David Oakes
Rowan David Oakes (born 14 October 1983) is an English actor and conservationist.[1][2]
Trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he graduated in 2007, Oakes has built a career portraying complex historical and dramatic characters in television productions.[3]
His breakthrough role came as William Hamleigh in the Emmy-winning miniseries The Pillars of the Earth (2010), followed by Juan Borgia in The Borgias (2011–2013), Prince Ernest in Victoria (2016–2019), and Harald Hardrada in Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2024).[4][5]
Oakes has also performed in theatre, including as Levin in Anna Karenina at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and hosts the nature-focused podcast Trees A Crowd, serving as an ambassador for the Woodland Trust and Wildlife Trusts to promote conservation efforts.[2][6]
Early Life and Education
Upbringing and Family Background
David Oakes was born on 14 October 1983 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.[4] He is the son of Canon Jeremy Oakes, a clergyman at Salisbury Cathedral, and grew up in the Salisbury area, including time spent in nearby Fordingbridge, Hampshire.[7][8] Oakes attended Bishop Wordsworth's School, a grammar school in Salisbury, where he later served as head boy.[8][9] His early involvement in drama stemmed from enrollment in a local youth theatre group, prompted by his mother's concern that he lacked friends.[10] This experience marked the beginning of his interest in performing arts, though details on siblings or additional family dynamics remain undocumented in public records.Formal Training and Early Influences
Oakes earned a first-class Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Manchester prior to pursuing professional acting training.[11] His studies emphasized literature and drama, providing an academic foundation that informed his later focus on character-driven performances in period roles.[4] He then completed a two-year postgraduate diploma in acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School from 2005 to 2007.[10][2][12] The program, known for its intensive classical training in voice, movement, and ensemble work, equipped him with the technical proficiency essential for stage and screen transitions.[10] Early acting experiences included involvement in the youth theatre group at the Salisbury Playhouse, which introduced him to performance fundamentals during his school years.[11] These formative activities, combined with his university exposure to dramatic texts, steered him toward formal conservatory training rather than immediate professional entry.[11]Professional Career
Acting Roles
Oakes debuted on television in the 2009 British miniseries Trinity, portraying Ross Jamieson in this college-themed drama.[13] His breakthrough came in 2010 with the role of the antagonist William Hamleigh in the Starz miniseries The Pillars of the Earth, an eight-episode adaptation of Ken Follett's historical novel set in 12th-century England, where he appeared alongside Ian McShane and Rufus Sewell.[4] From 2011 to 2013, he portrayed the historical figure Juan Borgia, the impulsive and cruel son of Pope Alexander VI, in Showtime's The Borgias, appearing in 15 episodes across the first two seasons.[14] In 2013, Oakes played George, Duke of Clarence, the ambitious brother of King Edward IV, in the BBC miniseries The White Queen, a 10-episode production based on Philippa Gregory's novel depicting the Wars of the Roses.[15] He later appeared in the ITV period drama Victoria (2016–2017), first as Prince Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in the Christmas special and select episodes of series two, and subsequently in a recurring capacity.[16] More recently, Oakes took on the role of Earl Godwin, a cunning English nobleman, in the Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2023), appearing in 12 episodes across the first two seasons as a key political figure in 11th-century England.[17] Oakes has also maintained an active stage career following his training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Notable theatre credits include Kit Marlowe in Shakespeare in Love at the Noël Coward Theatre (2014–2015), Thomas Novachek opposite Natalie Dormer in Venus in Fur at the Theatre Royal Haymarket (2016), and Hamlet in a production at Shakespeare's Rose Theatre in York (2017).[18] He performed as Banquo in The Trial of Macbeth at the Noël Coward Theatre (2023).[14] In 2013, he appeared as Phao in John Lyly's Sapho and Phao, a production by the ShaLT Project.[19] On film, Oakes starred as Friend, a lighthouse keeper's companion, in the 2017 horror-thriller Cold Skin, directed by Xavier Gens and adapted from Alberto Vázquez-Figuero's novel.[20] He played Frederik Gemmell in the 2019 drama The Garden of Evening Mists, a Malaysian-set film about a concentration camp survivor, produced by HBO Asia.[21] Earlier, in 2012, he led as Marcus in the horror film Truth or Die (also known as Truth or Dare), portraying a young man entangled in a deadly game during a reunion.[5]Directing and Producing Ventures
