Born: November 28, 1988
Hometown: Kingston-upon-Thames, London, England
Height: 5′ 11″ (1.80 m)
Joe Cole is an accomplished English actor recognized for his versatile performances and dedication to his craft. Born in Kingston-upon-Thames, London, Joe is the eldest of five siblings, including his younger brother and fellow actor, Finn Cole. Growing up in a bustling household of boys, Joe’s early life was a mix of camaraderie and competition.
Early Life and Training
Joe’s journey into acting began with his enrollment at the National Youth Theatre, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for performance. Before stepping into the spotlight, he worked various jobs, including selling carpets and coffee. Joe has openly shared that he faced challenges during his youth, including brushes with the law, which shaped his perspective and resilience.
Career Beginnings
Joe’s acting career started with guest roles in British television. In 2010, he appeared in the police procedural series The Bill and the medical drama Holby City. These early roles gave him valuable experience and paved the way for more significant opportunities.
Breakthrough: Peaky Blinders
Joe Cole’s breakthrough came in 2013 when he was cast as John Shelby in the critically acclaimed series Peaky Blinders. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, the series follows the exploits of the Peaky Blinders gang. Joe’s portrayal of John Shelby, a loyal and fierce gang leader, earned him widespread recognition. His natural reddish-blonde hair was dyed dark brown for the role, adding to his transformation into the character.
Filmography Highlights
Joe has demonstrated remarkable range across various projects. Here are some notable highlights from his career:
- Peaky Blinders (2013–2017) – John Shelby
- Black Mirror: Hang the DJ (2017) – Frank
- A Prayer Before Dawn (2017) – Billy Moore
- Gangs of London (2020) – Sean Wallace
- Against the Ice (2022) – Iver Iversen
In addition to his television work, Joe has also appeared in films that showcase his ability to embody intense and complex characters.
Personal Life
Joe resides in Brixton, South London, where he leads a grounded life surrounded by close friends, many of whom he describes as “plumbers.” He values authenticity in his roles and draws inspiration from real-life settings and experiences. Joe is also known for his tattoo reading “Jacquest” on his forearm, a personal touch that reflects his individuality.
Philosophy and Future Goals
Joe approaches acting with a unique method, often starting with the character’s accent and mood, which he believes shapes the performance. He has expressed a strong desire to create his own film or television projects in the future, emphasizing his drive for productivity and creativity even during downtime.
Trivia
- Joe’s natural hair color is reddish-blonde.
- He credits his upbringing and early challenges for grounding his perspective.
- In a 2018 Rolling Stone interview, Joe revealed his colorful pre-acting jobs and life experiences.
Joe Cole continues to impress audiences with his talent, dedication, and drive, solidifying his place as one of Britain’s most promising actors.