Charlie Heaton, the English actor who has made a name for himself on both sides of the Atlantic, first gained attention in his home country before breaking out internationally. Born in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, Charlie Heaton moved to London during his mid-teens to live with his father—a move that would eventually set the stage for his artistic journey. In London, he became part of the indie rock scene, joining the band Comanechi and contributing to their second album, You Don’t Owe Me Nothing But Love, released in 2013.
After spending over a year touring with the group, Charlie Heaton decided to step away in search of more stable opportunities. Taking advice from his sister, he signed with a talent agency specializing in background roles and extras—an unexpected but pivotal turn in his career. This decision opened doors, and by 2015, Charlie Heaton had graduated to featured roles, making his television debut on the UK crime series DCI Banks (ITV, 2010–). That same year marked his film debut in Urban & the Shed Crew, a gritty drama based on Bernard Hare’s acclaimed novel, where he starred alongside Richard Armitage and Anna Friel.
Though his early work was primarily in British television—including appearances on long-running series like Vera (ITV, 2011–) and Casualty (BBC One, 1998–)—Charlie Heaton set his sights on broader horizons. He relocated to Los Angeles to explore opportunities in American TV and film. His transition was swift; he quickly secured representation and landed roles in two notable 2016 releases: the coming-of-age indie drama As You Are and the psychological thriller Shut In, starring Naomi Watts.
But it was also in 2016 that Charlie Heaton truly broke through, earning a series regular role on Netflix’s hit sci-fi drama Stranger Things. Portraying Jonathan Byers, the protective older brother of a boy who vanishes under eerie circumstances, Charlie Heaton brought depth and quiet intensity to the character, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. From his roots in Yorkshire to stages in London and screens across the U.S., Charlie Heaton’s journey reflects a blend of raw talent, perseverance, and well-timed reinvention.
Charlie Heaton has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, but one of his standout performances came in The Souvenir Part II (2021), which is widely regarded as his highest-rated movie. On the other hand, his role in Shut In (2016) received much less acclaim and is considered his lowest-rated film to date. While Charlie Heaton continues to take on diverse roles, these two films represent the peaks and valleys of his cinematic journey so far.