Oakes initiated his directing career in theatre during his university years, founding the Very Important Theatre Company in Salisbury, England, where he served as resident director. In this capacity, he directed a 60-minute stage adaptation of Stephen King's short story "The Boogeyman" in 2005, featuring local actors and exploring themes of grief and hallucination through Billings' recounting of his family's deaths to a psychiatrist.[22][23] Subsequently, Oakes co-founded the Dog Ate Cake theatre company around 2008 with collaborator Henry Bell, specializing in one-act Victorian farces and physical comedy revivals performed in intimate venues. The company staged productions such as a comedic rendition of "Box and Cox" in 2009 at the Canal Cafe Theatre in London, incorporating modern twists like "Phil Collins performed by some Monkeys" to blend historical satire with contemporary absurdity.[24][25] These efforts involved Oakes in producing aspects, including set design and performer coordination, though the company operated on a small scale without major commercial releases.[26] No feature films or television series credit Oakes as director or producer, with his verified contributions confined to these early theatre initiatives prior to his acting breakthrough around 2010.[4]Podcasting and Media Production
David Oakes hosts and produces the podcast Trees A Crowd, which features informal conversations with artists, scientists, creatives, environmentalists, and wildlife experts on topics related to nature and conservation.[27][28] Launched in September 2018, the series emphasizes storytelling and enthusiasm for the natural world, with episodes typically running 30-60 minutes and covering subjects such as biodiversity, artistic inspirations from ecosystems, and personal encounters with wildlife.[2][6] As producer, researcher, and presenter, Oakes handles scripting, guest selection, and production for the podcast, including associated live events that extend its reach beyond audio formats.[2] The podcast has garnered positive reception, achieving a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Apple Podcasts based on over 80 reviews as of 2023, praised for its accessible yet informative discussions that blend personal narratives with ecological insights.[6] Episodes are distributed across platforms including Spotify, Acast, and Apple Podcasts, with Oakes leveraging his background as an actor to infuse episodes with engaging, narrative-driven delivery.[29][30] Oakes has discussed the podcast's production in interviews, noting its role in fostering curiosity about environmental themes through pun-filled titles and relaxed formats, while maintaining a focus on substantive content over sensationalism.[31] By 2023, the series had produced multiple seasons, with ongoing episodes featuring guests like artist Andy Holden discussing avian creativity and broader ecological patterns.[29] This venture represents Oakes' primary foray into independent media production, distinct from his acting career, and aligns with his self-described goal of creating content "for those curious about the world around us."[32]Environmental Advocacy
Conservation Partnerships and Ambassadorships
Oakes has held the position of ambassador for the Woodland Trust since 2019, supporting initiatives to protect ancient woodlands and native trees across the United Kingdom.[33] In this role, he has participated in events such as narrating stories for the Tree of the Year competition in 2022, highlighting veteran trees' ecological importance.[34] Since May 2020, Oakes has served as an ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, a network of 46 independent charities dedicated to wildlife habitat preservation and public engagement with nature.[35] He has contributed by hosting quizzes and discussions, including the Big Wild Pub Quiz in 2023, to promote campaigns like 30 Days Wild, which encourage daily nature interactions.[36] Oakes acts as Conservation Ambassador for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, an organization focused on protecting endangered species in Africa and Asia through anti-poaching efforts and artist-led fundraising.[37] He has documented field visits, such as to India in early 2025 for tiger rehabilitation projects, and announced competitions like a 2023 rhino art initiative to raise awareness of poaching threats.[38][39] In May 2025, Oakes became a patron of the Manta Trust, supporting research, community education, and policy advocacy for manta ray populations in regions like the Maldives and Indonesia.[40] This role aligns with his interest in marine conservation, complementing his broader environmental engagements.[41] Oakes joined the board of trustees for the Badger Trust in 2024, contributing to efforts opposing badger culling in England while promoting badger welfare and habitat protection through citizen science and legal challenges.[42] His involvement includes volunteering for the State of the Badger survey to gather empirical data on population health.[43]Public Campaigns and Activism Efforts
