Will Rayner

Will Rayner is a British actor and voice artist known for his work in film, television, and theatre. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he has built a career marked by diverse roles in both period dramas and contemporary science fiction. His vocal performances in major video game franchises and animated series have garnered him a significant following. Rayner's work has been recognized with nominations for several industry awards, including a BAFTA Games Award.

Early life and education

Will Rayner was born and raised in London, showing an early interest in performance through school plays at institutions like the Anna Scher Theatre. He later pursued formal training, earning a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His time at RADA included performances in classic works by playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Anton Chekhov, solidifying his classical foundation. Following his graduation, he began his professional career on the stages of London's West End.

Career

Rayner's early career was rooted in theatre, with notable performances in productions at the National Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre. His transition to screen began with guest roles on British television series such as Doctor Who and Peaky Blinders. A significant breakthrough came with his casting in the BBC historical drama The Last Kingdom, where he played a recurring role. He subsequently gained wider recognition for his role as a series regular in the Netflix science fiction series The One. Parallel to his on-screen work, Rayner has established a prolific voice acting career, contributing performances to blockbuster video games like Cyberpunk 2077 and the Call of Duty franchise, as well as animated series on platforms including Disney+ and Cartoon Network.

Personal life

Rayner maintains a private personal life but is known to be an advocate for mental health awareness, supporting charities like Mind. He is an avid musician, proficient in playing the guitar and piano, and has composed music for independent film projects. Based primarily in London, he enjoys football and is a supporter of Arsenal F.C.. In interviews, he has cited actors such as Tom Hiddleston and Michaela Coel as professional inspirations.

Filmography

A selection of his screen credits includes the film The King's Man (2021), the television series The One (2021), and guest appearances on Silent Witness and Midsomer Murders. His voice acting roles encompass the video games Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023) and Diablo IV (2023), as well as the animated series Arcane. He also provided narration for documentary series aired on the BBC and National Geographic.

Awards and nominations

Rayner's performance in The One earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the National Television Awards. His voice work as a lead character in the video game Echoes of the Void was recognized with a nomination for a BAFTA Games Award for Performer. He was also nominated for a Behind the Voice Actors Award for his ensemble work in Cyberpunk 2077.

Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:British male film actors Category:British male television actors Category:British voice actors Category:Alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Category:People from London