Born in Highgate, London, and raised in South Ockendon, Essex, Phil Davis was the son of a Procter & Gamble soap factory worker and a hospital dining room supervisor. From the tender age of eight, Davis harboured a passion for acting.

Despite facing academic challenges after failing his eleven-plus exam, he found solace and inspiration in school plays during his time at Ockendon Courts County Secondary School. His early involvement with the National Youth Theatre and Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop further cemented his dedication to the craft.

His initial breakthrough came through theatre and television with Barrie Keeffe’s Gotcha (1976), first staged at the Bush Theatre, in which he portrayed a disillusioned 16-year-old schoolboy holding teachers hostage on his final day of term. The play transferred to television as a BBC Play for Today in 1977, earning widespread critical acclaim. His first major film role was as Chalky in Quadrophenia (1979); co-star Daniel Day-Lewis later rated Davis as one of his greatest inspirations.

He is married to actress Eve Matheson, best known for her role in May to December, and has a daughter named Amy Elisabeth. He also has a son from a previous relationship. Davis continues to work prolifically across film, television, theatre, and narration.