Joseph Michael Cole Bio
Joseph Michael Cole (born 28 November 1988) is an English actor with a body of work spanning stage, television and film. He is known for his portrayals of Luke in Skins, John Shelby in Peaky Blinders and Billy Moore in A Prayer Before Dawn, and he has earned major British industry recognition for his work.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Michael Cole was born on 28 November 1988 in Kingston upon Thames, London, and grew up as the oldest of five boys. He attended Hollyfield Secondary School in Surbiton, where he spent his formative years before pursuing formal drama training.
Cole trained at the National Youth Theatre, an institution that has supported his early development as a performer and provided a pathway into professional stage and screen work. His family includes his younger brother Finn Cole, who is also an actor and appeared alongside him in Peaky Blinders.
Path to Celebrity
Cole’s early exposure to acting came through school and community theatre, and his acceptance into the National Youth Theatre opened doors to professional opportunities. He appeared in one-night West End performances and took roles in television dramas as he transitioned from training to paid work.
He worked on stage at venues including the Bush Theatre where he appeared in productions produced as part of the theatre’s School Season. In addition to acting, he collaborated on comedy writing in the 2010s, working with established performers and writers during his early career development.
Joseph Michael Cole Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Cole’s credited professional years begin in 2010, when he appeared in television series and one-off stage projects that showcased his range. Early television appearances included roles on established British series, which provided screen experience and helped him build casting relationships.
During this period he also worked in theatre and took on supporting roles that allowed him to move between stage and screen. Those varied early credits established him as a working actor across mediums and set the stage for larger recurring parts.
Breakthrough (2013–2017)
Cole’s profile rose significantly after he joined the cast of Peaky Blinders in 2013 as John Shelby. The historical crime drama, set in post‑World War I Birmingham, reached wide audiences and became one of his most recognizable projects. His performance across the series contributed to his emergence as a prominent young British actor.
In film, Cole appeared in Secret in Their Eyes (2015), taking on supporting screen roles that broadened his filmography. He continued to expand his range with the lead performance of Billy Moore in A Prayer Before Dawn (2017), a physically and emotionally demanding role that earned industry accolades.
Also in 2017 he appeared in the Black Mirror episode “Hang the DJ,” a high-profile anthology entry that further increased his visibility with international viewers. That year marked a turning point in his career as he moved from supporting television roles into starring film roles and notable single-episode television appearances.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cole’s signature works include Skins, Peaky Blinders, A Prayer Before Dawn, the Black Mirror episode “Hang the DJ,” the crime drama Gangs of London and the film Against the Ice. His lead turn in A Prayer Before Dawn stands out as a milestone that demonstrated his ability to carry a feature film and to deliver intense, immersive performances.
Joseph Michael Cole Award Nominations
Cole’s career has attracted formal recognition from major British organizations. He received a BAFTA Awards nomination in 2018 for Best Actor, a high-profile nomination that acknowledged his rising status within television and film circles.
Joseph Michael Cole Awards Won
Cole won Best Actor at the 2018 British Independent Film Awards for his performance as Billy Moore in A Prayer Before Dawn. The BIFA win highlighted his work in independent cinema and cemented his reputation as a critically respected screen actor.
Family
Joseph Michael Cole is the eldest of five brothers and his family background is rooted in Kingston upon Thames where he grew up. His younger brother Finn Cole is a professional actor who has worked with him on screen, most notably in Peaky Blinders.