James Wilby (born 20 February 1958) is an English actor, known for Maurice (1987), Gosford Park (2001), Howards End (1992), and A Handful of Dust (1988). James Wilby (born 20 February 1958) is an English actor, known for Maurice (1987), Gosford Park (2001), Howards End (1992), and A Handful of Dust (1988).