You probably know him best as Reggie Jackson, the soul of Poplar, but Daniel Laurie’s career isn't just a one-hit wonder on a Sunday night period drama. Honestly, it’s a bit of a journey. If you’ve spent any time watching Call the Midwife, you’ve seen him bring a level of emotional depth to the screen that most actors spend decades trying to master.
He makes it look easy. It isn't.
Daniel was born in 1995 and has Down syndrome, a fact he’s handled with more grace than most people handle a bad hair day. He didn't have the easiest start in the industry, having to deal with some pretty nasty bullying in school before finding his feet in drama. But once he found acting at 17, there was no turning back.
✨ Don't miss: Why Homestead Rescue Is The Only Reality Show That Actually Matters Right Now
The Breakout: Call the Midwife and Beyond
Let’s get the big one out of the way. Reggie Jackson is basically the heart of Call the Midwife. Daniel joined the cast in 2017 during Series 6, and his introduction was a total tear-jerker. His character’s mother passes away from a heart attack, leaving Reggie alone until Fred and Violet Buckle step in.
What’s cool about Daniel's performance is how he avoids the typical "tragic" tropes. He’s funny. He’s stubborn. He has a life. In the show, Reggie works as a shopkeeper's assistant and has a long-term girlfriend named Jane. As of early 2026, he’s still a staple of the show, having appeared in Series 14 and slated for the upcoming Series 15.
Not Just a Period Drama Star
If you think he only does BBC dramas, you're missing out on some of his best work.
- Finding Alice (2021): Daniel played Zack in this ITV comedy-drama. It was a big deal because he was working alongside heavy hitters like Keeley Hawes and Joanna Lumley.
- Vera (2020): He showed up as Adam Beecher in the episode "The Escape Turn." It’s a gritty detective show, and he fit right into the atmospheric, slightly gloomy vibe of the series.
- Stella (2016): This was actually his big break. He played Jamie in the Sky One series created by Ruth Jones. It's a cult favorite for a reason, and Daniel’s comedic timing was already visible back then.
That Dark Tower Mystery
There’s often a bit of confusion about The Dark Tower. If you look at his credits, you’ll see the role of Sheemie (or Stanley Ruiz) pop up. Now, Sheemie is a fan-favorite character from Stephen King’s universe.
Here’s the thing: Daniel actually filmed this for the Amazon pilot version of The Dark Tower. It wasn't the Idris Elba movie from 2017. The pilot was intended to be a more faithful adaptation of the books, but Amazon ultimately passed on the series. It’s one of those "what could have been" moments in TV history. Those who have seen clips of the unaired pilot say Daniel was the perfect choice for the role.
🔗 Read more: Novelas de Gabriel Soto: El éxito detrás del galán que no descansa
A Legacy of Acting
It’s impossible to talk about Daniel Laurie movies and tv shows without mentioning his dad. He’s the son of the late Leslie Grantham.
Yeah, "Dirty Den" from EastEnders.
While their acting styles couldn't be more different—Den Watts was the ultimate soap villain—the talent clearly stayed in the family. Daniel has spoken about how he loves the atmosphere of Call the Midwife because it's a female-led set, which provided the supportive environment he needed after his earlier struggles with bullying.
Why He Matters Right Now
Daniel Laurie is part of a massive shift in how disability is portrayed on screen. We’re moving past "pity roles" and into characters with agency. Reggie Jackson isn't just "the kid with Down syndrome"; he’s a cousin, a boyfriend, a worker, and a friend.
He’s also been recognized by the industry, landing a Best Actor nomination at the TV Choice Awards. That’s not a "participation trophy." It’s a nod to the fact that he’s genuinely a great actor.
Where to Watch Him Next
If you want to catch up on his work, here is the quick checklist:
📖 Related: The Gorge Full Movie: Why This Skydance Action-Romance Is Polarizing Fans
- Call the Midwife: Seasons 6 through 15 (BBC/Netflix/PBS).
- Finding Alice: Season 1 (ITV/Acorn TV).
- Vera: Series 10, Episode 4 (ITV/BritBox).
- Stella: Series 5 and 6 (Sky/Hulu).
If you’re looking for a performance that feels authentic, start with his Vera episode. It’s a smaller role than Reggie, but it shows his range outside of the "cozy" world of Poplar. After that, dive into Finding Alice. It’s a bit more modern and shows he can handle the pace of a contemporary dramedy just as well as a 1960s period piece.