Daniel Alan Mays was born on March 31, 1978, in England. He is the third of four boys, and his parents were an electrician and a bank cashier. Mays attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and later won a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
After graduating from RADA in 2000, Mays began his acting career with small roles in TV shows and films. One of his earliest notable roles was in the BBC drama "Rehab," where he played a young heroin addict released from prison and sent to rehab. For his performance, Mays won the Best Actor award at the Palmare-Reims Television Festival in 2003.
Mays has continued to work regularly, appearing in a variety of productions, including TV shows and films. He has starred in TV shows such as "Plus One," "Ashes to Ashes," and "Line of Duty," and has appeared in films like "Atonement," "The Bank Job," and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
In addition to his TV and film work, Mays has also had a successful stage career, starring in six productions at the Royal Court Theatre in London. He has worked with acclaimed directors and actors, including Mike Leigh, Antonia Bird, and Simon Stephens.
Mays has received numerous award nominations for his performances, including a BAFTA Television Award nomination for his role in "Line of Duty" series 3.
