Greg Davies

Explore the life and career of Greg Davies (born 14 May 1968), the towering British (Welsh) comedian, actor, presenter, and writer. From teacher to Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners, Man Down, and beyond—here’s his story, humor, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Gregory Daniel Davies (born 14 May 1968) is a British comedian, actor, presenter, and writer—renowned for his height, his commanding stage presence, and his distinctive brand of observational, self-deprecating humor.

He is perhaps best known to many for hosting the comedy panel show Taskmaster since 2015, as well as acting roles such as Mr. Gilbert in The Inbetweeners, Ken Thompson in Cuckoo, Dan Davies in Man Down, and more recently the lead in The Cleaner.

In what follows, we’ll trace his journey from childhood, through his teaching years, into comedy and television stardom, examine his comedic style, present some of his quotes, and reflect on the lessons from his career.

Early Life and Family

Greg Davies was born in St Asaph, Flintshire, Wales on 14 May 1968.

He grew up in Wem, Shropshire, which he regards as his home.

Davies attended Thomas Adams School in Wem. English and Drama at Brunel University in Uxbridge, graduating around 1990.

Before stepping into comedy, Davies spent 13 years working as a secondary school teacher, teaching Drama and English at several schools including Langleywood (Slough), Orleans Park (Twickenham), and Sandhurst School.

Transition Into Comedy

Davies’ formal comedy career began in the mid-2000s.

• He made an early appearance in the children’s show Dick & Dom in da Bungalow in 2003, playing a caricatured version of himself (“Massive Greg”).

• Over time he started performing stand-up in comedy clubs and took part in sketch groups.

• His first solo stand-up show, Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog, debuted in 2010, and was nominated for a Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award.

• He followed with further stand-up tours, including The Back of My Mum’s Head in 2013, and You Magnificent Beast, recorded as a Netflix special in 2018.

His ability to blend storytelling, self-mockery, and observational humor helped him stand out and transition further into television roles.

Television Career & Signature Roles

Greg Davies has had a varied and prolific television career. Some of the highlights:

• The Inbetweeners (2008–2010): Davies played the strict, exasperated head of sixth form, Mr. Gilbert.

• Cuckoo (2012–2019): He co-starred as Ken Thompson opposite Andy Samberg and others.

• Man Down (2013–2017): Davies starred as Dan Davies, a frustrated teacher trying to cope with life.

• Taskmaster (since 2015): Davies is the host / “Taskmaster” character, setting bizarre tasks and judging the performances of invited comedians.

• The Cleaner (from 2021): He created and stars in this BBC sitcom in which he plays Paul “Wicky” Wickstead, a biohazard cleaning specialist who enters crime scenes and interacts with clients.

He has also appeared on various panel shows (e.g. Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You?, Fast and Loose) and programs like Live at the Apollo.

For his performance on Cuckoo, Davies was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2013.

Style, Persona & Humor

Greg Davies’ style is marked by contrast: his imposing physical height (he’s notably very tall) paired with a sometimes bumbling, self-demeaning, verbally agile persona.

• Height & presence: He is frequently noted as about 6 ft 8 in (though some sources suggest slight variations) and his stature becomes part of his comedic persona.

• Storytelling & observation: Davies often builds from everyday observations, awkwardness, and personal anecdotes. His quote, “I tend to develop my rambling anecdotes by actually getting up and performing them” captures this approach.

• Self-deprecation: He frequently makes himself the butt of jokes, taking on embarrassment, bodily humor, aging, and flaws.

• Authority vs absurdity: In shows like Taskmaster, Man Down, and The Cleaner, Davies often plays an authority figure (teacher, judge, biohazard agent), and uses that to contrast with absurd tasks, incompetence, or chaos.

• Versatility: He successfully transitions between stand-up, sitcoms, panel shows, and theatrical storytelling, adapting tone as needed.

In his more recent stand-up revivals (e.g. Full Fat Legend tour in 2025), critics note that he delves into personal material (bodily functions, aging, awkward memories), showing maturity in how he crafts vulnerability into laughter.

Famous Quotes

Here are several quotes attributed to Greg Davies that reflect his humor and philosophy:

“I tend to develop my rambling anecdotes by actually getting up and performing them. That’s the joy/horror of stand up — if you have the germ of an idea that you think might be funny, there is a way of finding out if it's funny very quickly.”

“My favourite place in Britain is… my home county of Shropshire. I think it's one of the most beautiful places in the world. I grew up in Shropshire, but I was born in Wales.”

“Love at first sight is probably for stupid people, but maybe I’m just cynical.”

“Every time I travel, I’m in a rage until I reach my destination. I find myself shouting at suitcases, as if it’s their fault that I’m an inefficient packer.”

“Being able to make people forget their troubles, even if just for a moment, is a privilege.”

These quotes show his mix of humility, self-awareness, and a penchant for the absurd.

Lessons from Greg Davies’ Journey

Greg Davies’ life and career offer a number of lessons for creative professionals, performers, and anyone seeking to pivot or persist:

1. It’s never too late to switch paths
   Davies spent over a decade teaching before launching a comedy career. His shift shows that previous careers can enrich, not hinder, a creative path.

2. Use what you know
   His time as a teacher later informed roles (Man Down, The Cleaner), and his everyday observations permeate his comedy.

3. Embrace your uniqueness
   His height, voice, and physical presence might have seemed limitations—but he has turned them into signature traits.

4. Vulnerability resonates
   By exposing embarrassment, flaws, and aging, he connects with audiences on a more human level.

5. Adapt and diversify
   From stand-up to TV sitcoms, panel shows, and narrative comedy, Davies shows the value of flexibility in a creative career.

6. Authority + absurdity = comedic tension
   Playing authority figures in absurd contexts gives comedic friction that he has exploited effectively.

Conclusion

Greg Davies stands (literally and figuratively) among the more singular figures in modern British comedy. Born in 1968 in Wales, raised in Shropshire, he built a life as a teacher, then transformed into a comedian, writer, actor, and television personality. His roles in The Inbetweeners, Cuckoo, Man Down, and his role as Taskmaster have made him a recognizable and beloved face across the UK and beyond.

His humor is raw, personal, absurd, and often anchored in self-deprecation. His physical presence amplifies the contrasts he plays with so well. As he continues touring (e.g. Full Fat Legend) and creating shows like The Cleaner, Davies remains a dynamic force in comedy.