Born in 1962 in Stafford, Morrisey had Irish parents but grew up in foster homes. He was a member of the Stoke Repertory Theatre, the Stoke Schools Theatre and the Stoke Original Theatre. He also performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and got a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which led to his entry into acting. After several roles in movies and television shows, Morrisey stepped into the spotlight when his role as Tony was well-received by the show's audience. After “Men Behaving Badly”, Morrisey went on to star in several more movies and television series, but was also constantly present in plays.
Neil Morrisey's flair for business is apparent in his string of successful investments in production, television advertising and properties. The actor owns the Cactus Media Group, his own production company, and along with his partner in business Matt Roberts, bought the Hurst Hotel, the New Three Mariners Pub and several other business properties. Expansion of the Hurst Hotel was delayed, resulting in Morrisey's ending his association with the project in 2008. He also used to be a part-owner of the pub Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn, from where he developed the Morrisey Fox real ale beer alongside chef Richard Fox.
Although Morrisey has given up his shares in Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn, his beer brewery is still in production, and he was able to come up with an ale called Palace Ale in 2011, a nod to his vocal support of the football club Crystal Palace. Morrisey continues to be a familiar face in actors-turned-businessmen circles.