Craig Fairbrass Biography: Meet The ‘Ghost’ Behind the Call of Duty Game Series

Not only Hollywood but the United Kingdom has become a breeding place for some exceptionally talented actors over the past few decades. Craig Fairbrass is one such actor who creates a performance that is powerful as he is visually striking. Whether portraying larger-than-life heroes or complex villains, Fairbrass is most suited for the East End Gangsters movies.

Today, this article about Craig Fairbrass biography will tell you about his journey from starring in independent movies, starring alongside Hollywood icons, to becoming one of the most iconic voices within the most successful video game franchise, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Some may see him as a typical hardman, but Fairbrass is an actor whose resume speaks volumes.

Having starred alongside some Hollywood icons, including Denzel Washington and Sylvester Stallone, Craig is known for starring in movies like Cliffhanger, Killing Time, The Great Dome Robbery, House of the Rising Sun, Villian, and TV shows like London’s Burning, EastEnders, and others. Fairbrass has been the leading man of the British film franchise Rise of the Footsoldier since 2007.

Early Life, Expel, and Entry Into Acting

Craig John Fairbrass was born on January 15, 1964, in London, England, to parents Jack Fairbrass and Maureen Fairbrass. His father worked as a stevedore, while his mother, Maureen, was a machinist dressmaker. Likewise, Craig grew up with his younger sister, Lindsey Fairbrass, in Stepney, the east end of London.

Growing up in the bustling city, Fairbrass developed an early fascination with the world of acting and performance. It was at Eaglesfield Boys Comprehensive School in Woolwich that Craig became fascinated with films and acting. Not a bright student, he struggled to excel in academics and later found an outlet in drama.

Craig Fairbrass Biography. Image Credit: Instagram.

At 15, Craig auditioned at the National Theatre Youth Company after being expelled from the school. Hoping to get more acting gigs, Fairbrass began searching for a talent agent to represent him. During these desperate times, he worked as an asphalt roofer’s laborer and a night doorman to support himself while securing acting roles.

Craig soon realized that to survive, he needed a second string to his bow if he was to pursue his dream as an actor, so he returned to roofing in the day and working on the doors of some of southeast London’s less desirable nightspots for the next five years until securing enough money to buy his own business, a sandwich bar in Woolwich market.

Fairbrass’ journey into acting took off in the early 1980s, when he made his first appearances on British television shows, showcasing his acting prowess and setting the stage for what was to come.

Craig Fairbrass Married Life And Net Worth

Craig Fairbrass’ wife, Elke Kellick, is a former glamour model. The couple has been married since 1987. They have two sons named Jack Fairbrass and Luke Fairbrass, both of whom work in the entertainment industry.

Jack is a producer, actor, and executive, while Luke is a producer who graduated from Royal Holloway with a degree in Economics. Do you know Craig Fairbrass’ son, Jack, served as the producer of the 2015 movie London Heist, starring his father in a lead role?

Having worked in over 50 movies and starring in numerous TV shows, Craig Fairbrass net worth is $8 million, as per some websites. Some of his movies have collected a staggering amount at the box office, some even collecting hundreds of millions.

ALSO READ: Josha Stradowski Biography: A Journey From Theatre To Success.

Rise To Prominence: Making Waves in The Movie Industry

From 1979 until the early 1980s, Fairbrass starred in minor roles, either in extras or in uncredited roles. As an actor, he appeared in the 1984 BBC TV series Big Deal, followed by BBC’s Tucker’s Luck. Craig made his feature film debut opposite Academy Award winner Denzel Washington as ‘Challoner’ in Working Title‘s powerful British thriller For Queen & Country in 1988.

The 1990s marked Fairbrass’ foray into the world of action films. His rugged looks and intense performances caught the attention of filmmakers and audiences alike. One of his notable early roles was in the 1993 movie Cliffhanger, where he held his own alongside Sylvester Stallone. This film proved to be a stepping stone, leading him to further action-packed roles.

In the years that followed, Fairbrass solidified his reputation as a versatile actor, portraying characters that ranged from tough and uncompromising to nuanced and complex. His work in films like White Noise in 2005 and The Bank Job in 2008 showcased his ability to portray characters with depth and authenticity.

Craig Fairbrass Biography. Image Credit: Instagram.

After his breakthrough in the entertainment industry, Fairbrass appeared in critically acclaimed TV shows like the award-winning London’s Burning in 1988 and the highly acclaimed Bafta/Emmy award-winning TV series Prime Suspect in 1991 and Prime Suspect 2 in 1992. In the show, he portrayed the role of detective ‘Frank Burkin’ opposite Helen Mirren.

In 2007, Fairbrass gave one of his most powerful performances to date, that of true-life gangster Pat Tate in Rise of the Footsoldier. In 2011, he appeared alongside Dave Bautista in the U.S action thriller House of The Rising Sun.

Craig Fairbrass Biography. Image Credit: Instagram.

As an executive producer and writer, Fairbrass has worked in movies, Breakdown, London Heist, and Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story. For London Heist, he won the Best Actor Award for his role as ‘Jack Cregan’ at the 2016 Marbella International Film Festival.

In 2019, Craig starred in the psychological thriller Muscle, and in 2020, he appeared in the British action movie Villian. Likewise, he won the Outstanding Performance Award at the 2022 National Film Awards for his portrayal of ‘Steve Mackelson’ in A Violent Man. In 2023, he joined the list of Netflix’s Epic fantasy adventure TV series, One Piece, in the role of ‘Chef Zeff.’

Similarly, you might want to read Jami Gertz‘s Biography.

The Iconic Voice Behind Call Of Duty

Craig Fairbrass’ contribution to the Call of Duty franchise extended beyond a single game. He reprised his role as ‘Gaz’ in subsequent titles, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2009 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in 2011. Gaz’s character became a touchstone for fans, a representation of Fairbrass’ ability to infuse authenticity and emotion into virtual worlds. The original voice behind Simon “Ghost” Riley is none other than the intimidating Craig Fairbrass.

Craig Fairbrass’ voice is characterized by its gravitas and authority and has become synonymous with some of the franchise’s most iconic characters. His ability to infuse depth and authenticity into virtual personas made ‘Gaz’ not just a character but a relatable and memorable figure. With a voice that resonates like deep notes of authenticity and a visage that reflects rugged determination, he transcends the screen, captivating audiences in both film and gaming realms.

While Fairbrass’ on-screen performances were captivating, it was his voice that truly set him apart. With a deep and resonant tone that exudes authority, he found a new avenue for his talent – voice acting in video games.

Legacy and Impact

Craig Fairbrass’ legacy is one of multifaceted talent and unwavering dedication. His ability to seamlessly transition from gritty action films to immersive video game narratives speaks to his versatility as a performer. His voice, recognized by millions, remains etched in the minds of gamers and film enthusiasts alike.

In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, Craig Fairbrass has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. From the silver screen to virtual battlefields, Craig Fairbrass biography has been one of audacity and artistry. As fans eagerly anticipate his future projects, one thing remains certain: Craig Fairbrass’ voice will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.