Sam Riley
Known for
A British actor and musician from Leeds, Sam Riley made a striking film debut as Joy Division's Ian Curtis in Anton Corbijn's 'Control' (2007), a performance that announced a distinctive brooding talent. He went on to play Sal Paradise in 'On the Road' (2012) and the raven-turned-man Diaval opposite Angelina Jolie in 'Maleficent' (2014) and its sequel 'Mistress of Evil' (2019). Lean and soulful with a low, weathered voice, the English actor has favored moody, offbeat roles across British and international cinema.
Sam Riley
28 Movies
3 Series
A British actor and musician from Leeds, Sam Riley made a striking film debut as Joy Division's Ian Curtis in Anton Corbijn's 'Control' (2007), a performance that announced a distinctive brooding talent. He went on to play Sal Paradise in 'On the Road' (2012) and the raven-turned-man Diaval opposite Angelina Jolie in 'Maleficent' (2014) and its sequel 'Mistress of Evil' (2019). Lean and soulful with a low, weathered voice, the English actor has favored moody, offbeat roles across British and international cinema.
Movies
Plays Diaval
Maleficent
2014
Plays Diaval
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
2019
Plays Fitzwilliam Darcy
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
2016
Plays James
The Vault
2021
Plays Stevo
Free Fire
2017
Plays Vince
13
2010
Plays Sal Paradise / Jack Kerouac
On the Road
2012
Plays Pierre Curie
Radioactive
2020
Plays Thomas Seymour
Firebrand
2024
Plays Benoit Labarie
Suite Française
2015
Plays Jack Favell
Rebecca
2020
Plays Darvell
Byzantium
2013
Plays Ian Curtis
Control
2007
Plays Tom
Islands
2025
Plays Peter
Sometimes Always Never
2019
Plays Milo
Franklyn
2008
Plays Louis Bohne
Widow Clicquot
2024
Plays Greider
The Dark Valley
2014
Plays John Cranko
John Cranko
2024
Plays Pinkie
Brighton Rock
2010
Plays David Burstead
Happy New Year, Colin Burstead
2018
Plays Idris
She Is Love
2023
Plays Brad Blutbad
Robby and Toby's Fantastic Voyager
2016
Plays Jack
Alfons Jitterbit – Class Trip Chaos!
2022
Plays Wagenmeister
Woman in Love
2011
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
Bulk
Full Filmography
Mint
Dylan · 8 episodes
2026
TV
Bulk
Corey Harlan
2026
Film
Cezanne on Art
Joachim Gasquet
2026
Film
Islands
Tom
2025
Film
John Cranko
John Cranko
2024
Film
Widow Clicquot
Louis Bohne
2024
Film
Firebrand
Thomas Seymour
2024
Film
She Is Love
Idris
2023
Film
Alfons Jitterbit – Class Trip Chaos!
Jack
2022
Film
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Sam Riley and where are they from?
Sam Riley is 46 years old, born on January 8, 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK .
What are the most famous roles of Sam Riley?
Sam Riley is best known for roles in Maleficent, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
How many movies has Sam Riley been in?
Over a 26-year career (since 2000), Sam Riley has appeared in 28 movies and 3 TV shows.
What was Sam Riley's first movie?
The career of Sam Riley began with Tough Love (2000).
What is Sam Riley's most recent movie or series?
Sam Riley's most recent release is Mint, which premiered on April 20, 2026.
What TV shows has Sam Riley appeared in?
On television, Sam Riley has appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, SS-GB, Mint, Leute heute.
Sam Riley
1980-01-08 · Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK
He is best known for playing the lead role of Ian Curtis in the movie Control, a biopic about the lead singer of the 1970s post-punk band Joy Division. His performance in the role won him the British Independent Film Award for "Most Promising Newcomer". He also won a Kermode for Best Actor 2007 for the film. Prior to his portrayal of Ian Curtis, Riley played The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith in the Michael Winterbottom film 24 Hour Party People, which details the Factory Records era. His scenes, however, were omitted from the final cut. In September 2007, Riley was cast in Gerald McMorrow's British science fiction film Franklyn. He will play a lead role in 13, an English-language remake of the French thriller 13 Tzameti. He is currently playing the role of Pinkie Brown in a remake of Brighton Rock alongside Helen Mirren.