Fabien Frankel bio, age, height, dating history, girlfriend, career path 2025

Biography of Fabien Frankel

Fabien Frankel's path to acting was shaped by tragedy: his father Mark Frankel was a rising star on British television in the 90s before his life was cut short in a car accident. Frankel learned about his father through his performances and stories from actor friends, eventually finding himself unable to imagine life without cinema.

After formal training, he made his film debut. In 2022, Fabien found himself among the actors involved in the series "House of the Dragon" - one of the most anticipated projects of the year.

Childhood and Family

Fabien Frankel was born on April 6, 1994, in London. His heritage reflects a fascinating mix of nationalities: beyond his French roots, he has Indian and Jewish ancestry.

Creativity ran in the Frankel family: Fabien's great-grandparents were a violinist and pianist. Fabien's father, Mark Frankel, chose the path of acting for himself. He appeared in films such as "Young Catherine," "A Place Nearby," and the television series "The Clan." In 1996, he died in a motorcycle accident. His wife Carolina Besson was pregnant with their second child at the time.

Fabien Frankel with his father in childhood

She had to raise her two sons, Fabien and his younger brother Max, on her own. Despite the tragedy, she kept creativity alive in their home and regularly took the boys to movies. It is not surprising that they showed an interest in acting from an early age. But their early school performances didn't go so well. "I was always given the worst role," Fabien lamented. Fabien was also rebellious and mischievous, which didn't endear him to his teachers.

Fabien Frankel with his younger brother Max

In 2013, Frankel graduated from school and enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which has produced such British stars as Alan Rickman and Tom Hiddleston. After completing a one-year course, he continued his education, this time at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He received a Bachelor's degree in Acting in 2017.

Acting Career

Frankel's debut in film was a small role in the 2019 romantic comedy "Last Christmas." The film starred Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, and "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke. Little did Frankel know while working alongside Clarke that he'd soon find himself part of Westeros's epic saga.

Fabien's next major project was the gripping 2021 series "The Serpent," produced for Netflix and BBC One. The series told the story of criminal Charles Sobhraj. Though Frankel didn't have a leading role, he got to work alongside Tahar Rahim, Billy Howle, and "Doctor Who" star Jenna Coleman.

Fabien Frankel in the series The Serpent

The mini-series received mixed reviews: while critics and audiences praised the performances, the convoluted plot left them disappointed. By then, Frankel had already auditioned for a role in the blockbuster series "House of the Dragon."

Personal Life of Fabien Frankel

Fabien isn't one to publicize his personal life. He rarely updates his social media and doesn't even tell fans about his upcoming premieres. He's also tight-lipped about his love life.

Nevertheless, in 2021, rumors surfaced about his romance with his co-star from "The Serpent," Jenna Coleman. They were spotted together at Wimbledon and at a party at Kensington Palace. The pair looked smitten, embracing and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes.

Fabien even posted a few pictures with Jenna on social media, but he deleted them after a few months, leading followers to believe the two had broken up.

Fabien Frankel Now

In August 2022, "House of the Dragon," a "Game of Thrones" spin-off, premiered on HBO. The young actor landed the role of Ser Criston Cole, one of the story's most important characters. Frankel's character made a splash in the pilot episode during a tournament. Criston defeated Prince Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith, earning the special favor of Rhaenyra Targaryen, who made him her personal bodyguard.

Fabien Frankel in the series House of the Dragon

Frankel's character plays a crucial role in the plot: he not only builds a career at the royal court but undergoes a dramatic transformation, evolving from charming youth to calculating warrior. Frankel brought this dramatic transformation to life on screen. "He's not what he seems at first. Throughout the series, he changes a lot," Fabien explained.

Fabien Frankel and Milly Alcock on the set of House of the Dragon

Being part of such a successful project boosted his career. Several Frankel projects were slated for 2023, including the comedy "Venice at Dawn" and the short film "Daddy," both starring him in the lead role.

Interesting Facts

While Fabien didn't remember his father, who died when he was so young, he's found that becoming an actor introduced him to many of his father's acquaintances and friends. "I got to know him through them, and it was wonderful," the actor said.
At home, Fabien's mother spoke only French to him and his brother, so the actor is just as fluent in French as he is in English.

Fabien Frankel with his mother and brother
During filming of the "House of the Dragon" pilot, they narrowly avoided disaster. In a fight scene between Frankel's and Smith's characters, Smith's sword bounced off
Frankel's shield and struck the actor playing Damon Targaryen in the head. Fortunately, the injury was minor.
Before landing his "Game of Thrones" role, Fabien wasn't actually a fan of the series. He had to binge-watch the entire show during the nights before filming to get up to speed with the world.
In 2017, the actor made his debut on the theatrical stage, appearing in the play "The Knowledge" at the Charing Cross Theatre in London.