Greg Davies: The Welsh Comedian Who Conquered UK TV Comedy

Greg Davies is a Welsh comedian, actor, and writer who has become a household name in the UK through his work on both stage and screen. Born on May 14, 1968, in St Asaph, Denbighshire, Wales, Davies grew up in Wem, Shropshire, and attended Brunel University in London. After earning a degree in English and Drama, Davies taught drama at a high school in Berkshire before pursuing a career in comedy.

Davies first rose to prominence in the UK comedy scene in the mid-2000s, when he won the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s prestigious Best Newcomer award in 2005. He then went on to perform in a number of successful stand-up shows, including “Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog” and “The Back of My Mum’s Head,” which were both later released as DVDs.

In addition to his stand-up work, Davies has also had a successful career in television, with a number of notable roles on both sides of the camera. He is perhaps best known for his role as Mr Gilbert in the hit UK comedy series, “The Inbetweeners,” which aired from 2008-2010. His portrayal of the stern, no-nonsense head of sixth form earned him critical acclaim and a legion of fans.

Davies has also starred in a number of other successful TV series, including “Taskmaster,” “Man Down,” “Cuckoo,” and “The Cleaner.” “Taskmaster,” which Davies co-created, is a popular comedy panel show in which contestants compete in a series of bizarre and challenging tasks. The show has been a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and spawning international versions in the US, Sweden, and Belgium.

“Man Down,” which aired from 2013-2017, starred Davies as Dan, a hapless and often incompetent teacher who is struggling to get his life together. The show received critical acclaim and won a BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy in 2017.

In “Cuckoo,” Davies played Ken, the father of a young woman who marries an eccentric American hippie. The show, which aired from 2012-2019, was a hit with audiences and critics alike, with Davies’ performance receiving particular praise.

“The Cleaner,” which premiered in 2021, is a dark comedy series in which Davies plays Paul “Wicky” Wickstead, a crime scene cleaner who becomes embroiled in a number of criminal investigations. The show has been praised for its clever writing, strong performances, and unique premise. Series 2 out now.

In addition to his work on screen, Davies has also written for a number of successful TV shows, including “Not Going Out,” “Meet the Parents,” and “Man Down.” He has also appeared as a guest on a number of popular panel shows, including “Would I Lie to You?” and “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.”

Overall, Greg Davies has established himself as one of the UK’s most talented and versatile comedians, with a body of work that spans stand-up, television, and writing. With a legion of fans and critical acclaim to his name, it’s clear that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy.