Joseph William Locke emerged from an open casting call involving 10,000 candidates to secure the role of Charlie Spring in the Netflix production Heartstopper. This television debut established his presence in the industry, leading to subsequent appearances in major franchise projects and significant theatrical performances across Broadway and the West End.
Early Development in the Isle of Man
Born on 24 September 2003, Joseph William Locke grew up in Douglas, Isle of Man. He attended Ballakermeen High School, where he balanced his academic studies in politics, history, and English with early acting engagements. His initial performance experience included participating in the 2020 National Theatre Connections and local productions at the Gaiety Theatre and the Kensington Art Centre's youth group. During his time in secondary education, he gained public notice for his civic advocacy, working with peers to petition local government officials to assess the feasibility of resettling Syrian refugees on the island.
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Locke achieved international recognition through his performance in the Netflix series Heartstopper, based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman. Filming the first season at age 17, he portrayed student Charlie Spring. His involvement with the series continued through its run, culminating in his role as executive producer and star of the 2026 film finale, Heartstopper Forever. His work on the series earned him a nomination for an Outstanding Lead Performance at the Children's and Family Emmy Awards in 2024, followed by a win in 2025. In 2024, he expanded his portfolio into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing as William Kaplan, also known as Billy Maximoff, in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along.
Theatrical Career and Upcoming Projects
Beyond television, Locke expanded into professional theatre. He appeared as Tobias Ragg in a Broadway revival of the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2024. Hunter's play, Clarkston, performing alongside Ruaridh Mollica. Further professional developments include his 2026 casting in the Simon Stone film Elsinore, a biopic concerning Ian Charleson, in which he is set to work alongside actors Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman.
Public Advocacy
Locke has utilized his public platform to advocate for policy shifts regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the Isle of Man. In 2022, he submitted a video message for the island's annual pride celebration, calling for the end of a long-standing government ban on blood donations from gay men. Following his public appeal, Health Minister Lawrie Hooper announced that the government would revise its regulations.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 September 2003, Douglas
- Citizenship: Isle of Man
- Education: Ballakermeen High School
- Television debut: Heartstopper (2022)
- Broadway debut: Sweeney Todd (2024)
- Languages spoken: English and Manx
- Awards: Out100 (2022), Children's and Family Emmy Award (2025)
Questions readers ask
What was Joe Locke's debut television role?
He debuted as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series Heartstopper.
Did Joe Locke attend drama school?
No, he attended Ballakermeen High School and participated in local productions at the Gaiety Theatre and Kensington Art Centre.
Achievements
- Notable work: Heartstopper
- Worked as actor and television actor
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