Dominic West is a British actor born October 15, 1969, in Sheffield, England, who gained international prominence portraying Detective Jimmy McNulty in HBO’s acclaimed series “The Wire” from 2002-2008. Educated at Eton College and Trinity College Dublin, West later trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama before establishing himself across television, film, and stage productions. His notable roles include Noah Solloway in “The Affair,” Prince Charles in “The Crown,” and Jean Valjean in BBC’s “Les Misérables,” earning multiple award nominations throughout his distinguished career that spans both British and American entertainment industries.
Dominic Gerard Francis Eagleton West, born October 15, 1969, in Sheffield, England, has established himself as one of the most versatile and acclaimed actors of his generation through a distinguished career spanning British television, American cable dramas, and major Hollywood productions.
His educational foundation at Eton College and Trinity College Dublin, where he studied English, preceded formal acting training at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, preparing him for a career that would eventually bridge both sides of the Atlantic.
West’s breakthrough came through his portrayal of Detective Jimmy McNulty in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The Wire,” which aired from 2002 to 2008 and is widely regarded as one of television’s greatest productions. This performance established him as a formidable presence in American television, leading to subsequent high-profile roles that would define his career trajectory. In 2008, he also stepped behind the camera to direct an episode titled “Took” for the series.
His earlier work included notable film appearances in “Richard III” in 1995 and “Surviving Picasso” in 1996, followed by his first major television role in BBC’s “Out of Hours” in 1998.
Following his success in “The Wire,” West continued to demonstrate his range through diverse projects spanning multiple genres and formats. He starred as Noah Solloway in Showtime’s “The Affair” from 2014 to 2019, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his complex portrayal of the troubled protagonist.
His film credits include appearances in “Mona Lisa Smile” in 2003, the epic “300” in 2007, “Punisher: War Zone” in 2008, and the action-adventure “Tomb Raider” in 2018. West’s filmography spans a wide range of critical reception, from his highest rated work in “Burton and Taylor” at 100% to less successful projects.
West’s television work has earned particular critical recognition, including his portrayal of Jean Valjean in BBC’s “Les Misérables” miniseries in 2018 and his role in “The Hour” from 2011 to 2012, which garnered him another Golden Globe nomination.
His casting as Charles, Prince of Wales, in Netflix’s “The Crown” for seasons covering 2022 to 2023 brought additional acclaim and nominations from both the Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.
His achievements include a BAFTA Award for his chilling portrayal of serial killer Fred West in “Appropriate Adult” in 2011, demonstrating his ability to tackle morally complex characters. West has also received recognition for his performance as Richard Burton in “Burton & Taylor” in 2013.
Beyond acting, West has expanded his professional repertoire to include directing, producing, and musical endeavors. He maintains an active stage presence in major productions across the UK and United States while contributing voice work to documentaries and narration projects.
West is married to Catherine FitzGerald, a landscape designer and aristocrat, and is the father of five children.
