When you first see Filip "Chibs" Telford ride onto the screen in Sons of Anarchy, you don't just notice the leather vest or the Glasgow grin. You notice the eyes. There’s a weight there. Most fans who’ve spent seven seasons watching the SAMCRO sergeant-at-arms (and later, President) wonder about the man behind the character. Tommy Flanagan is the actor who plays Chibs on Sons of Anarchy, and honestly, the line between the actor and the character is thinner than you might think.
He didn't just show up to a set in North Hollywood and put on an accent. He brought a lifetime of Scottish grit to the role. Flanagan is one of those rare performers who managed to take a secondary character and turn him into the moral heartbeat of a show filled with outlaws and murderers.
If you’re looking for the name, it's Tommy Flanagan. But the story of how he became Chibs? That’s where things get interesting.
Why Tommy Flanagan was the Only Choice for Chibs
Kurt Sutter, the creator of the show, has a knack for finding actors who feel "lived-in." Flanagan wasn't some polished Hollywood kid. Born in Easterhouse, Glasgow, he grew up in a rough-and-tumble environment that mirrored the stakes of the show. Before he ever stepped foot on a soundstage, he was a DJ. He was a survivor.
The scars on his face aren't makeup. That’s the first thing everyone asks. They are real. Known as a "Glasgow Kiss" or a "Glasgow Smile," those scars came from a horrific real-life attack outside a nightclub where he was working as a DJ. He was jumped, and the ordeal nearly cost him his life. Instead of letting those marks end his career before it started, he used them. He owns them. In the show, the writers actually integrated this into Chibs' backstory, linking the scars to the Irish True IRA villain Jimmy O’Phelan. This blurred reality is exactly why Flanagan feels so authentic. He isn’t pretending to be a man who has seen some things. He actually has.
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From Braveheart to Charming: The Career Before SAMCRO
A lot of people think Flanagan just appeared out of thin air when Sons of Anarchy premiered in 2008. Not even close. If you’re a cinephile, you probably recognized him immediately from some of the biggest epics of the 90s and early 2000s.
He played Morrison in Braveheart. Remember the guy whose wife was killed by the English? That was him. He worked with Mel Gibson early on, and that launched a string of "tough guy with a soul" roles. He was in Gladiator as Cicero, the loyal servant to Russell Crowe’s Maximus. He was in Sin City. He was in Face/Off.
Basically, Tommy Flanagan has been the secret weapon of major directors for decades. But Chibs was different. It gave him the room to be more than just "the heavy." Over 92 episodes, he portrayed a father figure, a betrayed husband, and a fiercely loyal brother. He brought a specific brand of Scottish stoicism that contrasted perfectly with Charlie Hunnam’s California swagger.
The Chemistry of the Sons
You can't talk about who plays Chibs on Sons of Anarchy without mentioning the bond between Flanagan and the rest of the cast. It wasn't just "acting." The cast actually rode motorcycles together. They hung out in dive bars. Flanagan, specifically, formed a massive bond with Charlie Hunnam (Jax Teller) and Kim Coates (Tig Trager).
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The "Chibs and Tig" dynamic became legendary among fans. It was a bromance built on weirdness and trauma. Flanagan’s ability to play off Kim Coates' erratic energy provided some of the show's best moments. While Jax was the king and Bobby was the brains, Chibs was the glue. He was the one who could tell Jax the hard truth without getting his head blown off.
Why the Accent Stayed
There was a moment early in production where there was a discussion about whether Chibs should have a standard American accent. Can you imagine? It would have been a disaster. Flanagan’s natural Scottish burr became a trademark of the show. It gave the club an international flavor and explained the bridge between the California charters and the "Real IRA" storylines in Belfast. It made the world feel bigger. It made it feel like the outlaw life was a global brotherhood, not just a local gang.
Life After the Vest: What Tommy Flanagan is Doing Now
Once Sons of Anarchy wrapped in 2014, Flanagan didn't just disappear into the sunset. He’s been incredibly busy, though for many, he will always be Chibs. He hopped over to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as Tullk. He took on a massive role in the third season of Westworld as Martin Connells.
He also reprised his role as Chibs for a guest appearance in the spinoff Mayans M.C.. Seeing him back in the kutte, even for a brief moment, was a massive highlight for the fanbase. It proved that even years later, Flanagan still carries that character with him.
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Currently, he’s been killing it in the Power universe. In Power Book IV: Force, he plays Walter Flynn, a character that feels like a spiritual cousin to Chibs—older, more powerful, and significantly more dangerous. It's a reminder that Flanagan is at his best when he’s playing a man with a code, even if that code is written in blood.
The Legacy of Filip "Chibs" Telford
Why does it matter who plays Chibs? Because characters like that are rare. Chibs survived when almost everyone else died. He started as a guy in the background and ended up leading the club. He was the survivor.
Flanagan’s performance taught us that loyalty isn't about blind obedience; it's about being the person who stays when things get ugly. He brought a sense of "old world" honor to a show that was often about modern-day greed.
If you want to dive deeper into his filmography, start with Gladiator to see his range, then hit Power Book IV to see how he's evolved. But if you really want the essence of the man, just rewatch the scene where Chibs finally gets his revenge on Jimmy O'Phelan. The look on Flanagan's face isn't just "acting"—it's a masterclass in catharsis.
How to Follow His Current Work
- Watch Power Book IV: Force: This is where you'll find him currently dominating the screen as a Chicago crime boss.
- Check his Social Media: Flanagan is surprisingly active on Instagram, often sharing behind-the-scenes photos and showing love to the Sons fanbase.
- Revisit the Mayans M.C. Cameo: It's in Season 2, Episode 10. If you missed it, go back. It’s the closure Chibs fans deserved.
Tommy Flanagan didn't just play a biker. He created an icon. He’s a reminder that the best actors aren't the ones who look like models, but the ones who carry their history in their scars and their strength in their silence.
Next Steps for Fans: If you’re looking to build a collection of Flanagan’s best work, prioritize the "SAMCRO Essentials" by watching the episodes "Balm" (Season 2) and "Lay It on the Line" (Season 4). These episodes highlight his range more than any others. Additionally, keep an eye on his upcoming film projects, as he has transitioned into more executive producer roles lately, ensuring his influence on the "tough-as-nails" genre continues for another decade.