Douglas Reith

Biography

Douglas Reith is a British actor and teacher. He is best known for his role as Lord Merton in the television series Downton Abbey (2010–2015), as well as its two follow-up films. Reith was born in Melton, Suffolk. He studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. He began acting in the late 1970s, beginning with an appearance in International Velvet (1978) alongside Tatum O'Neal and Christopher Plummer. He worked as an announcer and presenter at BBC Radio 3 for five years before leaving to study Greats at Christ Church, Oxford for four years beginning in 1989. He worked as a teacher, including at Westminster School, before resuming his acting career. Reith joined the cast of Downton Abbey as Lord Merton in 2012, and alongside the cast was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 23rd Screen Actors...

Known For

Career Timeline

197819841990199620022008201420202025
  1. 2025
    Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

    Lord Merton • Acting

  2. 2022
    Downton Abbey: A New Era

    Lord Merton • Acting

  3. 2021
    SAS: Red Notice

    Sir Charles Whiteside • Acting

  4. 2021
    The War Below

    Field Marshal Haig • Acting

  5. 2019
    Dumbo

    Sotheby • Acting

  6. 2019
    Downton Abbey

    Lord Merton • Acting

  7. 2015
    Serial Teachers 2

    Le chef de la sécurité • Acting

  8. 2013
    Rush

    Awards Presenter • Acting

Douglas Reith - Aperture