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Entertainment • Actor

Tom Ellis

Tom Ellis is a Welsh actor best known for playing Lucifer Morningstar in the television series Lucifer.

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

Tom Ellis is a Welsh actor best known for playing Lucifer Morningstar in the television series Lucifer. He first became widely known for roles in British television, including Gary Preston in Miranda and Oliver Cousins in EastEnders. Born in Cardiff, Wales, he studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Early life

Tom Ellis was born in Cardiff, Wales, and is the son of a minister. He studied dramatic studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland after attending school in Sheffield.

Career

Ellis began acting in the early 2000s and appeared in British television series including No Angels, EastEnders, Doctor Who, Merlin, and Miranda. He later worked in American television, including Rush and Lucifer.

Lucifer

Ellis is most closely associated with the role of Lucifer Morningstar in Lucifer. The series ran from 2016 to 2021, moving from Fox to Netflix during its run.

Other work

Beyond his best-known television roles, Ellis has appeared in film and guest roles, including Miss Conception, Isn't It Romantic, and Players.

Key facts

  • Tom Ellis is a Welsh actor from Cardiff, Wales.
  • He was born Thomas John Ellis on 17 November 1978.
  • He became known in UK television for roles such as Gary Preston in Miranda and Oliver Cousins in EastEnders.
  • His breakout international role was Lucifer Morningstar in Lucifer, which aired from 2016 to 2021.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Tom Ellis?
Tom Ellis is a Welsh actor best known for playing Lucifer Morningstar in the TV series Lucifer.
When was Tom Ellis born?
He was born on 17 November 1978.
Where was Tom Ellis born?
He was born in Cardiff, Wales.
What is Tom Ellis best known for?
He is best known for Lucifer, and earlier UK roles such as Gary Preston in Miranda.
What other notable roles has he played?
His notable roles include Oliver Cousins in EastEnders, Thomas Milligan in Doctor Who, and Robin Hood in Once Upon a Time.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Ellis_(actor)
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, career highlights, major roles, Lucifer dates
  2. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/person/tom-ellis/umc.cpc.5sq4p9cju51442kav5egj6tv2
    Supports: Biography, Welsh background, early life, major television roles
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0255124/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, education, notable roles, Lucifer casting
  4. TMDb — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/192944-tom-ellis?language=en-US
    Supports: Nationality/background, notable roles, early career overview
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tom-ellis/bio/3000488831/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, profession