Oakes has actively promoted The Wildlife Trusts' annual 30 Days Wild campaign, an initiative encouraging public participation in daily nature-based activities to foster biodiversity awareness and personal wellbeing. In June 2023, he served as the public face of the campaign, hosting its Big Wild Quiz live on YouTube alongside fellow ambassador Chris Packham to engage audiences in wildlife trivia and conservation discussions.[44] He has also hosted additional 30 Days Wild quizzes, including one broadcast from his back garden, and contributed to motivational events like the Big Wild Weekend in prior years to boost participation.[45][46] In badger conservation activism, Oakes volunteered for the State of the Badger citizen science survey organized by the Badger Trust, participating in fieldwork to document badger populations, distribution, and threats across England and Wales. His involvement stemmed from observing badgers near his Somerset home and recognizing the survey's role in generating empirical data to inform policy amid ongoing debates over culling. He underwent training to identify setts and signs, advocating for public involvement to enhance data accuracy and support evidence-based protection efforts.[43][47] Oakes has undertaken field-based activism through partnerships with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, including a visit to Kaziranga National Park in India to evaluate funded anti-poaching patrols using detection dogs and community education programs aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict. During the trip, he collaborated with local conservationists from Aaranyak, observing rhino and tiger protection measures, and subsequently authored a two-part guest blog in April 2025 to publicize these efforts and highlight successes in species recovery.[38] In October 2025, Oakes represented The Wildlife Trusts at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, joining their delegation to network with global experts and advance advocacy for threatened species. There, he conducted interviews, such as with marine biologist Sylvia Earle, to underscore ocean protection imperatives, while noting updates like the uplisting of three devil ray species to critically endangered status on the IUCN Red List.[48][49][50]Integration of Advocacy with Professional Work
Oakes integrates environmental advocacy into his professional life by utilizing the public profile gained from his acting career to amplify conservation messages and by developing media projects that blend entertainment with ecological themes. As an ambassador for organizations such as the Woodland Trust and the Wildlife Trusts, he draws on his recognition from roles in series like Victoria and The Borgias to participate in public campaigns and events, thereby extending his professional influence into advocacy spheres.[28][2] A primary vehicle for this integration is his podcast Trees A Crowd, initiated in 2018 as a passion project that fuses his background in performance and media production with a commitment to nature preservation. The series hosts informal conversations with artists, scientists, and conservationists, focusing on British native trees, wildlife stories, and environmental stewardship, with episodes designed to engage audiences through accessible, narrative-driven discussions akin to storytelling in acting.[28] Profits generated via Patreon support charities selected by podcast guests, directly channeling professional output into tangible conservation funding.[28] Oakes has articulated that his acting pursuits provide the financial and visibility resources to sustain these efforts, viewing the podcast as a surrogate for broader "Green Drama" in the entertainment industry until such themed scripted content becomes more prevalent. This approach allows him to employ skills from directing and producing—honed in theatre and screen work—to create content that educates and mobilizes listeners on ecological issues without compromising his primary acting commitments.[2][31]Charity Involvement
Health and Community Support
Oakes has supported charities aiding the recovery and welfare of military personnel. In December 2013, he compered a Christmas carol concert at Salisbury Cathedral, which raised £30,000 split equally between Help for Heroes—providing physical, psychological, and vocational support to wounded, injured, and sick British Armed Forces members—and ABF The Soldiers' Charity, offering financial, welfare, and community reintegration assistance to serving soldiers, veterans, and their families.[51] He has contributed artistically to respiratory health initiatives. Oakes designed a Christmas card for the British Lung Foundation (now Asthma + Lung UK), with proceeds supporting research, education, and patient services for lung diseases, motivated by personal inspiration to aid those affected by such conditions. This aligns with his fundraising efforts for organizations addressing childhood lung disorders, including awareness campaigns for rare conditions like interstitial lung disease in children.[52] In community support, Oakes serves as a patron of Anno's Africa, a charity delivering arts-based education, therapy, and skill-building programs to orphans and children in Kenyan slums, many impacted by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and displacement, to promote emotional resilience and social integration.[53]Wildlife and Arts Preservation
