Paul Copley

Paul Mackriell Copley (born 25 November 1944) is an English actor known for his roles in various films and TV shows. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Mr. Mason, father of William Mason, in the popular series Downton Abbey from 2011 to 2015. More recently, Copley appeared in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street as Arthur Medwin from 2020 to 2021. Born in Denby Dale, West Riding of Yorkshire, Copley grew up in a family involved in amateur dramatic productions. He studied Drama at the Northern Counties College of Education in Newcastle upon Tyne and began his acting career with the Leeds Playhouse Theatre-in-education Company in 1971. Copley's notable role includes the male lead character in the BBC series Days of Hope in 1975.