Tom Ellis

Thomas John Ellis Bio

Thomas John Ellis (born 17 November 1978) is a Welsh actor known for his charismatic performances across television and film. He first gained prominence for his role as Gary Preston in the BBC One sitcom Miranda (2009–2015) before achieving international recognition as Lucifer Morningstar in the Fox/Netflix series Lucifer (2016–2021). Ellis has built a versatile career spanning comedy, drama, and fantasy genres, establishing himself as one of Britain’s most recognizable screen actors. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his family.

Early Life and Background

Thomas John Ellis was born at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on 17 November 1978, the son of Marilyn Jean Hooper and Christopher John Ellis. He has three sisters, one of whom is his twin, and when they were born, they broke the Welsh record for heaviest twins. His father, uncle, and one of his sisters are all Baptist ministers. Shortly after his birth, the family left Wales for England and settled in Sheffield, where he attended High Storrs School.

During his school years, Ellis played the French horn in the city’s youth orchestra, demonstrating an early passion for the performing arts. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Studies from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. His formal training in acting provided him with the foundation for a successful career in television and film. Ellis began his professional acting career in the early 2000s.

Path to Acting

Before landing his breakthrough roles, Ellis appeared in various British television productions. His early credits included Justyn in the Channel 4 series No Angels (2005–2006), Thomas Milligan in the Doctor Who episode “Last of the Time Lords” (2007), and King Cenred in the BBC series Merlin (2008). He also appeared in popular shows such as EastEnders, The Catherine Tate Show, Holby City, and the comedy-drama Monday Monday.

These early roles helped Ellis develop his craft and build valuable connections in the British entertainment industry. His performance in Merlin and Doctor Who, both major BBC franchises, showcased his ability to handle genre material and demonstrated his range as an actor. These experiences prepared him for the leading roles that would soon follow.

Thomas John Ellis Career

Early Career (2000–2009)

Ellis began his professional acting career in the early 2000s, appearing in various British television programmes. His work during this period included appearances in popular soap operas and drama series, helping him establish himself within the industry. These foundational years allowed him to refine his skills and develop the screen presence that would later contribute to his success.

Breakthrough (2009–2015)

Ellis achieved significant recognition for his role as Gary Preston in the BBC One sitcom Miranda (2009–2015). The series, created by and starring comedian Miranda Hart, became a critical and commercial success, running for three series and multiple specials. Ellis received a BAFTA nomination for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2011 for his work on the show.

The role of Gary Preston established Ellis as a skilled comedy actor capable of delivering nuanced performances in ensemble settings. Miranda earned a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, winning the Royal Television Society Award for Best Comedy Programme. This period marked Ellis’s emergence as a prominent figure in British television comedy.

Notable Works and Milestones

Following Miranda, Ellis achieved his most prominent role as Lucifer Morningstar in the Fox/Netflix series Lucifer (2016–2021). Based on the DC Comics character created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg, the show ran for six seasons and became a global phenomenon. Ellis reprised the role for The Flash crossover episode “Crisis on Infinite Earths” in the Arrowverse franchise in 2019. He won the 2021 Tell-Tale TV Award for Favorite Actor in a Cable or Streaming Sci-fi/Fantasy/Horror Series for his performance in Lucifer.

Recent Work (2024–Present)

Ellis has continued to expand his career with diverse roles. He starred as Nick in the Netflix romantic comedy film Players (2024) and voiced GodCat in the animated series Exploding Kittens (2024). In April 2025, he was cast as Colin Glass, the leading role in the upcoming CBS series CIA, marking his return to American network television.

Thomas John Ellis Award Nominations

Ellis received a BAFTA nomination for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2011 for his role in Miranda. This recognition from the British Academy highlighted his talent in the comedy genre and established him as a serious performer within the industry.

Thomas John Ellis Awards Won

Ellis won the 2021 Tell-Tale TV Award for Favorite Actor in a Cable or Streaming Sci-fi/Fantasy/Horror Series for his portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar in Lucifer. This award recognized his performance in the fantasy genre and demonstrated his ability to anchor a successful television series over multiple seasons.

Thomas John Ellis Family

Ellis was born in Cardiff, Wales, the son of Marilyn Jean Hooper and Christopher John Ellis. He has three sisters, one of whom is his twin, and when they were born, they broke the Welsh record for heaviest twins. His father, uncle, and one of his sisters are all Baptist ministers. This family background provided a grounding influence during his rise to international fame.

Personal Life

Ellis has four children. He has two children from his marriage to Tamzin Outhwaite, whom he married in 2006 and divorced in 2014, and one daughter from an earlier relationship. He and his current wife, American screenwriter Meaghan Oppenheimer, welcomed their daughter via surrogate in November 2023. Ellis married Oppenheimer on 2 June 2019. He and his family reside in Los Angeles, California.