Greg Ellis: The Man, The Myth, The Multitalented
Born Jonathan Ashley Rees on March 21, 1968, in Wigan, Lancashire, England, Greg Ellis has worn more hats than a royal wedding attendee. From mastering the Rubik’s Cube at 12 to holding a world record in Pac-Man at 13, his early years were a prelude to a career as colorful as a British pantomime.
Stage Struck at Fourteen
At the tender age of 14, Ellis graced London’s West End, performing lead roles in original Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh musicals. His stage presence was so compelling that by 15, he had a number one single on the pop charts. Clearly, he wasn’t just resting on his laurels—or his vocal cords. His time in theater laid the groundwork for his ability to command attention, whether on stage or in front of a camera.
Setting Sail with the Silver Screen
Ellis’s filmography reads like a blockbuster playlist. He appeared alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Titanic and shared screen time with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. However, he’s perhaps best known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean series, a role that allowed him to perfect the art of looking stern in a tricorn hat. Across multiple installments, Ellis navigated the high seas with humor and gravitas, proving that side characters can often steal the show.
His film career also includes appearances in Star Trek, Beowulf, and Time Machine, showcasing his ability to adapt to a variety of genres. Whether it’s swashbuckling adventures or science fiction epics, Ellis brings an undeniable energy to every performance.
Television Triumphs
On the small screen, Ellis has been a chameleon. He played the villainous Michael Amador in the third season of 24, a role that had viewers questioning their trust in charming accents. He also portrayed Trevor Wilcox in Fox’s drama Touch and took on a major recurring arc as Thomas Farrow in season five of Hawaii Five-0. His other television credits include guest appearances in Dexter, The X-Files, CSI, and Nip/Tuck, proving that no genre is safe from his talent.
One of his most notable roles was in the animated hit Batman: The Brave and the Bold, where he lent his voice to Gentleman Ghost and Dr. Fate. These performances further solidified his reputation as an actor capable of slipping into virtually any character with ease.
Voice of a Generation (of Gamers)
Ellis’s vocal talents have brought to life numerous characters in video games and animation. He’s voiced Simon Wicard in Rogue Galaxy, Cait Sith in Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, and Alister Fletcher in Tomb Raider: Legend. In the Dragon Age series, he lent his voice to both Anders and Cullen Rutherford, making him a double threat in the fantasy realm.
But his contributions to gaming don’t stop there. Ellis has been featured in Call of Duty, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy XIV, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Each role brings a unique flair, making Ellis a standout in the competitive world of voice acting. For animation fans, his work includes roles in The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Invader Zim, and Transformers: Rescue Bots, where he stepped into Tim Curry’s shoes as Dr. Morocco. That’s not just acting—that’s a mic drop.
Beyond the Screen
Not content with just acting, Ellis has directed projects for Kiefer Sutherland and Stephen Fry under his production company, Monkey Toes Studio. He’s also produced and directed multiple commercials, showcasing his versatility behind the camera. His passion projects include hosting the video podcast series The Voices in My Head and The Respondent, where he explores topics ranging from mental health to societal issues. With each endeavor, Ellis proves that creativity knows no bounds.
A Life Less Ordinary
Ellis’s life is a series of eclectic achievements. He’s skydived from 10,000 feet, completed an Ironman, won the South Beach Triathlon, and even performed for royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II at three Royal Command Performances. He’s sung the American National Anthem at New York Rangers and Oakland A’s games and once performed a live duet with Kermit the Frog on the red carpet at a Pirates of the Caribbean premiere. If there’s a bucket list, he’s not just ticking boxes; he’s rewriting them.
Personal Life
Despite his public persona, Ellis keeps his personal life relatively private. He was born in Wigan, Lancashire, and has three children: sons Tyann and Geremiah, and daughter Taliah. Balancing a bustling career and family life, Ellis exemplifies the modern-day Renaissance man.
Conclusion
Greg Ellis’s career is a testament to his adaptability and talent. Whether on stage, screen, or behind a microphone, he brings a unique flair to his roles. His journey from a Rubik’s Cube-solving child prodigy to a multifaceted entertainer is as compelling as the characters he portrays. With a repertoire spanning various media and genres, Ellis continues to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving us eager to see what he’ll conquer next.
Be sure to read "SHOCKING: D.C. Douglas Exposes Truth About 101 Voice Actors!"
