Peter Serafinowicz is an English actor, comedian, writer, director, and voice artist who has built a career spanning cult comedy and global blockbusters. Born in Liverpool on 10 July 1972, he first gained notice with BBC Radio 1’s spoof show The Knowledge in the early 1990s before moving into television and film. Today he is best known for voicing Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, playing the Sommelier in John Wick: Chapter 2, and starring in the Amazon series The Tick.
Serafinowicz’s full name is Peter Szymon Serafinowicz, and he stands roughly 6′ 4″ (1.93 m) according to his IMDb profile. His career is defined by a mix of live‑action character roles and extensive voice work that has made his deep, versatile voice instantly recognisable to audiences around the world. He has also co‑created the cult comedy series Look Around You and won a Rose d’Or for his own sketch show.
Who Is Peter Serafinowicz? Biography and Background
| Full Name | Peter Szymon Serafinowicz |
| Born | 10 July 1972 (age 52) |
| Nationality | English |
| Known For | Darth Maul (voice), John Wick, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Peter Serafinowicz Show |
- Peter Serafinowicz is an English actor, comedian, writer, and voice artist with a career spanning over two decades.
- He is best known for voicing Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and for his role as the Sommelier in John Wick: Chapter 2.
- He also appeared as Garthan Saal in Guardians of the Galaxy and voiced a brain in a jar in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
- His self‑titled comedy sketch show, The Peter Serafinowicz Show, aired on BBC Two in 2007 and was later BAFTA‑nominated.
- He maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and X (Twitter), where he shares his humour with fans.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 July 1972, Liverpool, England |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian, writer, voice artist, director, composer |
| Height | 1.93 m (6′ 4″) – per IMDb |
| Notable Voice Role | Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace) |
| Notable Film Role | Sommelier (John Wick: Chapter 2) |
| TV Show | The Peter Serafinowicz Show (2007) |
| Agency | Curtis Brown |
| Spouse | Helen Serafinowicz (m. 2007) |
Peter Serafinowicz Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography
What Movies Has Peter Serafinowicz Starred In?
Serafinowicz’s film career includes both supporting roles and memorable cameos. He played Pete in Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead (2004), and later voiced Darth Maul, the Battle Droid Commander, and a Gungan Scout in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999). In the Marvel universe he portrayed Garthan Saal (Denarian Saal) in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). He brought a darkly comic edge to the Sommelier in John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) and voiced Big Daddy in Sing (2016) and Sing 2 (2021). More recently, he was cast as Spitelout in the live‑action How to Train Your Dragon (2025).
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Serafinowicz voiced a brain‑in‑a‑jar character – a brief but widely discussed appearance that often causes fan confusion about which film he actually appeared in.
What Is The Peter Serafinowicz Show?
Created and hosted by Serafinowicz, The Peter Serafinowicz Show is a BBC Two sketch comedy series that aired from 2007 to 2008. The programme earned him a Rose d’Or for Best Entertainer and later a BAFTA nomination. It featured a mix of character impressions, original sketches, and musical parodies, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Peter Serafinowicz in Star Wars: Voice of Darth Maul
Serafinowicz provided the voice for Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999). It remains his most iconic voice performance, recognised by fans worldwide. According to his BBC biography, his deep, menacing delivery gave the character its distinctive presence despite having only a few lines. He also voiced additional characters in the same film – the Battle Droid Commander and a Gungan Scout – though these are less well‑known.
Darth Maul was voiced entirely by Serafinowicz, while the physical portrayal was performed by actor Ray Park. The voice work was recorded before the character’s design was finalised, requiring Serafinowicz to match the energy of the fight choreography.
Peter Serafinowicz in John Wick and Guardians of the Galaxy
In John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), Serafinowicz played the Sommelier, an underworld weapons expert who assists John Wick before the climactic fight. The role was praised for its dry wit and calm menace. In the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, he appeared as Garthan Saal in the first film (2014) – a Nova Corps officer – and later voiced a disembodied brain in a jar in the sequel (2017). These two Marvel roles are sometimes confused, but both are confirmed in his filmography.
