Tom Ellis Biography
Tom Ellis is a Welsh actor, who gained recognition for portraying Gary Preston in the BBC One sitcom Miranda (2009–2015) and taking on the lead role in the Fox urban fantasy series Lucifer (2016–2021). He also reprised his character from Lucifer in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event (2019) within the Arrowverse franchise.
Tom Ellis Age / Birthday
As of 2023, Ellis is 45 years old, he was born on November 17, 1978, in Cardiff, United Kingdom. He celebrates his birthday on November 17 every year.
Tom Ellis Height / Measurements
Ellis is of average body stature and stands at an approximate height of 6 feet 3 inches tall.
Tom Ellis Partner / Wife
Ellis’s wife is Meaghan Oppenheimer. She is an American screenwriter who has gained recognition for her work on the Hulu limited series Tell Me Lies. The couple began dating in 2015, they tied the knot in 2019.
Tom Ellis Past Relationship
Before entering the public eye, Ellis had a long-term relationship that resulted in the birth of his first daughter. Ellis fell in love with English actress Tamzin Outhwaite in 2006. They married the same year. Sadly, their marriage ended in 2014 amid reports of infidelity on Ellis’s part. The alleged infidelity involved Australian actress Emilie de Ravin, whom Ellis met while filming “Once Upon a Time” in 2013. Their brief relationship contributed to Ellis’s divorce from Outhwaite.
Tom Ellis Kids / Children
Ellis has four children from two previous relationships and his current marriage. From his previous relationships, he has a daughter Nora Ellis: 18 years old, born from his relationship with Estelle Morgan. Florence Ellis and Marnie Ellis: 15 and 11 years old, respectively, born from his marriage to actress Tamzin Outhwaite. From his current marriage to Meaghan Oppenheimer, he has a daughter Dolly Ellis-Oppenheimer: Born on November 8, 2023, via surrogate, their first child together.
Tom Ellis Family / Relatives
Ellis hails from a family with strong ties to both religion and the arts. His father Christopher John Ellis, was a Baptist minister. Interesting twist: Tom’s uncle and one of his sisters are also Baptist ministers! Marilyn Jean his mother is a housewife and music teacher. Her musical influence likely impacted Tom’s musical talents, as he played the French horn in the City of Sheffield Youth Orchestra.
Tom Ellis Sisters
He has three siblings Lucy Hawkins: Tom’s fraternal twin sister, who occasionally acts and has worked as a costume designer. Naomi Ellis Moody: Another sister, whose life outside the spotlight remains relatively private. Annwen Ellis Stone: The fourth and eldest of Tom’s sisters, whose artistic endeavors also lean towards costume design.
Tom Ellis Twin
Ellis has a twin sister named Lucy Ellis Hawkins! Unlike her brother who’s embraced the spotlight, Lucy prefers a more private life and stays out of the public eye. While Tom and Lucy share a birthday (November 17, 1978), they’re fraternal twins, meaning they developed in separate wombs and don’t look exactly alike.
Tom Ellis Education
Ellis attended Sheffield’s High Storrs School and played the French horn in the city’s youth orchestra. He later earned a BA in Dramatic Studies from Glasgow’s Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
Tom Ellis Career
Ellis gained recognition for his breakout role as Gary Preston in the BBC One sitcom Miranda (2010–2015). His diverse acting career includes notable appearances as King Cenred in the BBC fantasy series Merlin (2008), Justyn in Channel 4’s No Angels, and Thomas Milligan in the Doctor Who series three finale “Last of the Time Lords.” Ellis has also been featured in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, The Catherine Tate Show, and the BBC medical drama Holby City.
In July and August 2009, Ellis took on the lead role in the ITV comedy drama Monday Monday and portrayed Detective Inspector Bland in Agatha Christie’s Poirot. His significant casting came in February 2015 when he was chosen to play Lucifer Morningstar in the Fox series Lucifer, adapted from DC Comics’ publication and character of the same name. The show premiered on 25 January 2016, later moving to Netflix. In June 2020, Netflix announced the renewal of the show for a sixth and final season.
Tom Ellis also reprised his role as Lucifer Morningstar in The CW’s The Flash episode of the Arrowverse crossover “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” In recognition of his outstanding performance, Ellis was honored with the Tell-Tale TV Award for Favorite Actor in a Cable or Streaming Sci-fi/Fantasy/Horror Series in 2021.
Tom Ellis Net Worth
Through Ellis’s career as an Actor, he has been able to accumulate a net worth that ranges between $6 Million and $ 10 Million.
Tom Ellis Miranda
Ellis played the charming and lovable Gary Preston in the hit British sitcom Miranda. Gary is the owner of the joke shop where Miranda works, and he’s also one of her closest friends. He’s handsome, funny, and kind-hearted, but also a bit clueless when it comes to understanding Miranda’s eccentricities. Their relationship is one of the central dynamics of the show, and it evolves from friendship to something more throughout the four seasons. They have great chemistry together, and their on-screen banter is a highlight of the show.
