy Chambers (Jessica Raine), in this Amazon Prime Video psychological thriller. The series is known for its dark, complex mysteries and features Peter Capaldi. Dunster's role as Mike Stevens allowed him to explore a more dramatic, emotionally fraught character embroiled in the show’s dark supernatural elements.
3. Surface (2022) as Quinn
This Apple TV+ psychological thriller saw Dunster take on the role of Quinn, a character connected to the mysterious life of Sophie Ellis (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a woman who survives a suicide attempt but suffers from memory loss. The series explores themes of identity, betrayal, and self-discovery, offering Dunster a chance to play a complex, supporting character in a high-stakes drama.
4. Strike Back (2017–2018) as Colonel John "Mac" Macallister
Dunster was a main cast member in the Sky One/Cinemax military action drama, playing Colonel John Macallister. This role was physically demanding and established his ability to handle intense action sequences and serious dramatic material early in his career.
5. Humans (2018) as Tristan
He appeared in the Channel 4/AMC science fiction drama, which explores a world where human-like robots (Synths) are commonplace. His role as Tristan contributed to the series' exploration of artificial intelligence and humanity.
Other Notable TV Appearances:
- *Dracula* (2020) as Quincey Morris
- *Catherine the Great* (2019) as Count Andrei Razumovsky
- *The Trouble with Maggie Cole* (2020) as Alex
- *No Offence* (2017) as Phelan
Key Feature Film Roles
Dunster has also appeared in several major motion pictures, often in supporting but memorable roles alongside A-list talent.1. Judy (2019) as Ben
In this biographical drama about Judy Garland, starring Renée Zellweger (who won an Oscar for the role), Dunster played Ben. The film allowed him to be part of a major, critically acclaimed period piece.
2. The Good Liar (2019) as Roy’s Grandson
He appeared in this thriller alongside acting legends Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. The film's complex plot of deception and secrets provided a high-profile platform for his work.
3. Murder on the Orient Express (2017) as Colonel John Macallister
Dunster was part of the star-studded ensemble cast in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic. This role further showcased his comfort in large-scale, prestigious productions.
4. All Is True (2018) as Henry, The Player
Another period piece directed by Kenneth Branagh, this film explored the final years of William Shakespeare. Dunster’s role as 'Henry, The Player' connected him to the world of classical theatre and literature.
5. Megan Leavey (2017) as Coakley
This biographical war film, starring Kate Mara, tells the story of a Marine corporal and her military working dog. Dunster’s involvement in this American production demonstrated his reach beyond British television.
What's Next: The Highly Anticipated Upcoming Projects
The most significant news for Phil Dunster fans is his immediate return to high-profile television, confirming his ongoing collaboration with the creative team behind his biggest success.The Untitled HBO Comedy Series (2026)
Following the conclusion of *Ted Lasso*, Dunster secured a starring role in a new, untitled single-camera comedy series for HBO. This project is a major development for several reasons:
- Starring Role: He will star opposite comedy icon Steve Carell.
- Creative Reunion: The series is being developed by Bill Lawrence, the co-creator of *Ted Lasso*, and Matt Tarses (*Scrubs*). This reunion suggests a creative environment where Dunster's comedic talents can continue to flourish.
- Plot Details: The project is set on a college campus, though specific character details for Dunster’s role remain undisclosed. The shift from the football pitch of AFC Richmond to a university setting promises a fresh, new dynamic for the Emmy-nominated actor.
The Future of The Devil's Hour
With *The Devil's Hour* renewed for a second and third season, Dunster is expected to reprise his role as Mike Stevens, further developing the dark and complex narrative of the series. This commitment to a multi-season thriller ensures that Dunster continues to balance his lighthearted comedic work with intense, dramatic performances.
Phil Dunster’s career is a masterclass in strategic role selection. By following up a global phenomenon like *Ted Lasso* with a major HBO comedy alongside Steve Carell and a dark, multi-season thriller, he is demonstrating a rare ability to excel across the entire spectrum of acting. Fans of Jamie Tartt’s redemption arc and Mike Stevens' dark complexity have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.Detail Author:
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