David Rizzio — Mary Queen of Scots Character Profile

About David Rizzio

Mary’s private secretary who is discovered in bed with Lord Darnley. Despite Mary sparing his life after a rebellion, political rumors link him to the queen’s unborn son, leading to his eventual murder instigated by Darnley.

Character Facts

Played by

Ismael Cruz Cordova

Appears in

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Role

Supporting

Relationships (4)

• David Rizzio — Professional Employer — Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan)

  Queen and her trusted private secretary.

• David Rizzio — Conflict Perpetrator — Lord Darnley (Jack Lowden)

  Darnley participates in the assassination of Rizzio.

• David Rizzio — Conflict Accuser — John Knox (David Tennant)

  Knox uses Rizzio's alleged paternity to attack Mary's legitimacy.

• David Rizzio — Alliance Co-conspirator — Earl of Lennox (Brendan Coyle)

  Lennox weaponizes Rizzio's name in political sabotage.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Mary Queen of Scots

More characters from Mary Queen of Scots

• Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan)
• Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie)
• Lord Darnley (Jack Lowden)
• John Knox (David Tennant)
• Earl of Lennox (Brendan Coyle)
• William Cecil (Guy Pearce)
• Lord Maitland (Ian Hart)
• Thomas Andrews (Richard Cant)
• Mary Fleming (Maria Dragus)
• Robert Beale (Simon Russell Beale)
• Bull (John Ramm)
• Bess of Hardwick (Gemma Chan)