Michael Jayston - Actor Profile

Michael Jayston

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
45Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 29, 1935
Birth Place: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK

About Michael Jayston

Michael James (born 29 October 1935), known professionally as Michael Jayston, was an English actor. He played Nicholas II of Russia in the film Nicholas and Alexandra (1971). He has also made many television appearances, which have included playing the Valeyard in all fourteen episodes of the Doctor Who serial The Trial of a Time Lord (1986) and appearing in the Only Fools and Horses episode "Time on Our Hands" (1996) as Raquel's father, James.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Jayston reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 45 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Michael Jayston's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 27% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Jayston remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in UFO From Earth to the Moon, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Michael Jayston Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Michael Jayston's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Jayston.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 Alec Guinness: A Class Act self Average Similar →
2022 Peter O'Toole: Along the Sky Road to Aqaba Self Super Hit Similar →
2019 From This Day Forward Him Flop Similar →
2019 The Doctors: The Colin Baker Years - Flop Similar →
2016 UFO From Earth to the Moon Self Super Hit Similar →
2009 Albert's Memorial Albert Super Hit Similar →
2008 The Making of The Trial of a Time Lord - Flop Similar →
2003 Finisterre Narrator (Voice) Flop Similar →
1997 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Admiral Sellings Average Similar →
1996 Element of Doubt Kirk Average Similar →
1994 Highlander III: The Sorcerer Jack Donovan Flop Similar →
1989 Somewhere to Run Roger Fitzpatrick Flop Similar →
1987 Still Crazy Like a Fox Randall Perry Super Hit Similar →
1986 Doctor Who: The Ultimate Foe The Valeyard Average Similar →
1986 Doctor Who: Terror of the Vervoids The Valeyard Average Similar →
1986 Doctor Who: Mindwarp The Valeyard Hit Similar →
1986 Doctor Who: The Mysterious Planet The Valeyard Average Similar →
1983 The Man Who Left His Soul on Film - Flop Similar →
1981 From a Far Country Narrator (voice) Flop Similar →
1980 Dominique Arnold Craven Flop Similar →
1979 Gossip from the Forest Alfred Maiberling Flop Similar →
1979 Zulu Dawn Col. Crealock Average Similar →
1978 The Last Romantic James Flop Similar →
1978 She Fell Among Thieves Mansel Hit Similar →
1975 King Lear Edmund Flop Similar →
1974 The Internecine Project David Baker Average Similar →
1974 A Coffin for the Bride Mark Walker Super Hit Similar →
1974 Craze Detective Sgt. Wall Flop Similar →
1974 The Importance of Being Earnest Jack Worthing Flop Similar →
1973 Ring Once for Death Roger Masters Super Hit Similar →
1973 Tales That Witness Madness Brian (segment "Mel") Flop Similar →
1973 The Homecoming Teddy Average Similar →
1973 The Merchant of Venice Gratiano Hit Similar →
1973 Bequest to the Nation Capt. Hardy Average Similar →
1972 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) Average Similar →
1972 Follow Me! Charles Super Hit Similar →
1971 Nicholas and Alexandra Nicholas Hit Similar →
1971 Competition Jimmy Flop Similar →
1971 Green Julia Jake Flop Similar →
1970 Macbeth Macbeth Average Similar →
1970 Cromwell Henry Ireton Hit Similar →
1970 The Hero of My Life Charles Dickens Flop Similar →
1970 Mad Jack - Flop Similar →
1968 A Midsummer Night's Dream Demetrius Average Similar →
1965 Love's Labour's Lost Longaville Flop Similar →

Michael Jayston - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Jayston?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Jayston is "UFO From Earth to the Moon" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Michael Jayston acted in?

Michael Jayston has been featured in at least 45 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Michael Jayston?

Other notable films include "Albert's Memorial", "Ring Once for Death", and "A Coffin for the Bride".