Griff Rhys Jones

About

Griff Rhys Jones is a witty and charismatic Welsh comedian, actor, presenter, and documentary maker, widely known for his sharp sense of humor and his contributions to British television.

Partnership with Mel Smith

Griff Rhys Jones first gained national recognition in 1984 when he partnered with Mel Smith on the popular comedy sketch series Alas Smith and Jones. The pair quickly became a comedic duo beloved by audiences, and their chemistry led to a series of successful projects, including the sci-fi comedy Morons from Outer Space (1985) and the 1989 film Wilt. Their collaboration was a staple of British comedy for several years.

In 2005, Smith and Jones reunited for a special Comic Relief sketch, which sparked a revival of their classic show with The Smith and Jones Sketchbook. Their final television appearance together was in 2012, with the memorable Head To Head routine as part of The One Griff Rhys-Jones special.

Beyond their television work, Rhys Jones and Smith co-founded Talkback in 1981, a production company responsible for creating numerous popular British comedy series such as Smack the Pony, Da Ali G Show, I’m Alan Partridge, and Big Train.

Documentary Work

Griff Rhys Jones has also made a name for himself as a presenter of engaging and insightful documentaries. One of his notable projects was Mountain, where he climbed 15 British peaks in 2006, showcasing both his physical and intellectual engagement with nature. The series aired on BBC One in 2007.

Another major project was Greatest Cities of the World, which aired on ITV in 2008. In this series, Rhys Jones visited major cities around the world, starting with London, New York, and Paris, before covering other iconic locations such as Rome, Sydney, and Hong Kong in the second series.

In 2015, Rhys Jones introduced the five-part documentary series Slow Train Through Africa for ITV. The series took viewers on a journey from Morocco to South Africa, exploring life on and off trains in various African countries including Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Three Men in a Boat

Since 2006, Rhys Jones has starred alongside Dara Ó Briain and Rory McGrath in the beloved BBC series Three Men in a Boat, where the trio embarks on various adventurous journeys. The series has included episodes where they row the River Thames, sail from London to the Isle of Wight, and even travel from Plymouth to the Isles of Scilly, trying their hands at numerous water-based activities.

TV Advertising

In addition to his television and documentary work, Rhys Jones appeared in TV adverts for the Vauxhall range of cars in 1999 and 2000, playing the role of a “boffin” in a series of memorable commercials.

Legacy

Griff Rhys Jones’ blend of humor, intelligence, and curiosity has made him a beloved figure in British television. His work spans from the comedy sketches of Alas Smith and Jones to exploring the world’s cities and landscapes in his documentaries. His multifaceted career continues to inspire audiences, whether through light-hearted comedy or thought-provoking travel documentaries.