**Star Wars Actor Mark Lewis Jones Reflects on Misconceptions of Welsh Identity at National Eisteddfod**
Celebrated Welsh actor Mark Lewis Jones, acclaimed for his roles in global franchises such as *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* and *Game of Thrones*, has spoken openly about his earlier misunderstandings regarding his Welsh identity as he takes on the role of President at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. As the iconic festival gets underway, Jones has offered heartfelt insight into what the event has come to symbolise for him, both personally and professionally.
Originating from Rhosllannerchrugog, a village only a short journey from this year’s festival site at Is-y-Coed, Jones returned to his roots in the north-east of Wales to deliver a speech reflective of his life’s journey. During his address, he acknowledged how, despite a proud upbringing in a tight-knit and resolutely Welsh community near the English border, he once felt oddly disconnected from the Eisteddfod.
“My grandfather, Jonathan Dafis, sang in the pavilion many times as a proud member of the Rhos Male Voice Choir,” Jones told attendees. “He even helped organise the Eisteddfod after moving to the area in 1945. Yet as a young man, I didn’t see it as relevant to me personally. It took some years—and many new experiences—to realise I’d been mistaken.”
Jones’ honest reflection highlights a paradox that resonates with many: being Welsh is complex and layered, particularly for those whose first language is English or who grow up near national borders. However, through time and involvement in the arts community, his connection with the Eisteddfod and its values deepened.
The actor also drew attention to his family’s ongoing link with the festival. His wife, Gwenno, runs a clothing boutique in Cardiff and has frequently exhibited at the Maes—the heart of all Eisteddfod action. “One of my fondest memories,” he recalled, “was meeting people at the Eisteddfod who had travelled from across Wales and beyond, united in celebration of our culture.” A proud father to four sons, Jones noted that his youngest, Jacob, is among those working on the festival grounds this year.
Reminiscing about his own somewhat unlikely journey into acting, Jones credited a formative moment at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham. “There was a teacher, Gwawr Mason, who—seemingly on a whim—asked me to take part in a school play. That simple invitation changed the entire trajectory of my life, compelling me towards acting when I had no background in it at home.” Nowadays, Jones stands as a figure recognised on some of the world’s greatest stages, including the Globe and Stratford’s Shakespeare Theatre, even though, as he noted humorously, “I’ve never set foot on the Eisteddfod stage until now.”
Growing up in a household where English was spoken and the arts were not part of daily life, Jones recalled the uncertainty his ambition brought. “My parents were hesitant but supportive, realising carpentry was probably beyond me after seeing me with a saw,” he joked. “Their encouragement was crucial, even if they were cautious—my brothers are both carpenters, but the path chosen for me was certainly a different one.”
After that pivotal school show, Jones nurtured his growing passion for drama by joining Clwyd Youth Theatre and later attending Cardiff’s College of Music and Drama. His career subsequently took him to Theatr Clwyd and onwards to London’s illustrious theatres. Yet, he was keen to stress the importance of gratitude, paying tribute to teacher Gwawr Mason, who passed away during lockdown. “No amount of thanks will ever truly honour what she gave to me.”
As the National Eisteddfod returns to Wrexham for the first time since 2011, the farmlands around Is-y-Coed have been transformed for a week long celebration of Welsh language, music, literature, and culture. With its famous 1,500-seat pavilion, numerous performance spaces, stalls and the historic Gorsedd circle, the Eisteddfod remains Europe’s largest cultural festival, committed to promoting and preserving the unique heritage of Wales.
Jones’ candid recollections and evolving perspective offer a moving example of how cultural identity can be questioned, rediscovered, and ultimately cherished. His words serve as a timely reminder that the Eisteddfod belongs to all, regardless of background or language, and continues to welcome new generations into the heart of Welsh culture.