John Barrowman is a charismatic performer who initially captured attention through his dynamic presence on the musical stage. As an actor and occasional singer, he built a solid reputation with a series of acclaimed theatrical performances both in London and on Broadway. His talent earned him a loyal following long before he became a household name on British television.
Known for his unforgettable portrayal of Captain Jack Harkness, Barrowman brought a unique flair to the character, first on Doctor Who (BBC1, 1963–89; 2005– ) and later in the spin-off series Torchwood (BBC, 2006–11). Before this television breakthrough, he had already enjoyed a rich and varied stage career. Among his most notable roles were Billy Crocker in a celebrated revival of Anything Goes (1989), Raoul in a West End production of The Phantom of the Opera, and Joe Gillis opposite Betty Buckley’s Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (1994).
Barrowman also ventured into television with a supporting role on the primetime soap Central Park West (CBS, 1995–96), playing the assistant district attorney from a prominent political family. Though the show didn’t last long, he soon found success again in the Stephen Sondheim revue Putting It Together (1998), where he delivered a standout performance.
He then took on the role of the prince-turned-monster in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1999), further showcasing his versatility. Around this time, he returned to television with a brief stint on Titan (NBC, 2000–01). After a couple of largely unnoticed film roles, Barrowman landed the part that would change his career: Captain Jack Harkness.
His performance on Doctor Who quickly made him a fan favorite, and the resulting popularity led to the creation of Torchwood, a spin-off that received widespread critical acclaim. The success of both shows brought Barrowman to the attention of Hollywood, eventually leading to his move back to the U.S. for Torchwood: The New World (Starz, 2011). This marked a new chapter in John Barrowman’s career, positioning him for even greater international recognition and stardom.
When it comes to John Barrowman’s film career, one standout in terms of critical reception is Zero Dark Thirty from 2012—it’s widely regarded as John Barrowman’s highest rated movie. The film received strong reviews overall and definitely marks a high point in his acting journey. On the flip side, fans and critics alike often point to Shark Attack 3: Megalodon, released back in 2002, as John Barrowman’s lowest rated film. While it’s gained something of a cult following over the years for its over-the-top scenes, it didn’t fare well with reviewers at the time. So, if you’re exploring John Barrowman’s work, these two titles really show the range—from intense drama to so-bad-it’s-good territory.