Don Warrington – Biography, Age, Key Roles and His MBE Honours

For more than five decades, Don Warrington has been a distinctive presence on British television and stage. Born in Trinidad and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, he rose to fame in the 1970s as Philip Smith in the sitcom Rising Damp and later became a household name to a new generation as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise. His career, marked by versatility and quiet authority, has earned him an MBE and a lasting place in British popular culture.

Warrington’s journey from a young boy arriving in England to one of the most recognisable faces on television is a story of talent, adaptation, and steady work. He has moved between comedy and drama, stage and screen, with a consistency that few actors achieve. His two signature roles, separated by more than three decades, demonstrate the range of his appeal and the respect he commands in the industry.

Despite his public profile, Warrington has remained notably private about his personal life. Much of what is known about him comes from his professional work and the occasional interview. This article consolidates the available facts about his age, birthplace, career milestones, honours, and the questions that remain unanswered.

How old is Don Warrington and where was he born?

Don Warrington was born Don Williams on 23 May 1951 in Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. Most authoritative sources, including Wikipedia and the University of the West Indies biodata, confirm this date. A minor inconsistency appears in a fan wiki-style entry that lists 1952, but the balance of evidence supports 1951.

• Warrington is a Trinidadian-born British actor who has worked consistently in television, film, and theatre since the 1970s.
• He is best known for two iconic roles: the sardonic student Philip Smith in Rising Damp (1974–1978) and Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise (2011–present).
• His birth name is Don Williams; he adopted the surname Warrington from the street where he grew up in Newcastle, because another actor was already registered as Don Williams with Equity.
• He was appointed MBE in the 2008 Birthday Honours for services to drama.
• He moved to Newcastle upon Tyne, England, at about age five and was raised there.
• His father, Basil Kydd, was a Trinidadian politician who died in 1958.
• He trained at Drama Centre London after attending Harris College, and began acting in repertory theatre at 17.

What is Don Warrington famous for?

Don Warrington’s fame rests on two landmark television roles that bookend his career. Each represents a different era of British broadcasting and a different style of performance, yet both showcase his understated screen presence.

Philip Smith in Rising Damp (1974–1978)

Warrington played Philip Smith, a sharp, educated West Indian medical student, in the ITV sitcom Rising Damp. The show, set in a rundown boarding house, revolved around the bigoted landlord Rigsby, played by Leonard Rossiter. Warrington’s character was notable for being a Black role that did not rely on racial stereotypes at a time when such portrayals were rare on British television. The series ran for four series and was followed by a film adaptation in 1980.

Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise (2011–present)

Since 2011, Warrington has played Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, the head of the police force on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint-Marie, in the BBC crime drama Death in Paradise. The role brought him to the attention of a global audience and has become one of the defining parts of his later career. The series has been renewed for multiple seasons, and Warrington remains a central figure in the show.

Did Don Warrington change his name?

Yes. Don Warrington was born Don Williams. When he joined the actors’ union Equity, he discovered that another performer was already registered under that name. To avoid confusion, he chose the surname Warrington, taken from the street in Newcastle upon Tyne where he grew up. This detail is consistently reported across multiple sources, including Wikipedia and Doctor Who News.

What was his real name and why did he change it?

His original name, Don Williams, is still listed as his birth name in official records. The change was a practical decision made early in his career, not a personal or artistic rebranding. He has used the name Don Warrington professionally ever since, and it is the name by which he is universally known.

Is Don Warrington married and what is his personal life like?

Don Warrington keeps his personal life largely out of the public eye. No confirmed information about a current spouse or partner is available in the sources. Some reports indicate he has two sons, and one source names them as Archie and Jacob, though the context is not fully clear. These details have not been officially confirmed by Warrington himself or through authoritative biographical records.

What other TV shows and films has Don Warrington appeared in?

Beyond his two most famous roles, Warrington has built an extensive body of work across television, film, and theatre. His career demonstrates a willingness to take on a wide variety of parts, from crime drama to science fiction to classical stage productions.

Television credits

His television appearances include C.A.T.S. Eyes, New Street Law, The Crouches, Trial and Retribution, Holby City, Casualty, and Doctor Who. These roles span several decades and genres, showing his adaptability as a character actor.

Film credits

Warrington’s film work includes the film version of Rising Damp, Bloodbath at the House of Death, The Lion of Africa, Hamlet, 8½ Women, and Lighthouse. While his screen career has been primarily television-based, his film roles add further depth to his portfolio.

Stage work

Warrington has performed at the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Bristol Old Vic. He began acting in repertory theatre at 17 and has maintained his connection to the stage throughout his career. His theatre work has earned him critical respect within the profession.

When did Don Warrington start acting and what are the key milestones in his career?

1. 1951: Born Don Williams in Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago.
2. 1950s–1960s: Moves to Newcastle upon Tyne, England, at about age five; attends Harris College and trains at Drama Centre London.
3. 1968 (approx.): Begins acting in repertory theatre at age 17.
4. 1974–1978: Plays Philip Smith in the ITV sitcom Rising Damp, his first major television role.
5. 1980: Appears in the film version of Rising Damp.
6. 1990s–2000s: Takes on roles in The Bill, Doctors, Holby City, Casualty, and various theatre productions.
7. 2011: Joins the cast of BBC’s Death in Paradise as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.
8. 2008: Appointed MBE in the Birthday Honours for services to drama.
9. 2025: Continues to appear in Death in Paradise; remains active in voice work and occasional stage projects.

What is known and what remains uncertain about Don Warrington?

What is the significance of Don Warrington’s career?

Don Warrington’s career is a study in longevity and versatility. Rising Damp broke ground in the 1970s by featuring a Black actor in a leading role that did not rely on racial stereotypes – a rarity at the time. His character Philip Smith was an educated, middle-class West Indian student, challenging prevailing television norms. Decades later, Warrington became a central figure in Death in Paradise, a lighthearted crime drama set in the Caribbean. His role as Commissioner Patterson brings a sense of authority and warmth, and his continued presence on the show has made him a familiar face to a new generation. Warrington has also been a respected stage actor, earning acclaim in productions at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

His career also reflects the changing landscape of British television. From the sitcom era of the 1970s to the long-running drama series of the 2010s and 2020s, Warrington has adapted while maintaining the quiet, measured style that defines his performances. He is not a star in the celebrity sense but an actor’s actor, respected by peers and audiences alike.

What do others say about Don Warrington?

“Don Warrington is one of those actors whose calm authority, sharp timing, and unmistakable screen presence have made him one of the most beloved figures in British comedy.”

– British Comedy Classics (Facebook)

“He has always been a magnificent actor. He brings a wonderful stillness and a great intelligence to every role.”

– Co-star (paraphrased in interview)

“I don’t want to be a star. I want to be an actor. There is a big difference.”

– Don Warrington in a rare interview (attributed in various media)

These quotes, drawn from public sources, reflect the consistent theme in commentary about Warrington: he is admired for his professionalism, his understated power as a performer, and his resistance to the trappings of celebrity. Colleagues and reviewers alike emphasise his intelligence and the quiet authority he brings to every role.

What is Don Warrington doing now?

As of 2025, Don Warrington continues to play Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise. The series has been renewed for future seasons, ensuring his presence on screen for the near future. Besides acting, he remains involved in charity work and occasional voice projects. There are no confirmed plans for retirement or other major projects publicly announced. For readers interested in other veteran actors with long-running careers, see the biography of Colman Domingo – Actor, Playwright, and Two-Time Oscar Nominee and Annie Potts – Biography, Age, Net Worth, and Career Highlights.

Frequently asked questions about Don Warrington