Josh O’Connor born Cheltenham 1990 is the last of these medals, an actor who has unexpectedly become one of the great white hopes of international cinema. Having graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School back in 2011, he’s spent the last decade polling his craft. Over the years he’s successfully created an all encompassing career in theater, television and film productions. O’Connor’s transformation from a local performer to an internationally acclaimed actor is a testament to his range and dedication to his art.
Variety O’Connor exploded on the scene with his arresting, charismatic performance as Johnny Saxby. His performance in the award-winning independent film “God’s Own Country” (2017) won him international acclaim. Audiences felt so intensely inspired by his performance that it shook the film industry, leading many to make comparisons to the performance that catapulted Heath Ledger to stardom. With this film’s success, he became one of the most bankable leading men. It gained him the British Independent Film Award for Best Actor.
Alec Secăreanu, who appeared with O’Connor in “God’s Own Country,” hailed the new actor as “brilliantly talented.”
“He was so dedicated to the character and to the story,” – Alec Secăreanu.
His recent endorsement of this policy by the industry insiders themselves is a testament to the respect in which he is held by his industry peers.
“the best actor I’ve ever worked with.”
O’Connor’s iconic role was the start of a historic career. In 2019, he broke through to even wider fame by being cast in Netflix’s widely popular series “The Crown,” where he plays Prince Charles. His performance as the royal figure was universally lauded. It made him the first person to win an Emmy Award and Golden Globe for the same role. Peter Morgan, the show’s creator, waxed lyrical about O’Connor’s take on the character.
These kinds of accolades have made O’Connor a darkhorse favorite for any high profile open roles in future projects. However, according to recent reports, he is the frontrunner for the most coveted role in show business: the next James Bond. This may be an even stronger signal of his increasing star power in Tinseltown.
“I was drawn to his sensitivity and the fact that he was complex but likable,” – Peter Morgan.
O’Connor’s future projects are a testament to the proof of his smart choices and dynamic versatility as an actor. He is set to lead the ensemble cast of Steven Spielberg’s highly-anticipated next blockbuster. This fall he’ll be reprising his acclaimed performance of the London stage in “Golden Boy” at the Almeida Theatre. He features in three major films slated for release between now and January: “Mastermind,” “The History of Sound,” and “Wake Up Dead Man.”
Throughout his career, O’Connor has worked with some of the industry’s greatest directors including Francis Lee, Kelly Reichardt, and Rian Johnson. From directors to co-stars, everyone has praised his ability to bring characters to life and make them real. Olivia Colman, an Oscar and Emmy winner in her own right, once described O’Connor as having majestic on-screen presence.
Colman’s sentiments echo a broader appreciation for O’Connor’s collaborative spirit and emotional depth. His performances are often characterized by a remarkable tenderness that resonates with audiences, making him a compelling figure in contemporary cinema.
“Fragility, sparkle, strength, doubt: It’s all there in a second. Every scene we had together became my favourite scene,” – Olivia Colman.
Colman’s sentiments echo a broader appreciation for O’Connor’s collaborative spirit and emotional depth. His performances are often characterized by a remarkable tenderness that resonates with audiences, making him a compelling figure in contemporary cinema.