From the gritty streets of London’s East End to the virtual battlefields of Call of Duty, Billy Murray has done it all — and usually with a steely stare and a whisky-roughened voice that means business. With a career spanning over five decades, Murray has become one of Britain’s most recognisable “hard men,” yet behind the glare lies a versatile actor who’s brought charm, wit, and surprising depth to every role.
Starting out in 1960s social dramas like Poor Cow and Up the Junction, he quickly made his mark as a born storyteller of working-class grit. By the 1980s and ’90s, he was a household name — the copper you both feared and secretly rooted for in The Bill, and later the ruthless kingpin who ruled EastEnders with an iron fist. Whether he’s playing gangsters, detectives, or lending his voice to a modern-warfare legend, Billy Murray remains a true icon of British screen toughness.
So, in celebration of his legendary career, here are the top 10 roles that made Billy Murray the face — and voice — of British grit.
DS Don Beech in The Bill (1995–2000, 2004) – The corruption-ridden detective who became one of the show’s most notorious characters.
Johnny Allen in EastEnders (2005–06) – A full-on East End gangster who pushed, pulled and terrorised Albert Square.
Mickey Steele in Rise of the Footsoldier (2007) & its sequels – Billy Murray’s icy-calm villain in this cult Brit-gang film.
Joey Davis in McVicar (1980) – One of his earlier strong screen appearances, playing opposite real-life story.
Rik in Corruption (1968) – A gritty 1960s urban film in which Billy Murray played a larger role early on.
Ray in Up the Junction (1968) – One of his dramatic turns in the earlier part of his career.
Tom’s Mate in Poor Cow (1967) –Billy Murray in a supporting part in this British kitchen-sink drama.
Wilson Barnes in Just for the Record (2010) – A rare comedic/different tone role showing his range.
John Morgan in Nemesis (2021) – Returning to gangster territory, Billy Murray played an older crime-boss in this home invasion crime thriller.
Voice of Captain John Price in the video-game series Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2007-11) – Billy Murray lent his voice to one of gaming’s iconic characters.
Have a look at Billy’s IMDB Page Here
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