Josh O’Connor is a British actor born in Cheltenham, England in 1990, who achieved international recognition through his Emmy Award-winning portrayal of Prince Charles in Netflix’s “The Crown” (2019-2020). Following his training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, O’Connor gained critical acclaim for his breakthrough role in “God’s Own Country” (2017), earning a British Independent Film Award for Best Actor. His career spans television series including “The Durrells” and various film projects, establishing his reputation for versatile character work that continues to expand across multiple entertainment mediums.
While many actors spend decades pursuing recognition, Josh O’Connor achieved international acclaim within a relatively brief career span, establishing himself as one of Britain’s most distinguished performers of his generation. Born in Cheltenham, England, in 1990, O’Connor grew up in an intellectually stimulating household where his father worked as an English teacher and his mother served as a midwife, influences that would later inform his thoughtful approach to character development.
O’Connor’s formal training began at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he focused on theatre and performance arts before moving to screen work. His educational background in classical acting techniques provided the foundation for his subsequent success, as he graduated and made his on-screen debut within a year of completing his studies.
His career commenced with television appearances, including an early role in the ITV series “Lewis,” which ran from 2006 to 2015. During this formative period, O’Connor accumulated experience through various projects, appearing in low-budget films such as “The Eschatrilogy: Book of the Dead” in 2013, alongside minor roles in established series including “Doctor Who,” “Law and Order: UK,” and “London Irish.”
His portrayal of Private Dodd in BBC Two‘s “The Wipers Times” in 2013 demonstrated his capability in period productions, leading to subsequent casting in acclaimed dramas “Peaky Blinders” and “Ripper Street.” He appeared in The Magnificent Eleven in 2013, which added to his growing filmography during this period.
O’Connor’s breakthrough arrived with his performance as Johnny Saxby in the 2017 film “God’s Own Country,” a role that showcased his emotional depth and earned him the British Independent Film Award for Best Actor. Simultaneously, his portrayal of Larry Durrell in ITV’s “The Durrells” from 2016 to 2019 solidified his reputation for nuanced character work and comedic timing. The role of Lawrence in The Durrells marked a significant recurring presence in his television career during this period.
The pinnacle of O’Connor’s recognition came through his acclaimed performance as Charles, Prince of Wales, in Netflix’s “The Crown” during 2019 and 2020. This role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, along with a Golden Globe Award and three BAFTA nominations, establishing his international profile.
Following his success in “The Crown,” O’Connor continued expanding his filmography with roles in projects such as “Emma” in 2020, while maintaining his commitment to stage work.
Critics consistently praise his versatility and emotional range, particularly his ability to portray both historical figures and fictional characters with equal authenticity. His rapid ascent from theatre school graduate to award-winning performer reflects his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
