John Rhys-Davies (born 5 May 1944) is a Welsh actor whose rich voice, commanding presence, and sharp wit have made him a familiar face across film, television, and stage for decades. Born in Salisbury, England and raised in Wales, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and built early recognition through British television before moving into major international roles.
He is best known for playing Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, as well as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy—one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, brought to life through extensive prosthetics and a performance that balanced humour, pride, and heart. Rhys-Davies has also had a substantial career in television, notably as Professor Maximilian Arturo in the cult sci-fi series Sliders, and he has voiced characters in numerous animated series and video games. With a career spanning genres from adventure and fantasy to drama and comedy, he remains celebrated as a versatile performer and an iconic figure in modern genre cinema.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed across six countries, featuring iconic spots like Petra in Jordan, the Tabernas Desert and Monsul Beach in Spain, and Venice, Italy.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a 1981 American action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg based on a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman.