Douglas Henshall

Last updated on the 1 June 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 19 November 1965, Glasgow, Scotland. 

Douglas Henshall’s passion for acting began during his school years at Barrhead High School, where he joined the Scottish Youth Theatre.

After completing his formal education, Henshall moved to London to immerse himself in the vibrant theatre scene. He enrolled at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

In 1993, Henshall’s breakthrough came when he landed the lead role in “Life of Stuff” at the Donmar Warehouse. His mesmerising performance gained critical acclaim, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the theatrical world. His subsequent stage work, including “American Buffalo” at the Young Vic and “The Coast of Utopia” at the Royal National Theatre, further cemented his reputation as a gifted actor.

While excelling on stage, Henshall also made the transition to television and film. He garnered recognition for his roles in the miniseries “Kid in the Corner” (1999), earning him a Gold Nymph Award for Best Actor at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival. His portrayal of Professor Nick Cutter in the science fiction series “Primeval” (2007-2011) further propelled his popularity.

In 2013, Douglas Henshall’s career reached new heights when he assumed the role of Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez in the crime drama series “Shetland.” His portrayal of the complex and enigmatic detective earned him critical acclaim and a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in 2016>He concluded his role in the series “Shetland” in 2022.

Beyond his professional achievements, Douglas Henshall is also a devoted husband and father. He married Croatian writer Tena Štivičić in 2010 and the couple have a daughter together.

WINNER | Scotland, Actor: Television for Shetland (2016)

Suggested viewing

Collision (2009)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5

A catastrophic multi-car pile-up intertwines the lives of strangers, revealing hidden secrets and unexpected connections. As investigators piece together the events, they uncover a web of personal dramas, illicit dealings and long-held grievances, all brought to light by the devastating accident.

Top cast: Douglas Henshall, Dean Lennox Kelly, Lucy Griffiths, Phil Davis, Sylvia Syms, Paul McGann, Matt Ryan, Kate Ashfield.

In Plain Sight (2016)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4

A determined investigator investigates a chilling string of disappearances, uncovering a sinister conspiracy lurking beneath the surface of an unsuspecting town. As the truth unravels, danger escalates, forcing him to confront an unseen enemy operating in plain sight. With time running out, justice and survival hang in the balance.

Top cast: Douglas Henshall, Martin Compston, James Harkness, Sorcha Groundsell, Shauna Macdonald, Kate McLaughlin, Joanne Thomson, Gavin Jon Wright.

Shetland (2013)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3

Shetland, a gripping crime drama set against the stunning backdrop of the rugged Scottish islands, follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez as he solves complex cases involving murder, deception and long-buried secrets. Alongside his dedicated team, Perez delves into the intricate lives of the close-knit community, uncovering hidden truths and unsettling motives that intertwine with the islands’ rich history and traditions.

Top cast: Douglas Henshall, Alison O’Donnell, Steven Robertson, Mark Bonnar, Erin Armstrong, Julie Graham, Julia Brown, Neve Macintosh, Fiona Bell, Archie Panjabi.

Primeval (2007)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2

When inexplicable anomalies appear, an evolutionary zoologist is drawn into a covert team investigating their source. He discovers these rips in time allow prehistoric creatures to enter the present. As they strive to contain the monstrous threats and keep their existence secret, the professor also contends with the mystery of his missing wife, who vanished years ago.

Top cast: Douglas Henshall, James Murray, Andrew-Lee Potts, Lucy Brown, Hannah Spearritt, Juliet Aubrey, Ben Miller, Mark Wakeling.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)