Oakes serves as a Conservation Ambassador for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), having joined in March 2023 to support efforts in protecting endangered species such as rhinos and tigers.[54] In this role, he has visited projects in Namibia and India, including Aaranyak's initiatives for tiger and greater one-horned rhinoceros conservation.[38] He became a Patron of the Manta Trust on May 8, 2025, advocating for manta ray protection through awareness and fundraising.[41] As an Ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, Oakes promotes habitat preservation and biodiversity across the UK, including participation in citizen science projects like the State of the Badger survey in 2024.[45] He holds a similar ambassadorship with the Woodland Trust, focusing on ancient woodland conservation and tree planting campaigns.[33] Oakes has visited organizations such as the Hawk Conservancy Trust in February 2024 and the Manx Wildlife Trust in June 2022 to highlight bird of prey rehabilitation and local ecosystem protection.[55][56] In arts-related charity, Oakes is a patron of Anno's Africa, an organization using creative arts programs to support orphaned and slum children in Kenya.[53] His involvement emphasizes the role of artistic expression in community development and cultural preservation for vulnerable populations.Personal Life
Relationships and Family
David Oakes married actress Natalie Dormer in a private ceremony in March 2023.[57][3] The couple, who first collaborated professionally on the television series Penny Dreadful, welcomed their first child, a daughter, in January 2021.[58][59] Their second child, also a daughter, was born subsequently, though the exact date has not been publicly disclosed.[3] Oakes and Dormer maintain a low public profile regarding their family life, with Dormer describing the birth of their first child as occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizing privacy.[58] Oakes was born to Jeremy Charles Oakes, a canon in the Church of England, and Fiona Brockhurst, a professional musician.[3] He grew up in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England, in a household influenced by his father's clerical role and his mother's artistic pursuits.[60] No public information exists on siblings or extended family dynamics. Prior to his relationship with Dormer, Oakes had no other publicly documented romantic partnerships.[61]Private Interests and Lifestyle
Oakes harbors a strong affinity for folk music, drawing from influences like his mother's French horn performances and local ensembles such as the Salisbury Brass Ensemble. He favors artists including The Huckleberries, Bellowhead, Kate Rusby, Martin Simpson, Sheelanagig, Elvis Costello, Lau, and The Imagined Village, often seeking out live sessions at pubs like The Old Duke in Bristol or festivals.[62] His early exposure included mandatory country dancing at primary school in Fordingbridge, New Forest, and he continues to enjoy dancing alongside pub-based music events.[62] He plays the clarinet but has voiced a desire to refine his technique to join family music gatherings more effectively.[8] Oakes also appreciates jazz, having explored clubs and festivals in Bruges during filming abroad.[62] His first purchased recording was Gilbert O’Sullivan’s Greatest Hits cassette from Woolworths.[8] Details on Oakes' daily lifestyle and residence remain scarce, reflecting a deliberate emphasis on privacy beyond professional and advocacy endeavors.[63]Reception and Legacy
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Oakes and the cast of The Pillars of the Earth received the Jury Prize at the 2011 Romy Awards in Vienna for the miniseries' adaptation, with Oakes attending the ceremony to accept the honor alongside co-stars including Donald Sutherland.[64] [65] The Romy Awards, Austria's leading television honors, recognized the production's faithful rendering of Ken Follett's historical novel into a critically noted eight-episode format.[66] In theater, Oakes earned a nomination for Best Actor in a Play at the 2015 WhatsOnStage Awards for his role as Christopher Marlowe in the West End production of Shakespeare in Love.[67] The nomination highlighted his performance in the adapted stage version of the Oscar-winning film, where he portrayed the rival playwright to Tom Hollander's Will Shakespeare. No wins were secured from this or other major acting accolades documented in industry records. Critics have praised Oakes for his stage work, particularly in Venus in Fur (2017), where he played Thomas opposite Natalie Dormer; reviewers noted his ability to convey emotional shifts credibly in the less flashy male lead.[68] In Shakespeare in Love, his depiction of Marlowe drew commendations for charm and expanded depth beyond the film original.[69] Director Patrick Marber described Oakes as "one of the very best of his generation" ahead of the Venus run.[70] Television roles, such as in The Borgias and Victoria, have elicited positive notices for intensity, though without formal awards; reception often emphasizes his suitability for period antagonists over leading acclaim.[71]Public Perception and Influence
