THE ULTIMATE FANDOM NEWSLETTER
Next release: January 17 | 4 PM EDT
HE HAS OUR AXE
With the release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, it's time to take a moment to look at the career of the legendary John Rhys-Davies, an iconic mainstay of both franchises.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
He has our axes and our hearts with his unforgettable portrayal of Gimli, the fiercely loyal and hilariously blunt dwarf, in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. His commanding voice and impeccable comedic timing brought much needed relief to the intense journey that Fellowship endured.
Rhys-Davies played Gimli with a mix of gruffness and vulnerability, turning what could have been a one-dimensional character into a fan favorite. He also had brilliant chemistry with the cast, through his banter with Orlando Bloom's Legolas, adding cherished depth and humor to their rivalry-turned-friendship. Beyond the beloved humor, we praise his portrayal of Gimli's courage, pride, and heartbreak, especially in scenes of battle and loss.
Did you know that Rhys-Davies performed the role despite severe allergic reactions to the prosthetics used for Gimli's makeup? One does not simply battle in Mordor with severe allergic reactions -- What a testament and showcase of his dedication to the craft and character. His larger-than-life performance helped make The Lord of the Rings not just a cinematic masterpiece, but a deeply beloved fandom universe for generations of fans.
INDIANA JONES
John Rhys-Davies brings warmth, wit, and charm to the Indiana Jones franchise with his portrayal of Sallah, the loyal Egyptian excavator and close friend of Indiana Jones. First appearing in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and again in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), he made Sallah more than just a sidekick through his humor and humanity, he became the heart of this beloved series.
Sallah's incredible courage and resourcefulness gave critical support to Indy in his wildly dangerous adventures, from guiding him through the maze-like streets of Cairo to helping rescue his father. His theatrical voice and infectious energy brings an undeniable warmth to the role, pairing perfectly with his boisterous comedic energy to create a fan-fave character for many generations of fans to admire.
Rhys-Davies truly made Sallah a memorable mix of strength, loyalty, and humor, standing out as one of the most trusted and fun allies of the Indiana Jones universe. He brought depth and heart to the franchise, making Sallah a part of the iconic Indiana Jones legacy.
Movies
VICTOR/VICTORIA
Andre Cassell
(1982)
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS
General Leonid Pushkin
(1987)
The Lost World
Professor Challenger
(1992)
The Medallion
Commander Hammerstock-Smythe
(2003)
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Viscount Mabrey
(2004)
Aquaman
Brine King
(2018)
TV
Shōgun
Vasco Rodrigues
(1980)
Murder, She Wrote
Harry Mordecai, Harry Waverly, Lancaster
(1988-1994)
The Untouchables
Agent Malone
(1993-1994)
Sliders
Professor Maximillian Arturo
(1995-1997)
Star Trek: Voyager
Leonardo Da Vinci
(1997)
Once Upon a Time
Grand Pabbie
(2014)
Voice Acting
Gargoyles
Macbeth, Arthur Morwood-Smythe, Findleach
(1995-1996)
Aladdin and the King of Thieves
Cassim
(1996)
Cats Don't Dance
Woolie the Mammoth
(1997)
SpongeBob SquarePants
Man Ray
(2000-2002)
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