Neil Fitzmaurice
Neil Simon Fitzmaurice (born 20 August 1969) is an English actor, comedian, and writer from Liverpool, best known for his recurring role as the hapless antagonist Jeff Heffernan in the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show (2003–2015).[1][2]
He also portrayed the character Ray Von in the BBC comedy series Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights (2001–2002), which he co-wrote with Peter Kay and Dave Spikey, contributing to its success as a portrayal of working-class northern English life in a social club setting.[3][4]
Fitzmaurice appeared in other notable British television comedies, including The Office (2001), and has taken on dramatic roles such as Neil Guthrie in Waterloo Road (2018–2020) and Dave Dowling in the prison drama Buried (2009).[1][5]
His work extends to writing and producing independent films like Going Off Big Time (2000) and Charlie Noades RIP (2013), both set in Liverpool and reflecting local culture.[4][6]
While praised for his versatile comedic timing in ensemble casts, Fitzmaurice was involved in a reported dispute with co-writers Peter Kay and Dave Spikey over creative credits and proceeds from Phoenix Nights following its commercial success.[7][8]