David Oakes is perceived in the acting industry as a highly capable and versatile performer, particularly adept at embodying multifaceted historical and villainous characters. Director Patrick Marber, who collaborated with him on Venus in Fur, has lauded Oakes for his depth, stating, "I rate him very highly indeed. One of the very best of his generation," and highlighting his success in portraying a writer-adapter role with "wonderful contradictions" that prove challenging to execute convincingly.[72] His stage work, including the 2017 West End production of Venus in Fur alongside Natalie Dormer, drew enthusiastic audience responses, with attendees praising the performances as "brilliant" and noting an empowering effect, especially among female viewers, amid a young and vibrant crowd.[72][10] Public reception of Oakes emphasizes his range across screen and theater, from antagonistic figures like Juan Borgia in The Borgias (2011–2013) to more nuanced leads, without evident scandals tarnishing his professional image.[73] He maintains a reputation for professionalism, drawing from diverse backstage experiences such as scenic painting and directing, which inform his collaborative approach and sustain steady work in period pieces like Victoria (2016) and Vikings: Valhalla (2022–).[10] Oakes exerts influence through environmental advocacy, utilizing his acting platform to champion conservation as an ambassador for organizations including the Wildlife Trusts, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, and Manta Trust, where he was appointed patron in May 2025.[45][37][41] His podcast Trees A Crowd, launched to spotlight nature preservation and activists' narratives, amplifies these efforts, positioning him as an ecologist who bridges entertainment and ecological awareness.[31] This activism, rooted in personal passion for natural sciences, enhances his broader cultural footprint beyond scripted roles.[2]Filmography and Bibliography
Television Credits
Oakes's television debut came in 2008 with the role of Ben Ergha in the BBC archaeological drama Bonekickers.[4] That same year, he appeared as Eddie in the one-off drama Walter's War.[4] His early breakthrough arrived in 2010 as the antagonist William Hamleigh in the eight-part miniseries The Pillars of the Earth, a Starz adaptation of Ken Follett's historical novel set in 12th-century England.[74] From 2011 to 2012, Oakes portrayed the impulsive Juan Borgia, second son of Pope Alexander VI, across the first two seasons of Showtime's The Borgias, earning recognition for depicting the historical figure's volatile temperament amid family intrigue. In 2013, he played George, Duke of Clarence, the ambitious brother of King Edward IV, in the BBC's The White Queen, a Wars of the Roses-era miniseries based on Philippa Gregory's novel. He recurred as the charismatic thief Victor Silver in three episodes of the BBC's Ripper Street in 2014.[14] Oakes took on the role of Prince Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld—Queen Victoria's German cousin—in the second season of ITV's Victoria (2017), as well as its 2019 Christmas special. In 2020, he guest-starred as Joss Bixby in an episode of ITV's Endeavour. His most recent major series role is Earl Godwin, a key Saxon noble, in Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2024), a prequel to the original Vikings exploring the Viking invasions of England.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Network/Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | The Pillars of the Earth | William Hamleigh | Starz |
| 2011–2012 | The Borgias | Juan Borgia | Showtime |
| 2013 | The White Queen | George, Duke of Clarence | BBC |
| 2014 | Ripper Street | Victor Silver | BBC |
| 2017, 2019 | Victoria | Prince Ernest | ITV |
| 2022–2024 | Vikings: Valhalla | Earl Godwin | Netflix |
Film Credits
David Oakes has maintained a selective presence in feature films, often portraying complex supporting characters in dramas and thrillers. His cinematic roles emphasize introspective or enigmatic figures, drawing on his classical training.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Sins of a Father | Martin Prentis[75][76] |
| 2017 | Cold Skin | Friend[20][77] |
| 2019 | The Garden of Evening Mists | Frederik Gemmell[14] |
Stage and Radio Credits
Oakes began his professional stage career with appearances at Shakespeare's Globe, followed by roles at venues including the Almeida Theatre and Old Vic. His early theatre work included Mortimer in Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, in 2008, directed by Aida Karic.[12] In 2010, he portrayed Raleigh in R.C. Sherriff's Journey's End at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, a production recognized among the Daily Telegraph's top ten plays of the year.[12]| Production | Role | Venue | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pride and Prejudice | Mr. Darcy | Regent's Park Open Air Theatre | 2013 | Adaptation by Simon Reade |
| Shakespeare in Love | Kit Marlowe | Noël Coward Theatre | 2014–2015 | West End transfer from Stratford-upon-Avon |
| Venus in Fur | Thomas Novachek | Theatre Royal, Haymarket (transfer from Royal Court) | 2017 | Directed by Patrick Marber; co-starred Natalie Dormer |
| Anna Karenina | Levin | Chichester Festival Theatre | 2025 | Adapted and directed by Phillip Breen; ran 7–28 June; co-starred Natalie Dormer as Anna |