Spruell's television work begins in the early 2000s with a role in the drama series P.O.W. Guest roles follow in series such as Spooks, The Ghost Squad, Rosemary and Thyme, the renowned British Silent Witness, and Holby Blue. Notably, he quickly gets cast for somewhat uncomfortable types: men with an edge, often just a bit too quiet or a bit too intense.
At the end of the 2000s, Spruell appears in the miniseries City of Vice. The period drama scores well, and Spruell proves to be a suitable figure for historical settings like 18th-century London. Appearances in Ashes to Ashes, The Fixer, and Foyle's War follow before he also plays a guest role in the much-acclaimed Luther. The British series with Idris Elba scores remarkably well during those years. The Runaway is another series Spruell associates his name with, this time more towards the crime genre.
In addition to his roles in series, Spruell also works in numerous films. In the early 2010s, he has roles in The Hurt Locker, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Taken 3. On the small screen, we have to settle for a guest role in Eternal Law and the miniseries Mayday (2013), a fantasy story featuring Aidan Gillen, who later became world-famous with Game of Thrones.
After a small role in Catastrophe, Spruell ventures into the promised land of series: America, although he had done so earlier in films. He accepts a role in The Last Ship. The science fiction series eventually runs for five seasons. Spruell is seen in a handful of episodes, but his international debut can be considered successful in that regard.
Another American series brings Spruell back to the past. The Bastard Executioner, set in the 14th century, only lasts for a short season. The reviews are – rightly – not all that flattering. In the following period, we see the British actor in guest roles in series like I Am..., Liar, Small Axe, and The North Water.
In 2021, he secures a role in a British hit. Doctor Who (2005) casts him as Swarm. Certainly not the biggest role, but one of great prestige for a British actor.
Two years later, it's Fargo's turn. Spruell plays Ole Munch — a character that, among all the eccentricities Fargo has produced, still manages to stand out. An impressive achievement.
Spruell also proves his worth in The Gold. The series, a realistic crime drama around the Brink’s-Mat robbery, doesn't have the biggest role for the Brit, but it is a role with an important function. His character Charlie Miller sets many things in motion.
Spruell is also connected to a few episodes of Dune: Prophecy but then returns to a role in a setting that suits him. Historical fiction this time, following colleague Aidan Gillen. Spruell plays Prince Maekar Targaryen in the new Game of Thrones spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.
Within the Game of Thrones universe, moral ambiguity and menace are daily fare — precisely where Spruell's face fits seamlessly. His face never reveals what his character truly thinks and feels. Later this year, Dear England will also follow, a miniseries about Gareth Southgate's reign as coach of the English national football team. Two series that will undoubtedly score points. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight has already kicked off and is available on HBO. Enjoy the first half of 2026 with Sam Spruell!
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