Laurie Davidson: Rising Star of Stage and Screen
Laurie Davidson (born 1 July 1992) is an English actor who has carved out a distinctive place in contemporary entertainment through his compelling performances across television, film, and theater. Born in the Dulwich neighbourhood of South London, Davidson’s journey from drama school graduate to rising star exemplifies the power of talent, training, and strategic career choices in the modern entertainment landscape.
Educational Foundation and Early Career
Davidson’s professional foundation was built at one of London’s most prestigious drama institutions. He is a 2016 graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where his talent first caught industry attention. After arriving at the LAMDA, he earned a part in Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, which is where his agent first noticed him. This early recognition would prove prophetic, as it set the stage for opportunities that would define his career trajectory.
Breakthrough Role as Young Shakespeare
Davidson’s most significant early career breakthrough came with his portrayal of a young William Shakespeare. He played a fictionalised version of a young William Shakespeare in the 2017 TNT television series Will, a role that showcased his ability to embody historical figures with both authenticity and creative interpretation. Davidson was a newcomer to television prior to his Will casting, making this lead role all the more impressive as a launching pad for his screen career.
The series, while short-lived, demonstrated Davidson’s capacity to carry a major television production and handle the pressures of playing one of literature’s most iconic figures. His performance balanced the gravitas expected of Shakespeare with the youthful energy and ambition that would have characterized the playwright in his formative years.
Theatrical Ventures and Musical Theater
Davidson’s versatility became evident when he transitioned into musical theater with a high-profile project. He played Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats, based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. The 2019 film adaptation, while critically polarizing, provided Davidson with experience in a completely different genre and demonstrated his willingness to take on challenging, unconventional roles.
This foray into musical theater highlighted his range as a performer, requiring not only acting skills but also singing and dancing abilities. The role of Mr. Mistoffelees, one of the more memorable characters in the Cats ensemble, allowed Davidson to showcase his physical performance skills and theatrical presence.
Recent Television Success
Davidson’s career has gained significant momentum in recent years with several high-profile television projects. He is an actor, known for Mary & George (2024), A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025) and The Sandman (2022). These projects demonstrate his ability to work across different genres and with major streaming platforms and networks.
His involvement in “The Sandman,” Netflix’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s beloved comic series, placed him within one of the most anticipated fantasy series of recent years. Meanwhile, “Mary & George” and “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” showcase his range in period dramas and biographical storytelling.
Current Spotlight: “The Girlfriend”
Davidson’s most recent high-profile project has placed him at the center of a psychological thriller that’s capturing audience attention. The Girlfriend is a psychological thriller television miniseries for Amazon Prime Video directed by Robin Wright and Andrea Harkin, which premiered on 10 September 2025.
In the series, Davidson plays Daniel, whose new girlfriend Cherry (Olivia Cooke) becomes the subject of his mother Laura’s (Robin Wright) suspicion. Laura’s idyllic life is shattered when her son’s new girlfriend seems suspicious. Determined to protect him, Laura’s actions spiral out of control, raising the question: Is she justifiably cautious or consumed by paranoia?
For Laurie Davidson—the actor who plays Daniel in the suspenseful and chilling new love triangle series The Girlfriend, produced by Amazon MGM Studios—denial is not only a strategy for dealing with antagonism, but a strong character deficiency. This insight into his character work reveals Davidson’s thoughtful approach to complex psychological roles.
The series has been generating significant buzz, with Amazon’s ‘The Girlfriend’ stars Robin Wright as a wealthy mother who dislikes the young woman (Olivia Cooke) dating her beloved son (Laurie Davidson). Davidson’s performance as Daniel positions him as the emotional center of a tense family drama, requiring him to navigate the complex dynamics between his character’s loyalty to his mother and his romantic relationship.
Professional Trajectory and Industry Recognition
Davidson’s filmography reveals a strategic approach to role selection, balancing commercial projects with more artistic endeavors. Laurie Davidson is a actor known for The Good Liar, Mary & George (TV Miniseries), Will (TV Series), A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (TV Miniseries), The Road Trip (TV Series), Masters of the Air (TV Miniseries), Guilty Party (TV Series), Cats and Seven Kings Must Die.
This diverse portfolio demonstrates his ability to work across multiple genres—from historical dramas and literary adaptations to contemporary thrillers and period pieces. His involvement in major productions like “Masters of the Air” and “The Good Liar” alongside established stars indicates industry confidence in his abilities and marketability.
Future Prospects
At 33, Davidson represents a new generation of British actors who are comfortable moving fluidly between different mediums and genres. His classical training at LAMDA, combined with his willingness to take on both mainstream and challenging roles, positions him well for continued success in an evolving entertainment landscape.
His recent work with directors like Robin Wright in “The Girlfriend” suggests that he’s increasingly being trusted with significant roles in high-profile projects. The psychological complexity required for his role as Daniel demonstrates his evolution as an actor capable of handling nuanced, emotionally demanding characters.
Conclusion
Laurie Davidson‘s career trajectory from drama school graduate to established television and film actor illustrates the importance of versatility and strategic career building in contemporary entertainment. His willingness to take on diverse challenges—from playing Shakespeare to starring in psychological thrillers—has established him as a reliable and compelling screen presence.
As “The Girlfriend” continues to gain attention on Amazon Prime Video and his upcoming projects generate anticipation, Davidson appears poised for continued success. His combination of classical training, screen charisma, and thoughtful role selection suggests that audiences will be seeing much more of this talented British actor in the years to come.
For viewers discovering Davidson through “The Girlfriend,” his performance as Daniel offers an excellent introduction to an actor who brings both technical skill and emotional authenticity to every role he undertakes.