Joe Dempsie, the British actor who captured hearts with his portrayal of the oddly charming party enthusiast Chris in the groundbreaking teen series Skins (E4 2007–2013), has since evolved into a versatile performer across both television and film. Born in Liverpool in 1987, Joe Dempsie began shaping his craft early on at the Central Junior Television Workshop in Nottingham. His screen debut came at just thirteen years old in the popular medical drama Peak Practice (ITV1 1993–2002), marking the start of what would become a steady climb through British television.
Before landing his breakout role, Joe Dempsie appeared in a handful of notable projects, including the bittersweet road movie Heartlands (2002) and the rehab-centered comedy One For The Road (2003). He also made brief but memorable appearances in Sweet Medicine (ITV1 2003) and the nostalgic BBC1 series Born & Bred (2002–05). But it was his casting as Chris Miles — a character brimming with vulnerability beneath reckless behavior — in the first two seasons of Skins that truly launched Joe Dempsie into the spotlight. Widely regarded as one of the show’s most complex and tragic figures, Chris resonated deeply with audiences, cementing Joe Dempsie’s place in a generation-defining series.
After leaving Skins, Joe Dempsie quickly transitioned into more mature roles. He guest-starred in iconic British shows like Doctor Who (BBC1 1963– ), playing soldier Cline, and returned to the fantasy world as William, an old friend of the title character in Merlin (BBC1 2008–2012). Around the same time, Joe Dempsie took on real-life sports history by portraying Leeds United striker Duncan McKenzie in The Damned United (2009), a biopic centered on Brian Clough. Then, in 2010, he stepped into the raw, emotionally charged world of Shane Meadows’ This Is England ‘86 (Channel 4 2010), delivering a standout performance as Higgy, a dim-witted yet loyal moped gang member.
That same year, Joe Dempsie earned his first leading role in the indie film Edge (2010), where he played one of six troubled individuals seeking redemption at a remote seaside hotel. He also appeared in the gritty crime thriller Blitz (2011), starring alongside Jason Statham as PC Theo Nelson. As his career gained momentum, Joe Dempsie continued to impress with dramatic depth, particularly in the BAFTA-winning supernatural series The Fades (BBC3 2011), where he played the menacing cult leader John.
Further showcasing his range, Joe Dempsie delivered powerful performances in hard-hitting dramas directed by industry heavyweights. In Jimmy McGovern’s Accused (BBC1 2012), he portrayed a threatening gang affiliate, earning critical praise for his intensity. Then, in Birger Larsen’s Murder: Joint Enterprise (BBC2 2012), Joe Dempsie took on the role of an ex-soldier accused of murder — a performance that underscored his growing reputation for tackling morally complex characters.
Perhaps one of the most defining chapters in Joe Dempsie’s career began with his recurring appearance in HBO’s global phenomenon Game of Thrones (2011– ). Playing Gendry, the illegitimate son of King Robert Baratheon and a skilled blacksmith, Joe Dempsie brought quiet strength and authenticity to the role. Initially appearing in the show’s early seasons, he was promoted to a series regular in Season 3, further solidifying his presence in one of the most talked-about series of the decade.
Not one to rest on success, Joe Dempsie soon immersed himself in another emotionally intense project — Southcliffe (Channel 4 2013), a harrowing drama about trauma and loss in a small English town. As Chris Cooper, a soldier returning from Afghanistan whose violent outbursts trigger a local tragedy, Joe Dempsie delivered a haunting and nuanced performance that lingered long after the credits rolled.
Expanding his reach into genre filmmaking, Joe Dempsie starred as Frankie in Monsters: Dark Continent (2014), the sequel to Gareth Edwards’ low-budget hit. He then returned to period drama with a role in New Worlds (Channel 4 2014), a 1680s-set epic where he played Ned Hawkins, adding yet another layer to his already diverse body of work.
Throughout his career, Joe Dempsie has consistently demonstrated a rare ability to shift between genres and tones with ease — from teen drama to wartime thrillers, fantasy epics to intimate character studies. Whether playing flawed youths, tormented soldiers, or brooding antiheroes, Joe Dempsie brings a grounded humanity to every role, making him one of Britain’s most quietly compelling actors.
Well, when it comes to Joe Dempsie’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments. If we’re talking about his highest rated movie, that would have to be Been So Long from 2018—a film that really showcased Joe Dempsie’s range as an actor and earned quite a bit of praise. On the flip side, not every project hits the same high notes, and unfortunately, Joe Dempsie’s lowest rated film tends to be Monsters: Dark Continent, which came out back in 2014. While Joe Dempsie brought his usual dedication to the role, the movie itself didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Still, it’s all part of the journey, and Joe Dempsie continues to be a compelling presence on screen.