In the world of acting, some performers build their careers steadily, showcasing versatility and dedication across different types of media. One such talent is the British actor Harry Lister Smith. Born in Bath, Somerset, England, on December 15, 1988, Harry Lister Smith has carefully built an impressive body of work that spans television, film, theatre, and even the world of voice acting.
Harry Lister Smith’s Bio
| Name | Harry Lister Smith |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Bath, Somerset, England, UK |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 36 (as of April 2025) |
| Education | Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 5′11″ (1.80 m) |
| Legacy | Known for roles in War & Peace (2016), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), and God’s Own Country (2017) |
| Famous For | Acting in film, television, and theatre |
| Profession | Actor, Director |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
Early Steps onto the Screen
Every actor’s journey begins somewhere, and for Harry Lister Smith, some of his early screen appearances provided a solid foundation for his future career.
An early notable role came in the 2005 television film Tom Brown’s Schooldays. In this adaptation of the classic novel about life at the famous Rugby School in Victorian England, Harry Lister Smith (credited as Harry Smith) played the character George Arthur.
Appearing in a period drama based on such a well-known book was a significant early experience. It required understanding the historical context and portraying a character within the strict confines of a 19th-century boarding school.
This role demonstrated his potential early on, showing he could handle characters in established literary adaptations and contribute effectively to an ensemble cast. These initial steps were crucial in building the experience and confidence needed for the diverse roles that would follow in his career.
Making an Impression in Television
Television has offered Harry Lister Smith numerous opportunities to showcase his acting skills to a wide audience. He appeared in popular long-running British series like New Tricks, where he played Alex Miller, and more recently in Silent Witness (in 2024), contributing to established shows known for their quality drama.
One of his most high-profile television achievements was his role in the critically acclaimed 2016 BBC mini-series War & Peace. This ambitious adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s monumental novel was a major international production, featuring a large ensemble cast of respected actors.
Harry Lister Smith played Lieutenant Ilyin, an officer in the Russian army during the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic Wars. Being part of such a prestigious project was a significant achievement. It involved working on elaborate sets, wearing period-accurate costumes, and delivering a performance that fit seamlessly into a grand, epic narrative.
His involvement in War & Peace brought his talent to the attention of a global audience and demonstrated his ability to perform convincingly in large-scale historical dramas. It showed directors and casting agents that he could handle complex material and contribute positively to high-calibre productions.
He also appeared in EastEnders: E20, a spin-off of the famous British soap opera, showing his versatility by engaging with contemporary drama early in his career as well. Each television role added another layer to his growing experience, proving his reliability and adaptability as an actor.
Diverse Roles Across Film Genres
Harry Lister Smith has also made his mark in the world of cinema, appearing in a variety of films that showcase his range. He has navigated different genres, from big-budget fantasy to intimate independent dramas and star-studded mysteries.
A notable achievement was his casting in Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. Being part of a film directed by and starring Branagh, alongside a cast filled with Hollywood stars, was a testament to his growing reputation.
He played the role of Stockman, contributing to the intricate plot of Agatha Christie’s famous detective story. Working on a film with such high production values and alongside experienced actors provided invaluable experience and exposure.
He later collaborated with Kenneth Branagh again in the 2018 film All Is True, which explored the final days of William Shakespeare. In this thoughtful historical drama, Harry Lister Smith portrayed Jack Cade. Working twice with a director of Branagh’s stature speaks positively of his professionalism and talent.
His filmography also includes the 2015 fantasy film Pan, a reimagining of the Peter Pan story. He played Pilot Parker, taking part in a large-scale production aimed at family audiences. While the film itself had mixed reactions, being involved in such a project demonstrated his ability to work within the demands of visual effects-heavy filmmaking.
In contrast, Harry Lister Smith also appeared in the highly praised independent film God’s Own Country (2017). This raw and emotional drama set in rural Yorkshire received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive storytelling and performances.
He played the role of a Trainee Auctioneer, a smaller part but significant in contributing to the film’s authentic atmosphere. Being part of a film celebrated for its artistic merit is a significant achievement for any actor, showing an eye for quality projects.
