Ben Jago Christopher Eccleston John Othello's mentor and best friend In Shakespeare: Iago, a villain ['ancient' or standard-bearer, and third in command to Othello]. British actor Christopher Eccleston, originally from Manchester, England, trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. His filmography includes roles in The Others, Gone in Sixty Seconds and Elizabeth in which he played the Duke of Norfolk opposite Cate Blanchett in the title role.