Wingfield was born in Cardiff and grew up in the Grangetown community, a good student, initially educated at The Cathedral School, Llandaff he enjoyed athletics, music, outdoor activities, and drama. At the age of fifteen he was the Welsh National Trampoline champion. After his A-levels he entered Brasenose College, Oxford, and in 1982 began medical training at the prestigious St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. His time, however, was not devoted solely to medicine. In 1980 he spent his summer break at the National Youth Theatre of Wales where he discovered the sense of camaraderie and belonging that characterise truly outstanding acting troupes. His four-week stint with this youth theatre changed him in ways he didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but which were to have a lasting impact. He also worked during his college years at the Brasenose Little Theatre, both performing in, and producing, a variety of plays.
Wingfield began his formal acting training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, coincidentally located just across the street from St Bart’s Hospital in London. His training covered the range of an actor’s repertoire, including voice, movement, and the acting skills necessary to be successful in arenas ranging from radio to mime. Peter was chosen in 1990 to compete for the BBC’s Carleton Hobbs Award for radio, which he won.
In 1990, shortly after leaving drama school, he landed his first television acting part as a taxi driver in the film Antonia and Jane. The qualification that led to his selection for the part was that he knew how to drive.
Wingfield appeared regularly on British television, and starred in numerous productions. His last major role in British television was as Tom Kirby in the series Noah’s Ark in 1997. Portraying a vet in the series, Wingfield had to take medication to combat his animal allergies. One positive outcome of this short-lived series is that the constant exposure to animals has apparently reduced his allergic reactions.
A large international audience came to know him as Methos, the oldest living Immortal in Highlander: The Series. Since that series ended, Wingfield has appeared in numerous North American television productions for both Canadian and U.S. companies, including the portrayal of Dr Robert Helm on Fireworks Entertainment production's syndicated show Queen of Swords filmed at Texas Hollywood studios, Tabernas southern Spain home of the spaghetti western. A Canadian/Spanish/United Kingdom production. He reprised his role as Methos in Highlander: Endgame in 2000.
In addition to Antonia and Jane, Wingfield has appeared in the feature films X2: X-Men United, Highlander: Endgame (reprising the role of Methos), The Edge of Madness, Baby Geniuses 2, Catwoman and Uncovered. He also appeared on Stargate SG-1 as Tanith, and as Lach on Andromeda's fourth season episode The Others. Another notable appearance was in the TV movie Halloweentown 2: The Rise of Kalabar, where he played Alex. He also recently appeared in episodes of Caprica on the SyFy Channel.
While filming the fifth Highlander movie Highlander: The Source, Wingfield related his love for Methos:
“And I have to say, the first day of filming was unexpectedly emotional for me. As I put on the long black coat and drove to the set in the pre-dawn gloom, I could feel the presence of an old friend I have not seen for some years now. Really, in a very physical way, I could 'feel' him. And I was overwhelmed, possessed even, by the sense of him, tears welling up in my eyes as I formed the words in my head, over and over again, "Methos is alive."
Although officially retired as a Trampoline National Champion, Wingfield is still a focused athlete. He runs as often as his schedule allows, his most recent major run being the New York City ING Marathon in November, 2009, which he ran in support of UNICEF.
Wingfield played the recurring role of David Emerson on Season 7 of the Fox TV series 24, which premiered on 11 January 2009. He also played Dr. Watson on the science fiction series Sanctuary.
In 2010, Wingfield starred in the remake of Riverworld for the SyFy Channel, playing Sir Richard Francis Burton. He also played Dr. John Trousdale in the Syfy original film Stonehenge Apocalypse. He also had guest roles in Human Target and NCIS Los Angeles.
