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Stephen Marcus

Stephen Marcus

Actor · Born June 18, 1962 (64) · Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK

Stephen Marcus began his acting career in 1984 after three years of training at Arts Educational Schools in London. His first screen role came almost immediately, playing Moose in the cult classic My Beautiful Launderette. After early work in theatre, television, and commercials, Stephen landed the role of Dave-Sharon's (Pauline Quirke) lover-in the fledgling sitcom Birds of a Feather. A chance meeting with Peter Richardson in actress and novelist Sarah Stockbridge's Garden soon led to what should have been a one-day role on The Glam Metal Detectives for The Comic Strip Presents.... One day became three months, during which Stephen played hundreds of characters. Richardson later invited him back for the 30th-anniversary special Five Go to Rehab in 2012. Commercial work soon introduced Stephen to director Peter Chelsom, who cast him as Gordon in Hear My Song opposite Ned Beatty. This launched a prolific period in British television, including standout roles in The Hot Dog Wars, Dangerfield, Kavanagh QC, and Our Friends in the North, where he acted alongside Malcolm McDowell and a young Daniel Craig. His film work developed in parallel, with roles opposite Timothy Dalton in The Beautician and the Beast, Robert Englund in The Killer Tongue, and Richard Harris in Savage Hearts. In 1996, a meeting with an unknown director named Guy Ritchie proved pivotal: Ritchie cast Stephen as Nick the Greek in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Released three years later, the film became a landmark in British cinema, launching the careers of Ritchie, Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, and Matthew Vaughn-and propelling Stephen into an international career. Hollywood soon came calling. Alan Parker cast him in Angela's Ashes, Philip Kaufman in Quills (alongside Kate Winslet, Michael Caine, Joaquin Phoenix, and Geoffrey Rush), and Richard Eyre in both Iris (with Judi Dench) and Stage Beauty (with Claire Danes). He later portrayed golfer Ted Ray in Bill Paxton's The Greatest Game Ever Played-a role offered after Paxton personally phoned him from his car. Stephen also collaborated twice with the Wachowskis, appearing in Speed Racer and Ninja Assassin. Alongside film, Stephen built an extensive television career across the UK, US, and Canada. He starred as Rudolpho De Luna in Starhunter 2300, co-led the BBC's Cavegirl, and appeared in Terry Pratchett adaptations Hogfather and The Colour of Magic for Sky TV. Other notable credits include anniversary episodes of Casualty, regular roles in Kingdom with Stephen Fry, and Lark Rise to Candleford. In 2013-14, Stephen returned to the West End stage in the musical The Bodyguard, playing Tony Scibelli. Around the same time, his film work included It's a Lot, The Smoke, AB Negative, and Fast & Furious 6. In recent years, Stephen has continued to showcase his range with performances across multiple genres: horror (The Rizen 1 & 2), gangster (The London Firm, Welcome to Curiosity), comedy (Sanctuary), and horror-comedy (Fanged Up). His latest cinematic release, Walk Like a Panther, saw him join an ensemble cast in a comedy about veteran wrestlers staging a comeback. Beyond acting, Stephen is also an author. His book on the making of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the landmark British film that helped define his career. After relocating to Hollywood, Stephen worked with Vinnie Jones on The Big Ugly and appeared in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the remake of A Blind Bargain with Crispin Glover. He now lives in Los Angeles with his wife Sarah, whom he describes as "the most beautiful woman in the world." Their beloved dogs, Fry and Ronnie, have both passed but remain close to his heart.

Read more

Biography from IMDb.

Born
June 18, 1962 (64)
From
Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK
Works as
Actor
Titles
43 on MovieCove · 75 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 64 days to Oct 27Up 37% in 30 days

What are Stephen Marcus' films like?

Across their 14 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Survival and Bonds.

Genres

Comedy6 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 61st percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies
Action4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 18th percentile
: browse their Action movies
Thriller2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 40th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Thriller movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Survival
36%
Bonds
20%
Self
17%
Society
12%
Ideas
9%
Morality
3%
Power
2%
Survival8 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity4 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love2 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds2 titles, browse their movies with this themeTrauma2 titles, browse their movies with this themeTruth2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 13 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 7 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 1

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 8 · Intense 3

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 4 · Shifting 6 · Whiplash 3

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 5 · Some laughs 5 · Funny 3

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 1 · Even-paced 10 · Relentless 2

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

A split, not a type: Casual 6 · Engaged 5 · Full focus 2

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 10 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 2

Roles they play

5 analyzed roles

Usually the Ally: 2 of 5 analyzed roles.

Ally
2 of 5
Herald
1 of 5
Trickster
1 of 5
Shadow
1 of 5

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
10
Dread
5
Absurd
4
Hopeful
3
Warm
3
Other
12

How their films linger

Bittersweet6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Happy5
  • Bittersweet6
  • Ambiguous3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Stephen Marcus' films?

