History of Josh O'Connor in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 12, 2026

Josh O'Connor is an English actor known for his role as Larry Durrell in ITV's *The Durrells* (2016-2019). His breakthrough came with his lead role in the romantic drama *God's Own Country* (2017), where he played a closeted sheep farmer, earning him the BIFA Award for Best Actor. He is mainly known for his work in TV and film in the UK.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1924: Setting of 'Mothering Sunday'

In 1924, the film 'Mothering Sunday', starring Josh O'Connor, is set, exploring class divides and postwar survivor's guilt.

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1944: Reference to 'Dangling Man' by Saul Bellow

In 1944, Saul Bellow published 'Dangling Man', a novel referenced by Peter Morgan to persuade Josh O'Connor to audition for the role of Prince Charles in 'The Crown'.

May 1990: Joshua O'Connor's Birth

In May 1990, Joshua Mathias O'Connor was born, marking the beginning of his life and future career as an actor.

2011: Graduation from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

In 2011, Josh O'Connor graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and subsequently moved to London. During his third year, he signed with an agent.

2012: First Television and Film Appearances

In 2012, Josh O'Connor made his first appearances on television as Charlie Stephenson in 'Lewis' and in film as a zombie in 'The Eschatrilogy: Book of the Dead'.

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2013: Multiple TV Appearances

In 2013, Josh O'Connor appeared in 'Doctor Who' as Piotr, 'The Magnificent Eleven' as Andy, 'Law & Order: UK' as Rob Fellows, 'The Wiper Times' as Dodd, and 'London Irish' as James.

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2013: First Professional Play: Farragut North

In 2013, Josh O'Connor was cast as Ben Fowles in his first professional play, 'Farragut North' by Beau Willimon, at the Southwark Playhouse. His performance was well-received.

2014: Role in Peter Gill's Versailles

In 2014, Josh O'Connor played Hugh, a young returning soldier, in Peter Gill's play 'Versailles' at the Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden, London.

2014: Roles in 'Hide and Seek', 'Peaky Blinders', 'Ripper Street', and 'The Riot Club'

In 2014, Josh O'Connor played Max in 'Hide and Seek', James in 'Peaky Blinders', PC Bobby Grace in 'Ripper Street', and Ed in 'The Riot Club'.

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2015: Roles in 'Father Brown', 'Cinderella', 'Holding on for a Good Time', 'Bridgend' and 'The Program'

In 2015, Josh O'Connor played Leo Beresford in 'Father Brown', a palace guard in 'Cinderella', Charlie in 'Holding on for a Good Time', Rich in 'The Program', and starred opposite Hannah Murray in 'Bridgend'.

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2016: Major role in 'The Durrells'

In 2016, Josh O'Connor secured a major role as Larry Durrell in ITV's 'The Durrells', which he would continue to play until 2019.

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2016: Roles in 'Florence Foster Jenkins' and 'Best Man', Start of 'The Durrells'

In 2016, Josh O'Connor took over the role of Donaghy in 'Florence Foster Jenkins', starred as Donald in the short film 'Best Man', and began playing Lawrence 'Larry' Durrell in the ITV comedy-drama 'The Durrells'.

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2017: Breakthrough Role in 'God's Own Country'

In 2017, Josh O'Connor achieved a breakthrough with his lead role in Francis Lee's 'God's Own Country'. He won the BIFA Award for Best Actor for his performance in the romantic drama.

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2017: Starring in 'God's Own Country'

In 2017, Josh O'Connor starred as Johnny Saxby in 'God's Own Country', directed by Francis Lee. He won a British Independent Film Award for Best Actor for his performance.

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2018: Roles in 'Boys on film 18: Heroes' and 'Only You'

In 2018, Josh O'Connor starred as Peter in 'Boys on film 18: Heroes' and alongside Laia Costa in 'Only You'.

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2019: Portrayal of Prince Charles in 'The Crown'

In 2019, Josh O'Connor began portraying Charles, Prince of Wales, in Season 3 of the Netflix historical drama 'The Crown'.

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2019: End of Role in 'The Durrells'

In 2019, Josh O'Connor finished playing the role of Lawrence 'Larry' Durrell in the ITV comedy-drama 'The Durrells'.

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2019: Roles in 'Les Misérables' and 'Hope Gap'

In 2019, Josh O'Connor portrayed Marius Pontmercy in the British television adaptation of 'Les Misérables' and starred as Jamie in 'Hope Gap'.

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2019: Campaigning for Jeremy Corbyn

In 2019, Josh O'Connor supported the Labour Party and campaigned for Jeremy Corbyn in the general election.

2019: End of 'The Durrells' role

In 2019, Josh O'Connor's run as Larry Durrell in ITV's 'The Durrells' concluded.

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January 2020: Visit to Stars Appeal with Olivia Colman

In January 2020, Josh O'Connor and Olivia Colman visited the Stars Appeal, a charity aimed at enhancing patient experience at the Salisbury District Hospital.

May 2020: Digital Release of 'Hope Gap'

In May 2020, 'Hope Gap', starring Josh O'Connor, was released digitally after a limited theatrical run.

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December 2020: Support for War Child UK's Torn From Home appeal

In December 2020, Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin offered their company for tea as part of a series of prize draws in support of War Child UK's Torn From Home appeal.

2020: Views on the Monarchy

In 2020, Josh O'Connor shared his views on the monarchy, expressing respect for Queen Elizabeth II and Charles.

2020: Starring in 'Emma' and continued role in 'The Crown'

In 2020, Josh O'Connor starred in the period drama 'Emma' and continued his portrayal of Prince Charles in the Netflix series 'The Crown'.

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2020: BAFTA Nomination and SAG Award for 'The Crown'

In 2020, Josh O'Connor was nominated for a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'The Crown', and the cast won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

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March 2021: Starring in Loewe's Eye/Loewe/Nature campaign

In March 2021, Josh O'Connor starred in Loewe's campaign for the Eye/Loewe/Nature collection, which pledged 15 euros of every sale to Fundación Global Nature.

2021: Roles in 'Emma', 'Romeo and Juliet', and 'Mothering Sunday'

In 2021, Josh O'Connor played Mr. Elton in 'Emma', Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet', and Paul Sheringham in 'Mothering Sunday'.

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2023: Relocation to Gloucestershire

In 2023, Josh O'Connor relocated to Gloucestershire, buying a house near Stroud, after living in Shoreditch and briefly in New York.

2023: Starring in 'La Chimera'

In 2023, Josh O'Connor starred in the crime drama 'La chimera'.

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2023: Premiere of 'Lee'

In 2023, the film 'Lee', starring Josh O'Connor and Kate Winslet, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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November 2024: Casting in 'Disclosure Day'

In November 2024, it was announced that Josh O'Connor had joined the cast of 'Disclosure Day', directed by Steven Spielberg, set to be released in the summer of 2026.

2024: Release of 'Challengers'

In 2024, 'Challengers', starring Josh O'Connor, Zendaya, and Mike Faist, was released after being postponed due to the writers' and actors' strike.

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September 2025: Release of 'The History of Sound'

In September 2025, 'The History of Sound', starring Josh O'Connor and Paul Mescal, was released in the United States.

September 2025: Signing of Open Pledge with Film Workers for Palestine

In September 2025, Josh O'Connor signed an open pledge with Film Workers for Palestine, committing not to work with Israeli film institutions implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.