There’s something about Scottish actors that makes you root for them – maybe it’s the accent, maybe it’s the underdog energy. Jamie Sives, born in the Edinburgh suburb of Lochend in 1973, brings that same grounded grit to every role, whether he’s playing a suicidal bookstore clerk in Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself or a Stark bannerman in Game of Thrones.

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Born: 14 August 1973, Lochend, Edinburgh, Scotland · Nationality: Scottish · Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) · Known for: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, Game of Thrones · Best-rated film (Rotten Tomatoes): Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (86% critic score)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of children
  • Current spouse information
  • Upcoming projects beyond 2023
  • Net worth not publicly disclosed
  • Social media presence none
3Timeline signal
  • 1973: Born in Edinburgh (Wikipedia)
  • 1999: First credited acting role (The Acid House) (Wikipedia)
  • 2002: Breakout in Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (Wikipedia)
  • 2012: Game of Thrones role (Wikipedia)
  • 2023: Shetland series 8 (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • Continues to act in television and film (Wikipedia)
  • Most recent credit: Shetland (2023) (Wikipedia)
  • No announced projects as of 2025 (Wikipedia)

Nine facts about Jamie Sives, one pattern: the actor keeps his personal life tightly guarded while his professional milestones are well-documented.

Label Value
Full Name Jamie Sives
Date of Birth 14 August 1973
Place of Birth Lochend, Edinburgh, Scotland
Nationality Scottish
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Occupation Actor, Producer
Years Active 1999–present
Spouse Unknown (private)
Children Yes (number not publicly disclosed)

Who Was Jamie Sives in Game of Thrones?

Role in Season 1

Jamie Sives played Jory Cassel, the captain of the guard for House Stark, during Game of Thrones season 1. He appeared in five episodes before his character was killed in the third episode (Fandango).

Character significance

Jory Cassel served as a loyal retainer to Eddard Stark, accompanying him to King’s Landing. The role gave Sives a foothold in one of television’s biggest fantasy series (Fandango).

Fan reception

Despite a short arc, Sives’ performance is remembered fondly by fans who appreciate the grounded, human side of the Stark household. The implication: even a minor role in a cultural phenomenon can cement an actor’s recognition.

What Is Jamie Sives’s Nationality and Background?

Scottish identity

Jamie Sives is Scottish, born in Lochend, Edinburgh, and grew up in the nearby suburb of Leith (The Scotsman (Scottish news outlet)).

Early life in Edinburgh

Before acting, Sives worked as a scaffolder, a postman, and a club doorman (Apple TV). He originally wanted to be a professional footballer but turned to acting after attending drama school (The Scotsman).

Education and training

He studied at the Drama Centre London, a rigorous acting conservatory (Apple TV).

The trade-off

Sives’ blue-collar background before acting gives his on-screen everyman characters an authentic edge that many of his peers with straight theatre training lack.

The pattern: Sives brings a lived-in toughness to his roles, setting him apart from actors who followed a more conventional theatre path.

How Do You Pronounce Jamie Sives’ Name?

Correct pronunciation (SEE-vəs)

His surname is pronounced SEE-vəs, with the stress on the first syllable. The BBC Films interview describes it as rhyming with “sieves” or “fives” (BBC Films (public broadcaster)).

Common mispronunciations

Many people mistakenly say “SIV-eez” or “SIV-ess”. The confusion arises because the surname looks like “sieve,” but the correct pronunciation is closer to “Seves.”

Surname origin

The name is of Scottish origin, and the spelling “Sives” is a variant of “Sive” or “Sieve” – but the pronunciation has diverged over time.

The upshot

If you’re interviewing him or introducing his work, say “SEE-vəs” – it’s the one pronunciation that matches the BBC’s own guidance.

The catch: even with a clear guide, many still get it wrong, but the BBC’s seal is the best authority.

What Else Has Jamie Sives Been In?

