| Real Name: | Simon Merrells |
| Birthday: | July 14, 1965 |
| Net Worth: | N/A |
| Height: | 183 cm |
| Occupation: | English Actor, Brother of Jason Merrells |
Simon Merrells, a talented and accomplished actor, has made a name for himself in the world of film, television, and stage. Simon grew up with a passion for acting and followed his dreams to ultimately create a successful career.
With a diverse range of roles to his name, Merrells gained recognition through his portrayal of Marcus Licinius Crassus in the popular television series, Spartacus: War of the Damned. His striking performances have earned him roles in various film and television projects, showcasing his abilities to capture and captivate audiences worldwide.
Story Stages
Early Life and Education
Simon Merrells was born on July 14, 1965, in Essex, England. Growing up in a supportive environment, he found his passion for acting at a young age. Determined to pursue this passion, he soon enrolled in a prestigious drama school to hone his craft.
Simon began his education at a drama school but quickly realized the need to gain real-world experience. Consequently, he left school to work as a minicab driver to fund traveling to Mexico. While in Mexico, he took the opportunity to explore his artistic side and spent time painting.
Returning to England, Simon found himself drawn to the vibrant theater scene in Brighton, where his brother, Jason Merrells, lived. Armed with enthusiasm and ambition, Simon started working in fringe theater, building the foundation for his acting career.
During this time, Simon also explored various educational opportunities to improve his acting skills. While the specific institutions he attended are not clear, given his passion and dedication, it is possible that he studied at renowned schools like the Sylvia Young School or a Drama College.
Throughout his early life and education, Simon Merrells remained committed to his acting pursuits. His experiences in Essex, drama schools, and fringe theater have undoubtedly shaped the successful actor we know today.
Beginnings in Theatre
Royal Shakespeare Company
Simon Merrells started his career in theatre by joining the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company. He honed his skills and performed in various Shakespearean plays such as The Comedy of Errors and Much Ado About Nothing. This allowed him to build a strong foundation in acting and gain experience in performing classical works.
National Theatre
Merrells also had the opportunity to work with the National Theatre, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Here, he worked with prominent directors and other talented actors, which helped him to explore diverse roles and strengthen his abilities as a performer.
Fringe Theatre
During his time in England, Simon Merrells became involved in fringe theatre in Brighton, where his brother was living. Fringe theatre allowed him to experiment with various acting styles and engage in unique and innovative productions. His experiences in fringe theatre provided Merrells with valuable opportunities to expand his acting skills and explore different aspects of his craft.
On The Waterfront
Simon Merrells took on a challenging role as Terry Malloy in Steven Berkoff’s stage adaptation of the classic film On The Waterfront. This performance showcased Merrells’ ability to portray complex characters and navigate diverse emotional landscapes. His work in this production earned him critical acclaim and helped to solidify his reputation as a skilled and versatile actor.
Throughout his early experiences in theatre, Simon Merrells proved his talent and dedication to his craft by taking on diverse roles and working with a range of different companies. From classical works with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre to experimental and innovative pieces in fringe theatre, Merrells demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel in any setting. Additionally, his work in productions such as On The Waterfront and The New Adventures of Robin Hood showcased his range as an actor and his ability to bring complex characters to life. These experiences in theatre laid the groundwork for Merrells’ continued success in film and television.
Television Career
The Wolfman
Simon Merrells appeared in the 2010 remake of The Wolfman, where he portrayed Ben Talbot, the brother of Lawrence Talbot.
Spartacus: War of the Damned
In 2013, Merrells took on the role of the Roman commander Marcus Licinius Crassus in the Starz series “Spartacus: War of the Damned”, a historical drama TV series.
Knightfall
Simon Merrells appeared in the historical drama series “Knightfall”, which chronicles the events leading up to the demise of the Knights Templar in the 14th century.
Dominion
Featuring in the TV show “Dominion”, Merrells played a significant role in this supernatural apocalyptic drama set in a world where angels wage war against humanity.
The Tomorrow People
In the science fiction series “The Tomorrow People”, Simon Merrells played a recurring role as a member of a group of evolved humans with extraordinary abilities.
London’s Burning
As a series regular in the firefighting drama “London’s Burning”, Merrells portrayed D.O. Griggs. This popular TV series provided viewers with a realistic depiction of life in a busy London fire station.
