Biography

William Tapley (born 1969) is a White British actor, 6′ 0″ tall, who grew up in Australia and England before finishing his schooling in the United States. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) and has been active since 1980. He is an Equity member, represented Britain in the 1996 Camel Trophy (off-road driving, making the first motorised crossing of Borneo), and has led the casts of the record-breaking West End shows Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia! (2021). His most notable film credits include Radio Man in V for Vendetta (2006), Jennings in The Contract (2006, with John Cusack and Morgan Freeman), Army Major in Stormbreaker (2006), Marine Commander in Survivor (2015, with Pierce Brosnan and Milla Jovovich), Dr. Lewis in The Upside of Anger (2005), and Frank Gaines in Second in Command (2006). On television he is best known as PC Lionel "Oz" Adams in Backup (1995–1997, 14 episodes), a British Tank Commander in Band of Brothers (2001), Victor Elliott in MI-5 (2011), Marine Commander Samuels in Fleming (2014), Mr. Vladimir in The Secret Agent (2015), Base Commander in The Crown (2017), with additional credits in Holby City (2008–2009), Doctors (2003–2014), EastEnders (2014), Relic Hunter (2000), Heartbeat (2001), and The Bill (2000).