Further demonstrating his versatility, he starred as the main character, Erick the Blessed, in the 2015 TV movie Viking Quest. This fantasy adventure film saw him playing a young Viking warrior tasked with rescuing a princess and potentially preventing the end of the world.
Leading a film, especially one involving action and fantasy elements, requires stamina and commitment, and this role allowed him to showcase those abilities.
He also appeared in Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’s Curse (2015) as Kalin, adding another fantasy credit to his name. In It Came from the Desert (2017), inspired by a cult classic video game, he played Brian, diving into the monster movie genre.
He also had roles in the emotional drama Mum’s List (2016) and the period piece Madame Solario (2012). This diverse range of film roles highlights Harry Lister Smith’s willingness to explore different types of stories and characters, constantly expanding his repertoire.
A Commanding Stage Presence
Beyond the screen, Harry Lister Smith has also proven his abilities in the demanding environment of live theatre. Performing on stage requires a different set of skills, including strong vocal projection, physical presence, and the ability to sustain a performance in real-time, and he has shown himself to be adept in this medium.
One of his standout stage achievements was his role in the play Tumulus. Reviews praised his performance, particularly noting his “consummate skill” in playing multiple parts, including the ghostly visitations that drive the play’s mystery.
Critics highlighted his ability to flip between roles effectively, contributing significantly to the show’s atmosphere and success. Receiving such positive notices for stage work underscores his talent and dedication as a performer.
He has also appeared in other significant theatre productions. He was part of the cast for A Woman of No Importance, performing in a play by the legendary Oscar Wilde.
his demonstrated his ability to handle classic comedic and dramatic text. Additionally, he played Young Siward in a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, tackling one of the most famous plays in the English language.
Taking on Shakespeare requires a strong command of language and character, and his participation in such productions reflects his classical training and range. Harry Lister Smith’s work in theatre shows his commitment to the craft of acting in its purest form and his ability to connect with audiences directly.
A Voice That Captivates Audiences
A particularly remarkable and perhaps unique aspect of Harry Lister Smith’s career is his success in voice acting, especially within the world of video games. His distinctive voice has brought memorable characters to life, earning him recognition and appreciation from a dedicated fanbase.
His most celebrated voice roles are in the hugely popular and critically acclaimed Dark Souls video game series. He provided the voice for Dark Sun Gwyndolin in the original Dark Souls (2011) and later voiced Prince Lothric, one of the key final bosses, in Dark Souls III (2016).
These games are known for their deep lore, atmospheric worlds, and challenging gameplay. Voicing characters like Gwyndolin and Lothric required delivering lines filled with mystery, melancholy, and gravitas, fitting the dark fantasy tone of the series. Fans often praise his performances, noting how his voice perfectly captured the essence of these complex characters.
Comments on forums and social media frequently mention his “amazing” voice work for Lothric, highlighting its impact. Being a key voice in such an influential and beloved game franchise is a significant achievement, connecting him with millions of players worldwide.
His vocal talents extend beyond video games. Harry Lister Smith has also narrated audiobooks, lending his voice to stories like “The Library” by Bella Osborne and “Darwin’s Dragons” by Lindsay Galvin. Audiobook narration requires clarity, expressiveness, and the stamina to read long texts engagingly.
This work further showcases his vocal versatility and his ability to use his voice to tell stories effectively across different platforms. His success in voice acting adds another impressive dimension to his already diverse career.
FAQs
Who is Harry Lister Smith?
He is a British actor and director known for roles in War & Peace (2016), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), and God’s Own Country (2017).
When and where was he born?
December 15, 1988, in Bath, Somerset, England.
Where did he train?
He graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London in 2010.
What are some of his notable film roles?
He appeared in Murder on the Orient Express, God’s Own Country, Pan, Artemis Fowl, and All Is True.
Has he done stage work?
Yes, including roles in A Woman of No Importance, Agnes Colander, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and POSH.
Has he done voice acting?
Yes, he voiced characters like Gwyndolin and Prince Lothric in video games.What is his most recent work?
He appeared in Artemis Fowl (2020) as the Brother of the Groom.
