Owain Rhys Davies tribute

We are heartbroken to hear of the death of our graduate Owain Rhys Davies. 

Owain graduated from our Acting course in 2003 and had a successful career on both stage and screen. 

Among his TV and film credits are Twin Peaks, The OA, My Dead Ex and A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life. His theatrical work includes West End productions Mamma Mia, By Jeeves! and The Wizard of Oz, as well as A Funny Thing Happened... at the Royal National Theatre, and the UK and Ireland tour of The Lion King.  

Catherine Jones studied with Owain at LIPA, although their friendship pre-dates their time here having grown up and attended Gorseinon College together, studying BTEC Performing Arts before both being accepted onto the Acting course at LIPA.  Catherine wrote this tribute to her friend. 

Owain Rhys Davies 

"The letter O followed by the word Wine. That’s how you say my name."

Owain was a very proud Welshman. You always knew Owain was in the room. He bounded into his first term at LIPA and instantly became one of the most colourful characters in the class of 2003 famous for his backflips, his Tom Jones karaoke, acerbic wit and natural ability to build friendships across year groups and courses. He was our kind, funny, loyal, annoying, talented, generous brother. 

Every class with him at LIPA was pure joy and it was always hard to take things seriously whenever he was around. Owain’s signature backflips were an instant crowd pleaser. It even became a running joke that he would try and get them into every production. Okay for Guys & Dolls, less so for Measure for Measure. 

He started his career before his time at LIPA had even finished, landing a role in Mamma Mia. Then onto the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, London Palladium, Tours over Europe and the UK, then working abroad in LA, New York, Cape Cod, Austria, South Africa. He did countless voiceovers, television and film including the role of Agent Wilson in Twin Peaks. He had so much more to give. 

He was a ball of light and fun and I’m sending love to all who knew him. 

I hope his family take some comfort in seeing the wave of memories and love people had for him - I know I have. Owain would have wanted us to mourn deep and hard. Well babes, we are. Nos da Cariad, ta-ra, ta-ra, ta-ra. 

By Catherine Jones 

Our thoughts are with Owain’s family and friends.