Some fans believe Serafinowicz played a larger part in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 than he did. His role was limited to a brief voice cameo, not a full character appearance. The confusion likely arises from his more substantial role as Garthan Saal in the first film.
Peter Serafinowicz Career Timeline
- 1993 – Early TV appearances including BBC Radio 1’s The Knowledge and work on Spitting Image.
- 1999 – Voiced Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
- 2002‑2005 – Co‑created and starred in the cult comedy series Look Around You with Robert Popper.
- 2004 – Played Pete in Shaun of the Dead.
- 2007 – The Peter Serafinowicz Show premieres on BBC Two; wins Rose d’Or, later BAFTA‑nominated.
- 2014 – Appeared as Garthan Saal in Guardians of the Galaxy.
- 2017 – Played the Sommelier in John Wick: Chapter 2; cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
- 2025 – Voice role as Spitelout in the live‑action How to Train Your Dragon.
What Do We Know and What Is Uncertain About Peter Serafinowicz?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Voiced Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I. | His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary widely and no reliable figure exists. |
| Played the Sommelier in John Wick: Chapter 2. | His precise height (5 ft 9 in) is often cited but not officially confirmed by all sources; IMDb lists 6′ 4″ (1.93 m). |
| Married to Helen Serafinowicz since 2007. | Whether he will appear in future John Wick or Star Wars projects is unconfirmed. |
| Appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as a voice cameo. |
Peter Serafinowicz’s Place in Pop Culture
Serafinowicz is a versatile British talent whose impact spans cult comedy, blockbuster franchises, and voice acting. His ability to blend physical comedy with voice work made him a sought‑after performer in both TV and film. Despite a relatively low public profile compared to some peers, his roles in major franchises – Star Wars, John Wick, Marvel – give him a unique cross‑generational appeal. His online persona on Instagram and X shows a comedic sensibility that resonates with new audiences in the social media era.
He has also worked as a creative consultant on South Park and voiced characters in Doctor Who (the Fisher King) and Archer. These roles, together with his own sketch show, solidify his reputation as a performer who moves easily between television, animation, and live‑action cinema.
Where Can You Find Verified Information About Peter Serafinowicz?
“Peter Szymon Serafinowicz is an English actor, comedian, writer, composer, voice artist, and director.”
“Best known for his roles as the title character in the 2016 live‑action …”
– IMDb
“His face and voice(s) are familiar to many, …”
– Curtis Brown Agency
What’s Next for Peter Serafinowicz?
As of 2025, Serafinowicz continues to take on new acting and voice projects, though specific upcoming titles have not been announced publicly. He remains active on social media, teasing future collaborations and creative work. Fans can expect further appearances in UK comedy and possibly more franchise voice roles. For similar profiles of British performers, see the biography of Joe Gilgun – Biography, Net Worth, and Career Facts and the Hayley Atwell – Biography, Movies and Personal Life Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peter Serafinowicz married?
Yes, he married Helen Serafinowicz (née Helen George) in 2007.
Does Peter Serafinowicz have children?
Yes, he has two children with his wife Helen.
What is Peter Serafinowicz’s real name?
Peter Szymon Serafinowicz.
Is Peter Serafinowicz in any upcoming movies?
No confirmed upcoming projects as of early 2025, but he is active in the industry.
How tall is Peter Serafinowicz?
IMDb lists his height as 6′ 4″ (1.93 m), though some sources cite 5 ft 9 in. The taller figure is most commonly referenced.
What is Peter Serafinowicz’s net worth?
His net worth is not publicly disclosed. Estimates vary, but no reliable figure is available from authoritative sources.
Does Peter Serafinowicz have an IMDb page?
Yes, his IMDb page is at imdb.com/name/nm0784818.
Sophie Kendall is Celebrity News Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering celebrity news, public appearances, interviews, red carpet coverage, social media updates and audience-focused showbiz stories.