Ben Miller’s Forgotten Crime Comedy The Actors Is Now Streaming Free in the UK
Ben Miller’s early 2000s Irish crime comedy The Actors—featuring Michael Caine and Dylan Moran—is streaming free on Channel 4. Read why it’s worth revisiting now!
Introduction
Before Ben Miller became a household name through Death in Paradise, he had already dipped into film roles that many viewers may have forgotten. One of those is The Actors, a 2003 Irish crime comedy that has quietly reappeared on Channel 4’s free streaming service in the UK. The movie blends dark humor, a con-gone-wrong storyline, and a cast that includes Michael Caine, Dylan Moran, and the late Sir Michael Gambon.
The timing of this rediscovery is interesting. Streaming platforms are digging up older cult titles, and with renewed interest in Miller thanks to Death in Paradise reruns on BritBox and BBC iPlayer, it’s no surprise fans are curious. This piece looks at what The Actors is about, why it matters now, and how forgotten titles like this resurface in the age of digital media.
What Is The Actors About?
Released in 2003, The Actors is an Irish crime caper written and directed by Conor McPherson. At its core, it follows two struggling performers—Anthony O’Malley (Michael Caine) and Tom Quirk (Dylan Moran)—as they stumble into a scam.
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The scheme: Anthony, a washed-up actor facing eviction, ropes Tom into pretending to be a violent debt collector. Their target is Barreller (Michael Gambon), a retired criminal with money to spare.
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The twist: Things don’t go smoothly. The duo relies on Tom’s nine-year-old niece Mary (Abigail Iversen) for help, but their ridiculous plan keeps falling apart.
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Ben Miller’s role: Miller plays Clive, a supporting character, at a time when his career was still emerging before his breakout in Death in Paradise (2011–2014).
While critics at the time gave mixed reviews, the movie holds cult status for its oddball humor and the unusual combination of acting legends and Irish comedy talent.
Ben Miller Before Death in Paradise
Most fans today associate Ben Miller with Detective Richard Poole, the uptight British inspector in Death in Paradise’s first three seasons. But his career started much earlier, with comedy partnerships and supporting film roles like this one.
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Early career: Miller rose to fame in the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, which later became a BBC sketch show.
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Film appearances: Alongside The Actors, he appeared in Johnny English (2003) and smaller TV dramas throughout the 2000s.
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Why it matters: Looking back at The Actors shows how Miller transitioned from minor comedic roles to a globally recognized detective figure on BBC One.
It’s easy to forget these stepping stones when most people only remember his Saint Marie days.
Why Forgotten Films Resurface on Streaming Platforms
The Actors streaming on Channel 4 right now isn’t a coincidence. Older titles often resurface when streaming services see a chance to attract niche audiences.
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Nostalgia effect: Viewers want to rewatch hidden gems from the early 2000s.
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Celebrity recognition: With Michael Caine, Dylan Moran, and Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) in the cast, the film has renewed interest.
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Ben Miller factor: His ongoing connection to Death in Paradise gives streaming services a hook to promote the title.
We’ve seen similar rediscoveries recently with period dramas like A Room With a View (also now on Channel 4), proving there’s a strong appetite for revisiting films that otherwise sat forgotten.
Critical Reception Then and Now
When The Actors premiered, reviews were lukewarm. Many critics found the story messy, though they acknowledged Caine’s and Moran’s performances had charm.
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Original reception (2003): RTÉ called it an “Irish crime caper” but admitted it lacked structure.
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Legacy now: With Gambon’s passing in 2023 and renewed love for Caine’s long career, the film has gained sentimental value.
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Modern take: Streaming viewers tend to appreciate it more as a quirky, flawed comedy rather than a polished crime movie.
This shift is common. Films dismissed on release often find a second life years later, especially when cultural context changes.
Where to Watch The Actors Today
Right now, UK viewers can stream The Actors on Channel 4’s free platform, but only for a limited time.
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Availability: The film will remain on Channel 4 until October 11, 2025.
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Other options: DVD copies exist, but they’re rare. It’s not currently listed on Netflix or Amazon Prime in the UK.
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International access: Outside the UK, the film may appear on regional services, though rights vary.
This limited streaming window is part of why fans are buzzing—once it leaves Channel 4, it may not appear again soon.
The Wider Trend of Rediscovering Actors’ Forgotten Roles
Ben Miller isn’t the only Death in Paradise star with surprising early work.
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Kris Marshall (DI Humphrey Goodman): Before the show, he was best known for Love Actually.
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Ardal O’Hanlon (DI Jack Mooney): He starred in Father Ted in the 1990s.
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Sara Martins (Camille Bordey): Had a career in French cinema before joining the BBC hit.
Rediscovering these roles shows how long-running TV stars often build careers through a patchwork of smaller, forgotten projects before their breakthrough.
FAQs
1. Is The Actors connected to Death in Paradise?
No. The two are unrelated. The Actors was released in 2003, years before Ben Miller’s role as Richard Poole. The connection is mainly fan curiosity about Miller’s earlier work.
2. Why is The Actors considered a forgotten film?
It underperformed on release and never became a mainstream hit. However, its cast—including Michael Caine, Dylan Moran, and Ben Miller—makes it an interesting watch today.
3. Can I stream The Actors outside the UK?
Currently, it’s only available on Channel 4 in the UK. International viewers may need to look for DVD copies or check regional streaming platforms.
4. What role does Ben Miller play in The Actors?
He plays Clive, a supporting character. While it’s not a leading role, fans enjoy spotting him before his more famous Death in Paradise work.
5. Why do streaming platforms bring back old films like this?
Because nostalgia sells. Fans love seeing early roles of major actors, and streaming services can use that to boost viewership.
Conclusion
Ben Miller’s forgotten role in The Actors reminds us how careers are built piece by piece, often through films that slip under the radar. With Michael Caine, Dylan Moran, and Michael Gambon rounding out the cast, this 2003 Irish crime comedy is more than just a curiosity—it’s a snapshot of early 2000s filmmaking. Now that it’s streaming free on Channel 4 until October, fans of Death in Paradise and UK cinema history have the perfect chance to catch it. Don’t wait too long, because like many rediscovered titles, it may disappear again just as quickly.
