Alex Lawther is a British stage and film actor. He gained fame for his role in the third season of "Black Mirror", playing the young Alan Turing in the biographical film "The Imitation Game", and for his roles in "X+Y", "Departure", and "Goodbye Christopher Robin".
British actor Alex Lawther
Early Life and Youth
Alex was born on May 4, 1995, in the small British town of Petersfield. Lawther's parents are lawyers, his older brother Cameron is a film producer, and his elder sister Ellie works in public policy. He later described his upbringing as a "middle-class white bubble".
Alex Lawther (right) with his brother during childhood
From an early age, Alex was drawn to the stage and acting. According to Lawther, he partly chose his career path because of his brother and sister.
They didn't want to play with me because I was too young. I had to create my own games.
In 2009, a 14-year-old Lawther wrote and staged a play in a drama club at a private school in Hampshire where he was studying at the time. Despite Alex's evident interest in theater, his parents insisted that he enroll in the history department at King's College London, but their plans were not meant to be.
Acting Career
In 2010, Lawther made his first appearance on a film set, acting in the short film "The Fear" (dir. Casper Logan), which his brother also worked on. At 16, Alex participated in his first professional theater production, a new play titled "South Downs" at the Chichester Theater.
60 Seconds with Alex Lawther
That experience dramatically shifted Lawther's life plans. The play was a tremendous success and soon transferred from the small town to a theater in London's West End. Not long after, Lawther received a nomination for a WhatsOnStage Award in the "Best Newcomer" category and signed with a film agent.
In 2013, Lawther landed a role in the documentary about British composer and pianist "Benjamin Britten: Peace and Conflict", where the young actor portrayed the renowned musician.
Alex Lawther in the film 'Benjamin Britten: Peace and Conflict'
Following that, he took on roles in the comedy "X+Y" alongside Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, and Sally Hawkins, and in the less successful drama "Virtuoso" by Alan Ball.
Alex Lawther in the movie 'X+Y'
In 2014, the world took notice of Lawther following the release of the biographical film "The Imitation Game" about British wartime cryptographer Alan Turing. In the film, Lawther portrayed the scientist in his younger years. Filming the highly popular and critically acclaimed movie introduced Alex to actors like Benedict Cumberbatch (who played the adult Turing), Keira Knightley (who played his wife), Charles Dance, and Matthew Goode.
Alex Lawther in the movie 'The Imitation Game'
After the premiere of "The Imitation Game", Lawther was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. However, film opportunities took priority: he was cast in Andrew Steggall's drama "Departure", which was released in May 2016, and he left his studies. "A part of me constantly wonders if I made the right choice. On the other hand, I feel like I learn so much on set," Lawther shared.
Alan Turing's early life scenes in The Imitation Game
Soon after, Lawther appeared in the third episode of the third season of the anthology series "Black Mirror" (episode "Shut Up and Dance"). He portrayed a timid teenager blackmailed by unknown hackers using a compromising video, forcing him to break the law. He shared the screen with Jerome Flynn, known for his role as Bronn in "Game of Thrones".
Alex Lawther in 'Black Mirror'
Furthermore, Lawther played the lead role in the mini-series "The End of the F***ing World", based on Charles Forsman's comics. He took on the character of 17-year-old "psychopath" James, who dreams of escalating from killing animals to humans. He falls for his capricious classmate Alyssa (Jessica Barden), and she draws him into the search for her father, who left their family years ago. The show received rave reviews and had a sequel in 2019.
Alex Lawther and Jessica Barden in 'The End of the F***ing World'
2017 was particularly fruitful for Lawther. He starred in the successful comedy by British director and actress Trudie Styler, "Freak Show", the mini-series "Howards End", British comedian Simon Amstell's debut film "Carnage: Swallowing the Past", the story about the creator of Winnie the Pooh, "Goodbye Christopher Robin", and the horror "Ghost Story", which released in March 2018.
The End of The F***ing World season two interview
One of Lawther's significant roles was in the thriller "The Translators" (2019). After that, he collaborated with Ridley Scott ("The Last Duel") and Wes Anderson ("The French Dispatch"). Both films were released in 2021.
Alex Lawther in 'The Last Duel'
Alex Lawther's Personal Life
Lawther has never commented on his relationship. Moreover, the actor doesn't have any social media accounts. "They don't really interest me. Besides, I already spend too much time on my phone, mostly for work reasons," he says.
Alex Lawther prefers to keep his personal life private
Lawther loves kayaking and often paddles through Camden Lock in London. He spends a significant portion of his earnings on books, theater tickets, and movies.
Getting to know Alex Lawther
Alex's idol is actor Ben Whishaw ("Perfume: The Story of a Murderer", "Cloud Atlas", "Spectre", among others), with whom Lawther is often compared.
Alex Lawther Now
In 2021, Lawther worked on the series "Andor", a spin-off of "Star Wars". He played a supporting role as a rebel from Aldan.
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In July 2023, it was announced that Alex Lawther would join the cast of the series "Alien", which will be part of the "Alien" franchise. He will have one of the leading roles.
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Margaret Stevenson
I look forward to seeing the movie «Les traducteurs», very promising
2021-05-16 13:19:55
Mary Adkins
With Alex Lawther, I only watched «Black Mirror», it`s cool, I like it. And the series is so generally cool!
2021-04-24 11:44:02
Ryan Jose Hill
I didn`t expect such a young guy to show such expression and real game as in the TV series «The End of the F *** ing World»
2021-04-24 10:00:41
Leo Grant
«The Imitation Game» is a great movie. The idea itself is cool and the actors are cool. Lawther distinguished himself there
2021-03-24 13:36:44
Virginia Curry
Well, damn it, Alex Lowther isn`t even cute. I will not watch any films with him...
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Margaret Stevenson
2021-05-16 13:19:55
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Mary Adkins
2021-04-24 11:44:02
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Ryan Jose Hill
2021-04-24 10:00:41
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Leo Grant
2021-03-24 13:36:44
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Virginia Curry
2021-01-26 09:37:03
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