You’ve definitely seen him. Maybe he was the flamboyant pirate trying to get paid in Game of Thrones, or perhaps he was the quiet, terrifyingly steady hand behind a London crime empire. Lucian Msamati is one of those rare performers who doesn't just play a character; he anchors the entire project.
Honestly, it’s wild how he manages to be everywhere without being "celebrity-famous" in that annoying, tabloid way. He’s a craftsman. Whether it’s prestige HBO dramas or gritty BBC thrillers, the list of Lucian Msamati movies and TV shows is basically a "what to watch" guide for anyone who likes actual quality acting.
The Big Ones: Game of Thrones and Gangs of London
Most people first clocked him as Salladhor Saan in Game of Thrones. He played the Lysene pirate lord with this incredible, cheeky energy—a nice break from the gloom of Dragonstone. He didn’t have a massive amount of screen time, but you remember him. That’s the Msamati effect.
Then you have Gangs of London. If you haven't seen it, brace yourself. It's violent. It’s operatic. And Msamati’s performance as Ed Dumani is the show's soul. He plays the strategist, the man who’s been the "power behind the throne" for decades. Watching him navigate the collapse of a criminal dynasty is like watching a masterclass in controlled intensity. He says more with a slow blink than most actors do with a three-page monologue.
His Breakout and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Before he was a pirate or a mobster, he was J.L.B. Matekoni.
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The adaptation of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency was a huge deal back in 2008. Filmed on location in Botswana, it was colorful, warm, and deeply human. Msamati played the kind-hearted mechanic, and it really showed his range. He can do "threatening" very well, but he can do "gentle" just as effectively.
Must-Watch Lucian Msamati Movies and TV Shows (The Essentials)
If you’re looking to binge his work, don't just stick to the blockbusters. Some of his best stuff is in the smaller, more experimental dramas.
- Kiri (2018): This was a tough watch but vital. He plays Tobi Akindele, a grandfather caught in the middle of a media firestorm after a young girl goes missing. His performance was nominated for a BAFTA, and for good reason. It’s heartbreaking.
- Black Earth Rising: He plays David Runihura in this complex political thriller. It deals with the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide and international law. Again, he’s playing a man with secrets, and he’s brilliant at it.
- His Dark Materials: Fans of Philip Pullman’s books were thrilled when he was cast as Lord Faa, the King of the Western Gyptians. He brought a sense of ancient authority to the role that felt like it stepped right off the page.
- Conclave (2024): In this recent film, he plays Cardinal Adeyemi. It’s a tense, high-stakes drama about the election of a new Pope. Even in a room full of acting heavyweights like Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, Msamati stands his ground.
The Theatre Legend You Didn't Realize Was One
You can't really talk about his screen work without mentioning that the man is a titan of the British stage. In 2015, he made history as the first Black actor to play Iago at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Think about that for a second. Othello has been performed for centuries, and he was the first to break that specific barrier in such a prestigious setting.
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He’s also been Salieri in Amadeus at the National Theatre. If you’ve only seen the movie version of that story, you’re missing out. Msamati played the envy and the brilliance of Salieri with a biting, sardonic wit that won him rave reviews. He’s a "theatre actor" in the best sense—he has that massive presence that translates perfectly to the screen.
Random Roles You Might Have Missed
He’s popped up in some cult favorites too.
- Doctor Who: He was in "The Vampires of Venice" as Guido.
- Black Mirror: He appeared in the episode "Shut Up and Dance."
- See How They Run (2022): He played Max Mallowan (Agatha Christie’s real-life husband) in this quirky whodunit.
What's Next?
Right now, he's still a core part of the Gangs of London universe, and his film career is picking up even more steam with projects like Conclave. He's also been performing in Waiting for Godot in London’s West End, proving he hasn't left his roots behind.
If you’re diving into his filmography, start with Gangs of London if you want thrills, or The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency if you want something that’ll make you feel good.
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Pro Tip: Pay attention to his voice. He’s done a ton of voice-over work and radio plays because he has one of the most resonant, authoritative voices in the business. Once you hear it, you’ll start hearing him everywhere, from nature documentaries to animated shorts like Zog and the Flying Doctors.
To get the full experience of his range, watch his episode of Talking Heads (2020), titled "Playing Sandwiches." It’s just him, the camera, and a monologue. It’s unsettling, masterful, and shows exactly why directors keep calling him back for the complicated roles.
Next Steps for Your Watchlist:
Start by streaming the first season of Gangs of London to see him at his most formidable. After that, track down his BAFTA-nominated performance in Kiri to see his incredible emotional depth. If you have access to National Theatre Live, his performance in Amadeus is an absolute mandatory watch for any fan of the craft.