Emun Elliott: Biography, Ethnicity, Game of Thrones Role

You might have seen him in period dramas, sci-fi blockbusters, or a cult TV series with a twist. Emun Elliott is one of those Scottish actors you recognise the moment he appears, even if his name escapes you. Born in Edinburgh on 28 November 1983, Elliott has built a career spanning The Paradise, Prometheus, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This profile looks at his background, his most notable roles, and the questions fans still ask about him.

Born: 28 November 1983 ·
Place of Birth: Edinburgh, Scotland ·
Occupation: Actor ·
Known for: Paradox, Threesome, The Paradise

Six facts, one pattern: Elliott’s career crosses genres and formats, but the foundation is Scottish training and a steady stream of character work.

What is Emun Elliott’s ethnicity?

Emun Elliott is Scottish by nationality and was born in Edinburgh, Scotland (IMDb). His birth name, according to his IMDb biography, is Emun John Mohammadi, which hints at a mixed heritage. The French Wikipedia entry states that his father is Persian and his mother is Scottish (French Wikipedia). This would make him of half Persian, half Scottish descent. The Spanish Wikipedia adds that he attended George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh before studying English and French at the University of Aberdeen (Spanish Wikipedia).

The implication: Elliott’s ethnicity is a blend of Scottish and Persian roots, but the actor himself has not publicly emphasised it, keeping the focus on his work.

What made Emun Elliott famous?

Elliott broke through in British television with a string of roles that showed his range. He played Dr. Christian King in the BBC sci-fi drama Paradox (2009), Richie in the Channel 4 comedy-drama Threesome (2011–2013), and John Moray in the BBC period drama The Paradise (2012–2013) (Wikipedia). The Scotsman described his Paradise character as “ambitious and damaged” (The Scotsman).

His film credits include two major franchises: Prometheus (2012) and Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) (IMDb). He also appeared in the black comedy Filth (2013) alongside James McAvoy. Broadway Buzz notes that before screen success, he trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and performed in theatre productions including Black Watch and Red Velvet (Broadway Buzz).

The pattern: Elliott’s fame rests on a mix of cult TV series and high-profile film cameos – enough to be recognised, but not enough to become a household name.

Who did Emun Elliott play in Game of Thrones?

Elliott appeared in the first season of Game of Thrones as Marillion, a singer and bard who entertains at King’s Landing. According to IMDb, his character is a minor but memorable figure. TV Insider described Marillion as “a bard whose tongue is cut out” in the season one finale (TV Insider).

The role was brief – just three episodes – but it introduced Elliott to a global audience. Later seasons of the show would feature other Scottish actors, including Peter Dinklage: Net Worth, Diagnosis, Family & Career, who played Tyrion Lannister. Dinklage’s scenes with Marillion were among the early interactions that established the show’s brutal tone.

Why this matters: Elliott’s Game of Thrones role is a footnote in the series’ sprawling cast, but it remains one of the most searched topics about him – a testament to the show’s lasting grip on popular culture.

Who is Emun Elliott’s father?

Information about Emun Elliott’s father is not publicly available in the provided sources. The French Wikipedia entry mentions that his father is Persian, but does not give a name or further details (French Wikipedia). Spanish Wikipedia notes that he left the University of Aberdeen after one year to train at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, but again no father’s name (Spanish Wikipedia).

This is a gap that fans often ask about, but the actor has kept his family life private. No interviews in the research notes mention his father, and his IMDb biography only lists his birth name as Emun John Mohammadi (IMDb Biography).

The trade-off: Fans want personal details, but Elliott’s choice to keep his father out of the public eye is a deliberate boundary that many actors draw.

How tall is Emun Elliott?

Emun Elliott’s height is not listed in any of the top search results or verified sources. Neither IMDb, Wikipedia, nor Broadway Buzz include a height measurement (IMDb, Wikipedia, Broadway Buzz). This is not unusual for character actors who do not have a physical stature that is part of their public brand.

For comparison, fellow Scottish actor Marc Warren: Actor, Biography, and Latest News (2025) is listed at 5’10” in some sources, but Elliott’s height remains unconfirmed. Without an official measurement, any number circulating online is speculation.

The takeaway: The absence of height data is a minor curiosity, but it underscores how little personal trivia is available for an actor who prefers to let his work speak.

Key quotes from the press

John Moray is ambitious and damaged.

— The Scotsman, describing his The Paradise character

Marillion is a bard whose tongue is cut out.

— TV Insider, on his Game of Thrones role

Summary

Emun Elliott has built a career on solid character work, from Scottish theatre to BBC period dramas and Hollywood blockbusters. The puzzle pieces are all there: a strong training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a handful of cult TV roles, and two of the biggest film franchises in history. Yet he remains a supporting player, not a leading man. For fans of British television, the choice is clear: follow his filmography for reliable, scene-stealing performances, or wait for the one role that finally puts his name above the title.

Frequently asked questions