Biography
Character actor Philip Glenister became a mainstay of British television after his iconic portrayal of Gene Hunt in "Life on Mars" (BBC, 2006-07). The London native began appearing in a number of TV productions throughout the 1990s, including a multi-episode stint on "The Ruth Rendell Mysteries" (ITV, 1987-2000). The steady work paid off when he was cast as a regular in the crime drama "Frontiers" (ITV, 1996). After appearing in the mini-series "Have Your Cake and Eat it" (BBC, 1997), it was another mini-series that helped jump start Glenister's career. Playing William Dobbin in the adaption of W.M. Thackeray's heralded novel "Vanity Fair" (BBC, 1998) brought a new level of critical acclaim. He continued the classic literature theme with supporting roles in the Emmy-nominated film "Hornblower: Mutiny" (2001) and it's follow-up "Horatio Hornblower: Retribution" (2001). He was featured as a series regular in the dramedy "Roger Roger" (BBC, 1998-2003), playing a wannabe rockstar cab driver, and the working class drama "Clocking Off" (BBC, 2000-03),as the boss of a textile factory. He made a more prominent leap to the big screen, playing opposite Helen Mirren and Julie Walters in "Calendar Girls" (2003). He returned to period dramas in the mini-series "Island at War" (ITV, 2004) and a role in Ridley Scott's Crusades epic "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005). His knack for playing police detectives began to manifest with his roles as inspectors in "State of Play" (BBC, 2003) and "VIncent" (ITV, 2005-06). That built to his breakthrough role as Detective Chief Inspector Gene Hunt in "Life on Mars" (BBC, 2006-07). As the gruff boss of John Simm's time traveling Sam, Glenister's character became a sensation in the United Kingdom. He followed that with a role in Judi Dench's acclaimed series "Cranford" (BBC, 2007). He stepped away from his norm to play the American demon hunter Rupert Galvin in "Demons" (ITV, 2009), before returning to play Gene Hunt in the "Life on Mars" sequel, "Ashes to Ashes" (BBC, 2008-10). This time, Keeley Hawes played the out-of-time detective who fell under Hunt's direction. In the series finale, it was revealed that Hunt was actually a guide in an afterlife limbo for police officers. While he primarily worked in television, he did take occasional film roles, including small parts in "Bel Ami" (2012), with Robert Pattinson, and Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (2010). Glenister and Simm joined forces again in "Mad Dog" (Sky1, 2011-13) playing old friends who's Mediterranean holiday is interrupted by murder. He went for a straight comedy role in the sitcom "Big School" (BBC, 2013-14) playing an arrogant gym teacher. He made his U.S. television debut when he was cast as Reverend John Anderson on "Outcast" (Cinemax, 2016-), from "The Walking Dead" executive producer Robert Kirkman. Glenister's character helped Patrick Fugit's Kyle deal with his demonic possession. He returned again to British television in the comedy "Living the Dream" (Sky1, 2017) as a husband and father who moves his family from England to Florida.
