Douglas Reith

Douglas Reith is a British actor and teacher, best known for his role as Lord Merton in the television series Downton Abbey (2010-2015) and its two follow-up films. Born in Melton, Suffolk, he studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. Reith's acting career began in the late 1970s, with notable early appearances in International Velvet (1978) alongside Tatum O'Neal and Christopher Plummer. Prior to his acting career, Reith worked as an announcer and presenter at BBC Radio 3. He also spent several years teaching, including at Westminster School. Reith joined the cast of Downton Abbey in 2012 and received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.