Merseybeat
Simon Merrells appeared in “Merseybeat”, a British police procedural television series set in and around the city of Liverpool.
Family Affairs
Merrells played the character of Conrad Williams in the British soap opera “Family Affairs”. The show focused on the lives of the residents of an average suburban community, exploring their relationships, careers, and daily challenges.
Throughout his television career, Simon Merrells has showcased his versatile acting skills in a wide range of genres, including historical dramas, science fiction series, and firefighting dramas. His experience and dedication to his craft have made him a recognizable and respected figure in the world of TV entertainment.
Filmography
Index Zero
Simon Merrells appeared in the 2014 science fiction film “Index Zero,” directed by Lorenzo Sportiello. The actor took on a role in this dystopian film, showcasing his versatility and ability to bring life to diverse characters.
Judas Ghost
In 2013, Merrells starred in the horror film “Judas Ghost,” based on the “Ghost Finders” book series by Simon R. Green. This film showcases the actor’s talents in the horror genre, which can be a challenging and high-profile role for any actor to undertake.
Billionaire Ransom (Take Down)
Simon Merrells continued his run of starring roles with the 2016 thriller film “Billionaire Ransom,” also known as “Take Down.” Directed by Jim Gillespie, the film follows a group of wealthy teenagers attending a rehabilitation camp, who must work together to survive after being taken hostage.
Victrix
“Victrix” is an upcoming historical drama film where Simon Merrells will once again demonstrate his acting prowess. Although the film’s details remain under wraps, it’s evident that Merrells will continue to impress audiences with his diverse film roles.
Invisible Eyes
In 2009, Simon Merrells landed his first film role with a lead part in the drama “Invisible Eyes.” This debut showcased his talents as a capable actor and served as a stepping stone to many other high-profile roles in his career.
The Merrells Brothers
The Merrells Brothers, Simon and Jason, are both talented actors hailing from England. Simon Merrells was born on July 14, 1965, in Essex, England, making him the elder brother of the duo. His brother Jason Merrells was born on November 2, 1968. They both have earned recognition for their impressive work in the acting industry.
Simon Merrells initially explored other art forms before settling into acting. He left drama school early to work as a minicab driver, saving up to travel to Mexico and immerse himself in painting. Upon his return to England, he joined the fringe theatre scene in Brighton, where his brother Jason was living.
During his acting career, Simon has appeared in numerous television series and films. Some of his most notable roles include D.O. Griggs in “London’s Burning,” David Spears in “Dream Team,” and Conrad Williams in “Family Affairs.” He also portrayed Baragon in an episode of “The New Adventures of Robin Hood” in 1997, marking his acting debut.
On the other hand, Jason Merrells is best known for his roles in popular TV series such as “Casualty,” “Queer as Folk,” “Cutting It,” “Waterloo Road,” and “Emmerdale.” With an impressive list of credits to his name, Jason has also solidified his place in the acting world alongside his elder brother.
From their individual pursuits to their shared passion for acting, the Merrells Brothers have proven themselves as versatile and accomplished performers in the entertainment industry. Their journey together demonstrates the power of family support and shared interests, while each brother continues to carve out his own successful career path.
Personal Life
Simon Merrells, born in 1965, is an English actor known for his versatile acting background and significant performances in film, television, and stage. Before his acting career took off, Simon worked as a minicab driver in his early days to support himself.
Merrells’ acting style has been described as a blend of old-school gravitas and wiry experimentation. With his confident and knowledgeable approach to his roles, he imbues his characters with a unique flair that sets him apart from other actors. From playing Marcus Licinius Crassus in Spartacus: War of the Damned to his various stage performances, Simon showcases his dynamic range and skill consistently throughout his career.
Simon’s dedication to his craft is evident in his professional growth over the years. In both television and theater, Merrells displays a neutral demeanor, which allows him to convey complex emotions effectively. Moreover, he embraces a clear and easily understood style of acting, making him truly captivating to watch.
Keeping his personal life private, Simon Merrells currently lives a single life and focuses on his career. While he does not share much information about his relationships or family with the public, it is evident that his passion for acting remains ever-present in his life.
Overall, Simon Merrells’ journey from minicab driver to successful actor speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt to diverse roles with finesse. As a talented actor with immense dedication, Merrells continues to stand out in the entertainment world and captivate audiences with his unique take on various characters.