Tom Ellis Lucifer
Tom Ellis plays the titular character, Lucifer Morningstar, in the television series Lucifer. The show follows Lucifer, who is bored and unhappy ruling Hell, so he decides to take a vacation on Earth in Los Angeles. There, he opens a nightclub called Lux and starts working as a consultant for the LAPD.
Ellis’s portrayal of Lucifer is praised for its charm, charisma, and wit. He brings the character to life with his devilish good looks, playful smile, and mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Ellis also perfectly captures Lucifer’s rebellious streak and his deep-seated desire for good.
Tom Ellis Merlin
Ellis played the role of Cenred in the BBC fantasy series Merlin. Cenred was the ambitious and ruthless King of Essetir who appeared in four episodes of the show’s third season in 2010. Cenred was a complex and layered character. He was initially portrayed as a sympathetic figure, a young king trying to protect his people from the tyrannical Morgana.
However, as the series progressed, Cenred’s true nature was revealed. He became power-hungry and willing to do anything to achieve his goals, even if it meant betraying his allies and endangering Camelot. Ellis’s performance was one of the highlights of Merlin’s third season. He brought a charismatic and dangerous energy to the role, making Cenred a truly compelling villain.
Tom Ellis Once Upon a Time
Ellis played the beloved character of Robin Hood in the hit TV series “Once Upon a Time. He appeared in the season 2 episode titled “Lacey,” introducing viewers to his version of the legendary outlaw. His Robin Hood was charismatic, brave, and skilled with a bow and arrow, but also had a mischievous streak and a complicated past.
This initial appearance was well-received, but due to scheduling conflicts, Ellis couldn’t continue playing the role regularly. The character of Robin Hood remained important in the series, and he was recast with another actor for later seasons. Despite the recast, Tom Ellis’ portrayal of Robin Hood is fondly remembered by many fans. His unique charm and interpretation of the character left a lasting impression.
Does Tom Ellis play the piano?
No, Tom Ellis does not play the piano, although he convincingly portrays playing it in his role as Lucifer Morningstar in the television series of the same name. Ellis is a talented singer and musician, but his piano skills are limited to mimicking the movements on screen.
Ellis has been open about his lack of piano proficiency in interviews. In a 2016 interview with TVLine, he admitted, “I can’t play the piano at all. I learned the fingerings for a couple of scenes, but that’s about it.” He also joked that he’s “a very good air pianist.”
Tom Ellis Ethnicity
Ellis’ ethnicity is a bit mixed! He was born and raised in Cardiff, Wales, so he is technically Welsh. Though born in Wales, his family ancestry traces back to England, specifically the county of Devon. Ellis identifies as Welsh due to his place of birth, his ancestry is a blend of English and potentially Cornish.
Tom Ellis Upcoming Projects
- The Second Wife (Hulu): This dark comedy series, starring Tom opposite Emma Roberts, follows a couple who impulsively get married after the woman moves to London. It premiered in October 2023 and might still be available depending on your region.
- Exploding Kittens (Netflix): Scheduled for release in 2024, this animated series based on the popular card game features Tom lending his voice to God Cat, a divine feline caught in an epic battle with the Devil.
- Players (Netflix): Another 2024 release, this rom-com stars Tom alongside Gina Rodriguez and Damon Wayans Jr. in a story about a group of video game streamers navigating love and competition.
- Washington Black (Hulu): Based on the acclaimed novel, this miniseries tells the story of a young man’s escape from slavery and his globetrotting adventures. Tom plays Titch Wilde, a character who helps the protagonist along the way. The exact release date is yet to be announced.
Tom Ellis Movies and TV Shows
TV Shows
- Lucifer (2016-2021): His most iconic role, playing the charming and charismatic Devil himself in this urban fantasy series.
- Miranda (2009-2015): A hilarious portrayal of the vain and flamboyant Gary Preston in this British sitcom.
- Merlin (2008): He appeared as King Cenred, a cunning and ambitious ruler, in this fantasy drama.
- Doctor Who (2008): Played Thomas Milligan in the Doctor Who series three finale, “Last of the Time Lords.”
- Rush (2014): Starred as Dr. William Rush, a brilliant but troubled physician, in this medical drama.
- Once Upon a Time (2011-2018): Had recurring roles as Robin Hood and King Robin of Locksley in this fairytale-inspired series.
- The Flash (2014): Briefly appeared as Lucifer Morningstar in a crossover episode with Arrowverse shows.
- Upcoming: He has roles in several upcoming projects, including Washington Black, Players, and Second Wife.
Movies
- Isn’t It Romantic (2019): He played Dr. Blake, a handsome and mysterious patient, in this romantic comedy.
- Vera Drake (2004): A supporting role as Susan’s husband in this period drama.
- Nicholas Nickleby (2002): Played Smike, a friend of Nicholas, in this Charles Dickens adaptation.
- High Heels and Low Lives (1991): One of his earlier film roles, appearing as a young man at a party.
Tom Ellis Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Ellis is active on his social media accounts. He has about 1.3 Million followers on his Facebook Page, about 1 Million followers on his Twitter account, and around 9.4 Million followers on his Instagram account.