Tom Payne

Thomas "Tom" Payne, born on December 21, 1982, in Chelmsford, Essex, is a prominent British actor celebrated for his portrayal of Paul "Jesus" Rovia in the acclaimed television series The Walking Dead. Currently, he captivates audiences with his performance as Malcolm Bright in the psychological thriller series Prodigal Son.

Raised in Bath, Somerset, Payne honed his acting skills at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005. During his studies, he showcased his talent in various classic plays, including Class Enemy, The Balcony, The Rivals, Three Sisters, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Richard III, and The Man Who Had All the Luck.

Following his graduation, Payne made his mark in London’s West End with a lead role in the production of Journey's End. He also collaborated with actress Imogen Stubbs in Maria Aberg's Shrieks of Laughter at the Soho Theatre.

His early television career featured roles in series like Skins and Casualty, but it was his role as Brett Aspinall in Waterloo Road (2007) that brought him further recognition. In 2008, Payne made his film debut in Miss Pettigrew's Big Day, sharing the screen with Frances McDormand and Amy Adams. He later starred in the series Luck from 2011 to 2012 and took on a leading role in The Medicus, based on Noah Gordon's novel, in 2013. Tom's brother, Will Payne, is also pursuing a career in acting.