Joseph Michael Cole Bio
Joseph Michael Cole (born 28 November 1988) is an English actor known for his roles as Luke in Skins and John Shelby in Peaky Blinders. Born in Kingston upon Thames, London, England, he studied at Hollyfield Secondary School in Surbiton before training at the National Youth Theatre. Cole has appeared in films including Secret in Their Eyes (2015), A Prayer Before Dawn (2017), and in Black Mirror’s Hang the DJ (2017), as well as television series such as Gangs of London and Against the Ice. He is the brother of actor Finn Cole and has built a diverse career across stage, television, and film.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Michael Cole was born on 28 November 1988 in Kingston upon Thames, London, England. He grew up as the oldest of five brothers in his hometown. His younger brother is actor Finn Cole, who would later appear alongside him in Peaky Blinders.
Cole attended Hollyfield Secondary School in Surbiton. During his teenage years, he developed an interest in acting and pursued training at the National Youth Theatre, which would become the foundation for his professional career in the entertainment industry.
Path to Actor
Cole’s journey into acting began when he was accepted into the National Youth Theatre. This training provided him with the skills and opportunities to pursue professional roles in the entertainment industry. He obtained his first roles in a one-night show in London’s West End, as well as appearances on television programmes including The Bill and Holby City.
He then transitioned to stage work, performing at the Bush Theatre’s sell-out School Season. This combination of television and stage experience helped develop his craft and prepared him for larger roles in the industry.
Joseph Michael Cole Career
Early Career (2010s)
Cole’s acting career gained momentum in the early 2010s with appearances in various television and film projects. He appeared in the film Secret in Their Eyes in 2015, starring alongside notable cast members. During this period, he also continued to work in television while building his reputation as a versatile performer capable of handling both screen and stage roles.
His early career also included work in comedy, as he co-wrote a comedy series with Matt Lucas in the 2010s, demonstrating his interest in expanding beyond acting into creative writing and development.
Breakthrough (2013–2019)
Cole achieved significant breakthrough recognition with his role as Luke in the British television series Skins, which aired from 2007 and became a cultural phenomenon among young audiences in the United Kingdom. This role established him as a promising talent in the British acting scene and opened doors to more prominent opportunities.
From 2013 to 2019, Cole starred as John Shelby in the acclaimed historical crime drama series Peaky Blinders. His portrayal of the complex and conflicted character earned him widespread critical acclaim and helped establish the series as a global hit. Peaky Blinders became one of the most popular British dramas of its generation, further cementing Cole’s reputation as a skilled dramatic actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cole starred in the Black Mirror episode Hang the DJ in 2017, part of the acclaimed anthology series created by Charlie Brooker. That same year, he delivered a career-defining performance as Billy Moore in A Prayer Before Dawn. For his portrayal of the British boxer imprisoned in Thailand, Cole underwent intensive preparation, learning Muay Thai and training for months to authentically portray his character’s journey. His commitment to the role was widely praised, and he received the Best Actor award at the 2018 British Independent Film Awards for his performance.
Following his success in Peaky Blinders and A Prayer Before Dawn, Cole continued to build his career with roles including Sean Wallace in Gangs of London and Iver Iversen in Against the Ice (2022). These diverse roles demonstrated his range across different genres and formats.
Joseph Michael Cole Award Nominations
Cole has received notable recognition for his performances throughout his career. In 2018, he was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his role as John Shelby in Peaky Blinders. This nomination reflected the significant impact of his performance in one of Britain’s most acclaimed television dramas.
Joseph Michael Cole Awards Won
Cole has earned prestigious recognition for his work in independent film. In 2018, he won the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards for his performance in A Prayer Before Dawn. His win at this awards ceremony highlighted his ability to deliver powerful performances in challenging and demanding roles.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| British Independent Film Awards – Best Actor (A Prayer Before Dawn) | 1 | 2018 |
Joseph Michael Cole Family
Cole is the older brother of actor Finn Cole. The siblings share a professional connection in the entertainment industry, with both having established careers as actors. Finn Cole also appeared alongside him in Peaky Blinders, where they portrayed brothers on screen.
Personal Life
Details about Cole’s personal life remain largely private. Information regarding his relationships or family life beyond his professional collaboration with his brother Finn is not publicly available.