Daniel David

Best known as the snide British butler, Niles, on TV's "The Nanny," Daniel Davis first discovered his passion for acting as a child, inspired by the countless films that screened at the movie theater his parents owned. He was especially interested in Tyrone Power's work. Davis landed his first role at age 11 on a local broadcast of "Betty's Little Rascals." After high school, he studied at the Arkansas Arts Center before working with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and the American Conservatory. In 1974, he made his way onto television on an episode of "Great Performances," a program that showcased exceptional works from theater for TV audiences. In 1980, he became a series regular on the Southern-set drama "Texas," a spin-off of "Another World" that proved to be short-lived. Davis worked on a variety of projects over the years, from the action-packed "The A-Team," to the science-fiction adventure "Star Trek: The Next Generation," to the Fran Drescher sitcom "The Nanny." He was not only becoming a regular face on television but also building a sturdy reputation in theatre. In 2000, his work in the Broadway production of "Wrong Mountain" earned him a Tony nomination. His acclaim earned him more Broadway roles and even a part in renowned film director Christopher Nolan's fantasy thriller "The Prestige" in 2006. Notably, the Southern-born American is most often heralded for his flawless English accent.