Best actors in spy series

Discover the most iconic performers who have brought legendary spies to life on television. From cunning secret agents to masters of disguise, this list explores the performances that have defined the spy genre in series. Immerse yourself in the world of suspense and intrigue with the actors who have captivated global audiences with their roles in spy series. Explore the careers and key moments of these talented artists who have left an indelible mark on the small screen.

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  1. 1

    Jack Lowden (Slow Horses)

    108 Global Votes
    • Nominated for Primetime Emmy Award

      (+4)

    Jack Lowden is a pillar in 'Slow Horses' as River Cartwright, an ambitious relegated MI5 agent seeking redemption. His dynamic with Gary Oldman is essential to the tone and narrative of this successful espionage series.

  2. 2

    Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager)

    78 Global Votes
    • Restrained performance makes return feel earned

      (+3)

    Tom Hiddleston shone as Jonathan Pine in 'The Night Manager', a former soldier who infiltrates an arms trafficking network, bringing a charisma similar to James Bond. The confirmation of a second season maintains his relevance in the espionage genre.

  3. 3

    Hugh Laurie (The Night Manager)

    78 Global Votes
    • Delivers a chilling performance as a villain

      (+4)

    Hugh Laurie delivered a memorable performance as the antagonist Richard Roper in 'The Night Manager', demonstrating his versatility beyond his comedic and dramatic roles. His presence in the series is a fundamental pillar of the espionage intrigue.

  4. 4

    Richard Madden (Citadel)

    22 Global Votes
    • Portrays a former elite agent

      (+3)

    Richard Madden has established himself in the espionage genre with his role in 'Citadel', a high-budget series that features him as an elite agent with amnesia. His performance in 'Bodyguard' had already earned him a Golden Globe, demonstrating his capacity for suspense.

  5. 5

    Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Citadel)

    22 Global Votes
    • Portrays Nadia Sinh in espionage thriller Citadel

      (+4)

    Priyanka Chopra Jonas co-stars in 'Citadel' as Nadia Sinh, an elite agent with her memory wiped, bringing a strong presence and action skills to the espionage genre. Her role in this high-profile series keeps her at the forefront.

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  7. 6

    Gary Oldman (Slow Horses)

    0 Global Votes
    • Gary Oldman is pure gold as Jackson Lamb

      (+4)

    Gary Oldman delivers a masterful performance as Jackson Lamb in 'Slow Horses', a complex and charismatic character who leads a team of MI5 agents. His acting has been critically acclaimed, solidifying him as a central figure in the contemporary espionage genre.

  8. 7

    Damian Lewis (Homeland)

    0 Global Votes
    • Won a Primetime Emmy Award for role as Nicholas Brody

    Damian Lewis delivered an unforgettable performance as Nicholas Brody in 'Homeland', a character who explored the moral and psychological ambiguity of a potential double agent. His portrayal was fundamental to the success and tension of the acclaimed series' early seasons.

  9. 8

    Keri Russell (The Americans)

    0 Global Votes
    • Does an amazing job with emotional state

      (+3)

    Keri Russell is an iconic figure in television espionage thanks to her role in 'The Americans', where she played a KGB spy with profound emotional complexity. Her current work in 'The Diplomat' keeps her relevant in the political intrigue genre.

  10. 9

    Taron Egerton (Kingsman)

    0 Global Votes
    • Starred as a spy in Kingsman: The Secret Service

      (+4)

    Taron Egerton became the face of the 'Kingsman' franchise, bringing a fresh and charismatic style to the spy genre with his character Gary 'Eggsy' Unwin. Although they are movies, their impact is significant in modern espionage.

  11. 10

    Niv Sultan (Tehran)

    0 Global Votes
    • Israeli actress known for starring in Tehran

      (+3)

    Niv Sultan leads 'Tehran' with an intense performance as Tamar Rabinyan, a Mossad hacker on a dangerous undercover mission. Her role is crucial to the realism and tension of this acclaimed contemporary espionage drama.