Phil Dunster is a British actor born in March 1992 who achieved international recognition for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of footballer Jamie Tartt in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso. The classically trained performer graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and earned an Olivier Award nomination for his stage work in Pink Mist. His diverse filmography includes Murder on the Orient Express, Judy, and The Good Liar, establishing him as a versatile talent across multiple entertainment mediums.
While many actors struggle to shift from stage to screen, Philip James Dunster, born in March 1992 in England, has successfully navigated both mediums to become a prominent figure in contemporary British entertainment. His formal training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School provided the classical foundation that would later distinguish his performances across theater, television, and film projects spanning multiple genres and prestigious productions.
Philip James Dunster exemplifies the rare actor who has mastered both theatrical and screen performance with classical training and contemporary versatility.
Dunster’s theatrical career began with significant stage roles, including his portrayal of Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing in 2015, which established his classical acting credentials. His breakthrough stage performance came with Arthur in Pink Mist at Bristol Old Vic and Bush Theatre, earning him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination in 2016. This recognition led to additional theater work, including appearances in The Entertainer at the Garrick Theatre in 2016, demonstrating his versatility within classical and contemporary dramatic productions.
The change to screen work proved equally successful, with Dunster securing diverse roles across British television programming. His television debut on Channel 4’s sitcom Catastrophe preceded more substantial roles, including Lance Corporal Will Jensen in Strike Back from 2017 to 2018, Tristan in Channel 4’s Humans in 2018, and Jamie Cole in ITV’s The Trouble with Maggie Cole in 2020. These performances showcased his range across comedy, drama, and action genres while establishing his presence within British television landscape.
Dunster’s film career includes collaborations with distinguished actors and directors, featuring roles in Murder on the Orient Express with Kenneth Branagh and Daisy Ridley in 2017, Judy opposite Renée Zellweger in 2019, and The Good Liar alongside Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen in 2019. Additional film credits encompass The Rise of the Krays and The Fall of the Krays, Megan Leavey, and All Is True, demonstrating his ability to contribute meaningfully to ensemble casts and varied cinematic projects.
His international breakthrough arrived with Jamie Tartt in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, beginning in 2020, which earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2023. This role contributed to Ted Lasso becoming the most nominated freshman comedy series with 20 Emmy nominations, establishing Dunster’s global recognition and cultural impact.
The character’s popularity extended to FIFA 23 inclusion and official AFC Richmond merchandise, reflecting the series’ widespread cultural influence. Recent projects include Mike Stevens in Amazon Prime’s The Devil’s Hour and appearances in Catherine the Great and BBC One’s Dracula, maintaining his active presence across streaming and traditional broadcasting platforms. Beyond acting, Dunster has expanded into production work, serving as executive producer for Idiomatic in 2024. Born in Northampton, England, Dunster’s early life included attending Leighton Park School and playing rugby before ultimately pursuing his successful acting career.
