Josh O’Connor is a British actor best known for portraying Prince Charles in Netflix’s historical drama The Crown and for his leading performance in the independent film God’s Own Country. Since entering the profession in the early 2010s, he has developed a career spanning British television, international cinema, and stage work. His progression reflects a transition from domestic television roles to globally distributed film and streaming projects, grounded in formal theatre training and character-focused storytelling.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Joshua Peter O’Connor
- Date of Birth: May 20, 1990
- Age: 35 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
- Nationality: British
- Profession: Actor
- Education: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- Years Active: 2012–present
- Height: Approx. 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Early Life & Education
Josh O’Connor was born on May 20, 1990, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. He grew up in an academically oriented household; his mother worked as a midwife and his father as a teacher. During his school years, he developed an interest in acting through drama classes and local productions.
He later enrolled at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, one of the United Kingdom’s most selective drama institutions. His training emphasized classical theatre, movement, voice control, and psychological realism. He graduated in 2011, entering the professional acting field shortly afterward.
Career Timeline & Development
O’Connor began his professional career with guest and supporting roles in British television, including crime dramas and period series. Between 2012 and 2016, he appeared in productions such as Doctor Who, Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders, and The Durrells, gaining experience across genres.
His career shifted significantly in 2017 with his first leading film role, marking a move from supporting television work to central roles in independent cinema. This transition positioned him within the international film festival circuit and led to further high-profile casting opportunities.
Breakthrough & Industry Impact
In 2017, O’Connor starred as Johnny Saxby in God’s Own Country, a British independent film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film received widespread critical attention, and his performance earned major acting awards. Following its release, O’Connor was increasingly considered for leading roles in international productions.
From 2019 to 2020, he portrayed Prince Charles in seasons three and four of Netflix’s The Crown. The role significantly expanded his global visibility, coinciding with the platform’s international reach. In 2021, he received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, becoming one of the youngest actors to win the category.
Film, Television & Stage Work
Following The Crown, O’Connor continued working across film and television, selecting projects that varied in scale and genre. His film roles include Emma. (2020), where he played Mr. Elton, and Challengers (2024), directed by Luca Guadagnino. He has also appeared in the BBC adaptation of Les Misérables.
Alongside screen work, O’Connor has remained active in theatre, performing in London stage productions. He has stated that theatre remains an important part of maintaining technical discipline and creative focus.
Acting Method & Creative Approach
O’Connor is known for extensive preparation and research for his roles. For God’s Own Country, he undertook practical farm work as part of his preparation. In interviews, he has described prioritizing physical context, emotional restraint, and internal motivation over overt expression.
Relationship Status
Josh O’Connor maintains a high level of privacy regarding his personal relationships. As of 2025, he has not publicly confirmed a current partner. Past media speculation has not been verified by him and remains unconfirmed.
Social Media Presence
Josh O’Connor does not maintain official public accounts on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, or other major social media platforms. He has stated in interviews that avoiding social media helps him protect his mental health and personal boundaries.
Net Worth
Josh O’Connor’s net worth is not publicly confirmed. Industry estimates generally place it in the low single-digit millions, reflecting earnings from television series, film roles, and ongoing professional work. No official figure has been disclosed.
Trivia & Facts
- He graduated from drama school one year before his first professional television role.
- He performed real agricultural labor while preparing for God’s Own Country.
- He initially hesitated to audition for The Crown, unsure he could approach the role authentically.
- He has openly discussed anxiety and mental health in interviews.
- He avoids social media and promotional overexposure.
FAQs
Who is Josh O’Connor?
A British actor known for The Crown and God’s Own Country.
How old is Josh O’Connor?
He is 35 years old.
Is Josh O’Connor on social media?
No, he does not have official public social media accounts.
Is Josh O’Connor in a relationship?
He has not publicly confirmed a relationship as of 2025.
What role made him internationally known?
His portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown.
Did Josh O’Connor win an Emmy?
Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
