A tribute to the personalities who shaped the chaos around Sharpe, carried half the battles on their shoulders and delivered some of the finest line readings in British television.
I grew up hearing these voices echo across living rooms, and the actors behind them deserve as much credit as the characters themselves. Below is a polished, web ready guide to the supporting cast who turned the series into something that still feels alive.
Patrick Harper (Daragh O’Malley)
Harper arrives swinging attitude and loyalty in equal measure, and Daragh O’Malley gives him that perfect balance of warmth and threat. His chemistry with Sean Bean pretty much powers the series. The Nock gun helps, but Harper’s real weapon is pure presence.
Rifleman Daniel Hagman (John Tams)
John Tams plays Hagman with a quiet confidence that feels almost mythical. He has the soul of a storyteller, which makes sense given Tams’ background in music. Hagman’s dry humour lands beautifully, and every time he lines up a shot you just know it will hit.
Rifleman Harris (Jason Salkey)
Jason Salkey gives Harris his bookish mischief and unfazed wit. Harris is the one quoting philosophy while loading his rifle, and somehow Salkey makes it totally believable. His scenes add levity without ever breaking the tone.
Major Frederickson (Philip Glenister)
Before Life on Mars made him a household name, Philip Glenister delivered one of the strongest supporting performances in Sharpe. His Frederickson is sharp, grumpy and brilliant. Watching him bounce off Sharpe is one of the show’s great joys.
Colonel Hogan (Brian Cox)
Brian Cox brings charm, intelligence and a slightly roguish glint to Hogan. Every time he appears, you feel like the plot suddenly has a grown up steering it. His scenes with Sharpe have an almost conspiratorial warmth, and he steals plenty of episodes with a single raised eyebrow.
Teresa Moreno (Assumpta Serna)
Assumpta Serna gives Teresa a fierce dignity that makes her one of the show’s standout figures. She is proud, independent and refuses to be overshadowed by Sharpe. Their relationship feels grounded because Serna keeps Teresa’s strength front and centre.
The Duke of Wellington (Hugh Fraser)
Hugh Fraser brings a wonderfully clipped, calculating energy to Wellington. He plays him like a man who is permanently three steps ahead yet quietly frustrated that everyone else is only on step one. His strategic coldness contrasts sharply with Sharpe’s blunt style, which makes their scenes quietly brilliant.
Obadiah Hakeswill (Pete Postlethwaite)
Pete Postlethwaite gives one of the most unsettling performances in the whole series. Hakeswill is unpredictable, twitchy and genuinely frightening at times. Postlethwaite builds a villain who is memorable without tipping into cartoon territory, which is exactly why fans still talk about him.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Sharpe succeeds because its world never revolves around just one man. These actors turn the Peninsular War into a place filled with clashing personalities, competing loyalties and friendships forged under fire. They give the series the texture that keeps fans returning long after they know every battle by heart.
