Rafe Joseph Spall, born on 10 March 1983 in London, is an English actor who has built a versatile career across film, television, and stage, earning recognition for his work in both blockbuster movies and intimate British dramas. The son of esteemed actor Timothy Spall and artist Shane Spall, Rafe grew up in a creative household, but initially pursued a path in sports before turning to acting. He trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2000, and soon began landing roles that showcased his range from comedic to dramatic performances.

Spall’s early film career included supporting roles in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, appearing in Shaun of the Dead (2004) and The World's End (2013), as well as Hot Fuzz (2007). He also appeared in British films such as The Calcium Kid (2004), Green Street (2005), and Kidulthood (2006). His breakthrough came with the lead role in the television series Pete versus Life (2010–2011), where he played a sports journalist whose life is narrated by two unseen commentators. This was followed by a critically acclaimed performance in the miniseries The Shadow Line (2011), and he later appeared in the acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror, starring in the episode “The Entire History of You.”

On the big screen, Spall gained international attention for his role as the adult version of the protagonist in Ang Lee’s Life of Pi (2012), where he played the writer interviewing the shipwreck survivor. He also starred in Anonymous (2011), I Give It a Year (2013), X+Y (2014) alongside Asa Butterfield, and the family adventure Swallows and Amazons (2016). His horror film The Ritual (2017) was well-received, and he joined the high-profile franchise Men in Black: International (2019) as Agent C. In addition to his screen work, Spall has been active in theatre, performing in productions such as The History Boys on stage and earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for his role in Constellations in 2015.

Since May 2020, Spall has starred in the Apple TV+ comedy series Trying, playing Jason, a man navigating the adoption process alongside his partner, portrayed by Esther Smith. The show has been praised for its warmth and humor, running for multiple seasons and solidifying Spall’s status as a leading man in television comedy. His career continues to evolve, with appearances in projects like the drama The Last Rifleman (2023) and the series The Outlaws (2023). Known for his distinctive voice and ability to shift between lighthearted and intense roles, Rafe Spall remains a respected figure in British entertainment, carrying on his family’s legacy while forging his own distinct path.