The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeEntertainmentActorTimothy Dalton
Entertainment • Actor

Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton is a British actor known for stage, film, and television work.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Timothy Dalton is a British actor known for stage, film, and television work. He is best known for portraying James Bond in *The Living Daylights* (1987) and *Licence to Kill* (1989), and for roles in productions such as *Penny Dreadful* and *Doom Patrol*. Dalton is familiar to Canadian audiences through internationally distributed film and television roles, including the James Bond films and later series such as *Penny Dreadful* and *Doom Patrol*.

Early life and training

Timothy Dalton was born in Colwyn Bay, Wales, and later trained for acting before building a career in theatre, television, and film. Sources describe him as a classically trained performer with early stage experience.

Film and television career

Dalton began with stage and television work before moving into film, making his debut in *The Lion in Winter* in 1968. His later screen career included recurring and leading roles in British and American television series.

James Bond roles

Dalton is widely known as the fourth actor to portray James Bond, appearing in *The Living Daylights* and *Licence to Kill*. His Bond interpretation is often described as closer to the character's literary roots.

Later career

Dalton continued to act in film and television after his Bond films, including roles in *Penny Dreadful* and *Doom Patrol*. He has remained active in screen acting into the 2020s.

Key facts

  • Timothy Dalton is a British actor best known for playing James Bond in two films.
  • He made his film debut as Philip II of France in *The Lion in Winter* (1968).
  • Dalton has worked extensively in theatre, television, and film, with early career ties to the BBC.
  • He appeared in the television series *Penny Dreadful* from 2014 to 2016.
  • He played the Chief in *Doom Patrol* from 2019 to 2021.
🍁
Canadian context

Timothy Dalton is familiar to Canadian audiences through internationally distributed film and television roles, including the James Bond films and later series such as *Penny Dreadful* and *Doom Patrol*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Timothy Dalton?
Timothy Dalton is a British actor known for theatre, film, and television work, especially as James Bond in two films.
What James Bond films did Timothy Dalton appear in?
He appeared in *The Living Daylights* (1987) and *Licence to Kill* (1989).
When was Timothy Dalton born?
He was born on 21 March 1946.
What was Timothy Dalton's first film role?
His film debut was as Philip II of France in *The Lion in Winter* (1968).
What television roles is Timothy Dalton known for?
He is known for playing Sir Malcolm Murray in *Penny Dreadful* and the Chief in *Doom Patrol*.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Dalton
    Supports: Film debut; James Bond roles; Penny Dreadful; Doom Patrol
  2. Wikipedia (German)https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Dalton
    Supports: Birth name; date and place of birth; James Bond roles
  3. TV Insiderhttps://www.tvinsider.com/people/timothy-dalton/
    Supports: Birth date; birth place; general career overview
  4. Screenonlinehttp://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/492151/index.html
    Supports: Stage and screen career; James Bond roles; notable early work
  5. Infopleasehttps://www.infoplease.com/biographies/art-entertainment/timothy-dalton
    Supports: Birth date; career overview; major television credits