Joe Alwyn Bio
Joseph Matthew Alwyn (born 21 February 1991) is an English actor. Alwyn made his feature film debut as the titular character in Ang Lee’s 2016 war drama Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and has since played roles in films such as The Favourite (2018), Boy Erased (2018), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), Harriet (2019), Catherine Called Birdy (2022), and The Brutalist (2024), as well as the BBC and Hulu drama series Conversations with Friends (2022).
Early Life and Background
Joseph Matthew Alwyn was born on 21 February 1991 in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. Raised in North London, Alwyn developed an interest in acting during his teenage years. He acted in student productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and obtained BA degrees in English literature and drama from the University of Bristol in 2012, and acting from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2015. Alwyn is the great-grandson of composer William Alwyn. Alwyn was privately educated at the City of London School. He briefly took guitar lessons and was part of a school band called Anger Management. Although an introverted child, Alwyn knew he wanted to be an actor. He auditioned for a small role in Love Actually but was not cast. In his late teens, he joined the National Youth Theatre, where he began to hone his craft.
Path to Hollywood
In early 2015, Alwyn was cast in the lead role of Ang Lee’s war drama film, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, which is an adaptation of the novel by Ben Fountain. Lee selected Alwyn for his ability to convey the film’s themes through subtle expressions. Critics praised Alwyn’s performance, describing it as naturalistic and marking it as his breakout role. Following this, he appeared in several films in 2018, including The Favourite, where he played British nobleman Samuel Masham, and Boy Erased, a biographical drama based on the memoir by Garrard Conley.
Joe Alwyn Career
Early Career (2015-2017)
Alwyn’s first notable work was in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, which debuted in 2016. His performance garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for his future roles. He won the Trophée Chopard at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, solidifying his status as a rising star in the industry.
Breakthrough (2018-2019)
Alwyn’s breakthrough came with his roles in multiple films released in 2018. In The Favourite, he showcased his comedic talent alongside a stellar cast, earning the film ten Academy Award nominations. He also portrayed Robert Dudley in Mary Queen of Scots and appeared in Boy Erased, further establishing his versatility as an actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Alwyn is known for his signature role in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and his performances in The Favourite and Boy Erased. He won a Grammy Award for his contributions to Taylor Swift’s album Folklore, which won Album of the Year at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Joe Alwyn Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joe Alwyn has received several nominations, including the Trophée Chopard at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting his talent and potential in the film industry.
Joe Alwyn Awards Won
Joe Alwyn won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his work on Taylor Swift’s album Folklore in 2021, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Joe Alwyn Family
Joe Alwyn is in a relationship with American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, with whom he has been linked since 2016. The couple’s relationship has been subject to intense media scrutiny.
Personal Life
Alwyn keeps his personal life private, often avoiding the spotlight. He has expressed the challenges of navigating a public relationship and the impact of media attention on his personal life. Alwyn has also been involved in advocacy, using his platform to raise awareness for various causes, including support for the Palestinian cause and solidarity with the trans community.
