He’s a talented actor, entertainer, artist, and performer who has made a name for himself across several popular series. You might recognize him as Max Hastings in the hit Netflix show A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder—a role that really put him on the map. Fans of historical drama would also know him from Amazon Prime’s My Lady Jane, where he brought the character of Lord Stan Dudley to life with charm and depth. And let’s not forget his compelling performance as Sandy Hammond in season seven of the long-running series Outlander, which further showcased his range as an actor.

But before all the fame and red carpets, life looked quite different for him. He actually worked a variety of jobs—ranging from retail to hospitality—and even managed a hotel at one point. It’s safe to say he’s truly earned every bit of his success. Born and raised in England, his journey from everyday jobs to starring roles is definitely inspiring. Yeah, he’s come a long way, and honestly, it’s exciting to see where this actor will go next.