As of October 24, 2026, 27 of their 43 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (14).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Stephen Marcus' titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

75 credits, 43 with a MovieCove page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • A Blind Bargain (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Mallos

  • The Rizen: Possession(2019)

    as The Executioner

    Midcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films

  • Starhunter ReduX (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 44 episodes · as Rudolpho deLuna

  • Welcome to Curiosity(2018)

    as Max

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Walk Like a Panther(2018)

    as 'Gladiator' Glenn Higgins

    Midcredits score: 25th percentile of all films

  • Rise of the Footsoldier 3(2017)

    as Jack Whomes

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • Fanged Up(2017)

    as Reeves

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • Will(2017)

    Show 1 episode · as Henry Austen

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all shows

  • The Rizen(2017)

    as The Executioner

    Midcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films

  • Eliminators(2016)

    as George

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • The Gridiron(2016)

    as Eddie

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films

  • Sanctuary(2016)

    as Joseph

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • The Coroner(2015)

    Show 1 episode · as Gobby Mitchell

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all shows

  • The London Firm (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Mr. Fines

  • The Smoke(2014)

    as Ben

    Midcredits score: 11th percentile of all films

  • Fast & Furious 6(2013)

    as Davies

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • Getting Back to Zero (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Tommy

  • Five Go to Rehab (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Dirty Douglas

  • Interview with a Hitman(2012)

    as Traffikant

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films

  • Ninja Assassin(2009)

    as Kingpin

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • NCIS: Los Angeles(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Andy Green

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all shows

  • Sunshine (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Show 3 episodes · as Big Alan

  • Speed Racer(2008)

    as Security Goon

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • The Color of Magic(2008)

    Show 1 episode · as Broadman

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all shows

  • Lark Rise to Candleford(2008)

    Show 10 episodes · as Matthew Welby

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • The Color of Magic - Die Reise des Zauberers Teil 1 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Broadman

  • Hogfather (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Banjo

  • Kingdom(2007)

    Show 3 episodes · as Hill

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all shows

  • Benidorm(2007)

    Show 1 episode · as José Luis

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all shows

  • Hogfather (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 2 episodes · as Banjo

  • The Greatest Game Ever Played(2005)

    as Ted Ray

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Kinky Boots(2005)

    as Big Mike

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Nearby Patron

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Doctor Who(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Jailer

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Stage Beauty(2004)

    as Thomas Cockerell

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • The Baby Juice Express(2004)

    as Lenny Von Something

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Eyes Down (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Bloke

  • Cavegirl(2002)

    Show 19 episodes · as Dad

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all shows

  • The Basil Brush Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Show 1 episode · as Santa Claus

  • Without a Trace(2002)

    Show 1 episode · as Roger

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Unconditional Love(2002)

    as Thug in Rain

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • AKA (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Tommy

  • Iris(2001)

    as Taxi Driver

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Four Play (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Davey

  • Quills(2000)

    as Bouchon

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • Starhunter (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 44 episodes · as Rudolpho deLuna

  • Sorted(2000)

    as Rob

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • Angela's Ashes(1999)

    as English Agent

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels(1998)

    as Nick the Greek

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Black Velvet Band (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Nudge

  • Midsomer Murders(1997)

    Show 1 episode · as Silas Trout

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Killer Tongue(1996)

    as Ralph

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • Our Friends in the North (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Cyril Hellyer

  • The Thin Blue Line (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · as Terry

  • Rumble (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 6 episodes · as Melvin

  • Doggin' Around (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Newman

  • 99-1 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Show 1 episode · as McCarthy's Man

  • Frank Stubbs Promotes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Journalist

  • The Detectives (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Fat Reg

  • In Dreams (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    as Policeman/Roman Guard

  • Gone to Seed (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 1 episode · as Customer

  • Between the Lines (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Hear My Song(1991)

    as Gordon

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • Billy Webb's Amazing Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Show 1 episode · as Chip Shop Man

  • Arrivederci Millwall (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Mal

  • Birds of a Feather(1989)

    Show 3 episodes · as Dave

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all shows

  • Red Dwarf(1988)

    Show 1 episode · as Bear Strangler McGee

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • ScreenPlay Firsts (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Mal

  • Hardwicke House (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Jow

  • Casualty(1986)

    Show 2 episodes · as Tommy Indler

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all shows

  • Brush Strokes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Pub Customer

  • My Beautiful Laundrette(1985)

    as Moose

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

  • The Bill (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

  • Van der Valk(1972)

    Show 1 episode · as Burly Man

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all shows

  • Dark Ascension (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    as Charlie

Career shape

Star power in the 94th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 75 titles, 74 of them dated from 1972 to 2025; peak year 2006.

Biggest box office

Kinky Boots (2005)

$10M worldwide

Highest rated

Kinky Boots (2005)

Midcredits 82nd

Most popular right now

Cavegirl (2002)

Film career

19722025

Peak 2006 · back in prominent film roles after a quiet stretch. Top draw in 1 MovieCove title. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting75 of 75: 75 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score53rd

By decade

1970s1 · acting1980s8 · acting1990s18 · acting2000s28 · acting2010s18 · acting2020s1 · acting

Billing

usually 14th · top billed in 0% of 15 roles
8505

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Stephen Marcus' films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 54th percentile, the median of all 27; across their 13 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 28th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

28thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Approval · how many liked their films

46thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Reach · how many have seen their films

54thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Midcredits score across 43 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up18
  • 50th to 74th7
  • 25th to 49th10
  • Below 25th8

Shape of the crowd

17 of their 43 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved8
  • Loved with Detractors1
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser17
  • Mixed15

Most divisive · actor

Fanged Up (2017)

94th percentile spread · 22% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Midcredits 99th · 92% liked

Reviewers score the acting 53/100 in their films, across 12 reviewed titles; fans 72, detractors 27. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Stephen Marcus' work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 3 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Sex & Nudity3 titlesmedian 19 · mildMedian of all films: 32

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Stephen Marcus work with?

People who share at least 2 of Stephen Marcus' MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Matt Mitchell shares the most, 2.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers

Mixed roles