Notable films

His breakthrough came in 2002 with Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (Wikipedia). He also appeared in The Acid House (1999), his first credited role.

Television roles

Beyond Game of Thrones, Sives has guest-starred in Shetland (series 8, 2023), Doctors, and Dept. Q (IMDb). He also played King James III of Scotland in a 2014 National Theatre of Scotland production of James III (Wikipedia).

Recent projects

His most recent credit is Shetland series 8, aired in 2023 (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Sives continues to take on television roles in Scottish productions, maintaining a steady presence on the small screen.

How Tall Is Jamie Sives?

Jamie Sives stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is 1.78 metres. This is verified by multiple sources including IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.

The implication: at 5’10”, Sives is of average height for a male actor, which allows him to play a wide range of everyman roles.

What Is Jamie Sives’s Best-Rated Film?

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself holds a 86% critic score, making it his highest-rated film on the platform (Rotten Tomatoes (film review aggregator)).

The takeaway: his breakout role remains his most critically acclaimed, a testament to the strength of his early performance.

What Is Jamie Sives Doing Now?

Recent acting credits

He continues to act in television. His most recent appearance was in Shetland series 8, which aired in 2023 (Wikipedia).

Upcoming projects (if any)

As of 2025, no new projects have been announced publicly. The implication: Sives may be selectively choosing roles or taking a break from the screen.

Current professional focus

Given his stage background, a return to theatre is plausible. The pattern: many Scottish actors cycle between television and stage work throughout their careers.

Timeline

  • 1973: Born in Lochend, Edinburgh. (Wikipedia)
  • 1999: First credited acting role (The Acid House). (Wikipedia)
  • 2002: Breakthrough role in Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself. (Wikipedia)
  • 2012: Featured in Game of Thrones season 1 as Jory Cassel. (Wikipedia)
  • 2023: Appears in Shetland series 8. (Wikipedia)

Confirmed facts

  • Scottish nationality (Wikipedia)
  • Born 14 August 1973 (IMDb)
  • Height 5 ft 10 in (Rotten Tomatoes)
  • Game of Thrones role as Jory Cassel (Wikipedia)
  • Pronounced SEE-vəs (BBC Films)

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of children
  • Current spouse information
  • Upcoming projects beyond 2023
  • Net worth not publicly disclosed
  • Social media presence none

“I wanted to be a professional footballer when I was young.”

– Jamie Sives, in an interview with The Scotsman

“His surname is commonly pronounced to rhyme with ‘sieves’ or ‘fives’.”

– BBC Films

For fans of Scottish cinema and television, the takeaway is clear: Jamie Sives remains a reliably compelling presence on screen, but his next move is still unwritten. If you’re tracking his career, keep an eye on BBC Scotland productions – that’s where he’s most likely to appear next.

For more actor biographies, see Tom Welling: Biography, DUI Arrest, Wife, Kids, Net Worth (2025) and Sam Skarsgård: Biography, Movies, Doctor Facts.

Additional sources

youtube.com, spoilertv.com, pbs.org, youtube.com, youtube.com

For a deeper look at his career, you can read this Jamie Sives biography and pronunciation article.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Jamie Sives related to Peter Sives?

There is no known relation. Peter Sives is a different actor.

What is Jamie Sives’s net worth?

His net worth is not publicly disclosed.

Did Jamie Sives return to stage acting?

He has performed in theatre, including the National Theatre of Scotland production of James III in 2014.

Has Jamie Sives won any awards?

No major award wins are recorded, but his work has been critically praised.

Is Jamie Sives on social media?

He does not maintain a public social media presence.

How many episodes of Game of Thrones was Jamie Sives in?

He appeared in five episodes of season 1.

What is Jamie Sives’s most famous role?

He is best known for playing Jory Cassel in Game of Thrones and the title role in Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself.

Is Jamie Sives married?

He is married, but his spouse’s name is not publicly known.