Angus Imrie
Angus Imrie (born 2 August 1994) is an English actor recognized for his versatile performances across radio, television, film, and theatre.[1] Born in the Isle of Wight to actors Celia Imrie and Benjamin Whitrow, he began his career as a child performer, debuting in the 2001 BBC film Station Jim.[2][3] Imrie gained prominence for voicing the character Josh Archer in the long-running BBC Radio 4 serial The Archers, a role he has held since 2014. His breakthrough in visual media came with supporting roles such as Jake in the acclaimed comedy series Fleabag (2016) and young Merlin in the fantasy adventure film The Kid Who Would Be King (2019).[1] He further expanded his profile portraying Prince Edward in season 4 of the historical drama The Crown (2020).[4] In theatre, Imrie has appeared at Shakespeare's Globe in productions including Nell Gwynn (2015) and Richard II (2015), earning critical notice for his stage work.[5] Early in his career, he received the Spotlight Most Promising Actor Award at The Sunday Times National Student Drama Festival in 2014 for his performances in student theatre.[6] He also voices the character Zero in the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–present).[7] He appeared as Shrimp Eyes in the science fiction film Mickey 17 (2025), directed by Bong Joon-ho.Early life and education
Family background
Angus Imrie was born on 2 August 1994 in the Isle of Wight, England.[1] He is the only child of English actress Celia Imrie and actor Benjamin Whitrow, who died in September 2017 at the age of 80.[1] Imrie's parents maintained an unconventional co-parenting arrangement following his birth; although they shared a romantic relationship, they never married or lived together, with Imrie's mother taking primary responsibility for his upbringing while his father remained actively involved.[8][9] Celia Imrie had explicitly outlined her terms to Whitrow before conceiving, emphasizing her desire for motherhood without traditional partnership obligations, and she later described him as a "wonderful father" who was honest and supportive with their son.[10] Imrie spent his childhood on the Isle of Wight, where his mother maintained a home in Cowes, immersing him in an environment shaped by his parents' acting professions.[3][11] This setting fostered early familiarity with the performing arts, as both parents frequently discussed their work and travels, creating a dynamic household centered on creativity rather than conventional family structures.[6] Whitrow's involvement included regular visits and open conversations about their family history, contributing to Imrie's understanding of his parents' independent yet collaborative roles in his life.[12] From a young age, Imrie gained exposure to acting through minor on-screen appearances alongside his mother, reflecting the influence of his family's careers. At age five, he made his screen debut in an uncredited role in the 2001 BBC film Station Jim, which starred Celia Imrie. Later, between 2007 and 2009, he portrayed Scott Millington, the on-screen son of his mother's character Gloria Millington, in the ITV legal drama series Kingdom. These early experiences highlighted the seamless blend of his personal and familial ties to the industry during his formative years.[6]Education
Imrie attended Dulwich College, an independent day and boarding school for boys in south London, from 2001 to 2012.[13] He then briefly studied at the University of Warwick, where he became involved in student theatre through the Warwick University Drama Society. During this period, Imrie performed in a production of Jim Cartwright's Road, which earned multiple accolades at the 2014 National Student Drama Festival, including the Spotlight Most Promising Actor award for his performance.[14][6] Imrie later enrolled at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) for professional acting training, graduating in 2017 after completing the three-year program.[15][16]Career
Radio work
Angus Imrie took over the role of Josh Archer in BBC Radio 4's long-running soap opera The Archers in 2014.[1] Josh, the son of farmers Ruth and David Archer, is portrayed as an ambitious young man aspiring to business success, often clashing with his twin brother Ben over family matters and personal ambitions.[17] Over the years, the character's storyline has evolved to explore themes of rural life, entrepreneurship, and family dynamics, with Josh navigating challenges like farm management and personal relationships, contributing to Imrie's growth in sustaining a character's arc through voice alone.[18] This ongoing role has been praised for its consistency and appeal to the soap's dedicated listeners, who appreciate the immersive rural storytelling.[19] This experience in audio-only mediums sharpened his ability to convey complex character development through vocal nuance and pacing, skills that later informed his voice acting in animation.[3] Imrie's radio portfolio expanded with notable adaptations of classic literature. He voiced the protagonist Pip in a BBC radio production of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, capturing the character's journey from humble origins to moral reckoning.[20] In 2013, he played Thomas Buddenbrook in the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of Thomas Mann's Buddenbrooks, depicting the young heir's struggles amid his family's declining merchant empire in 19th-century Germany.[21] Further credits include Ben in the 2010 BBC Radio 4 single drama People in Cars: Getaway, a story of interpersonal tension during a road trip, and Michael Fisher in the 2021 BBC Radio 4 adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, where he lent his voice to the wizard's loyal apprentice in a fantastical narrative.[22][23]Screen acting
Imrie began his screen acting career with small, uncredited appearances in television, including a role as a student in the BBC spy thriller Restless in 2012.[24] These early roles provided initial exposure in British television dramas, building on his familial connections in the industry without immediate prominence. His breakthrough came in 2016 with the role of Jake, the awkward and unsettling stepson in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's acclaimed BBC series Fleabag, where his performance as the "creepy" character contributed to the show's sharp exploration of family dysfunction and earned critical praise for its discomforting authenticity.[25] This appearance marked Imrie's entry into prestige television, showcasing his ability to embody complex, offbeat supporting characters in ensemble narratives.[26] In 2019, Imrie transitioned to film with a standout supporting role as the youthful, eccentric Merlin in Joe Cornish's fantasy adventure The Kid Who Would Be King, opposite Patrick Stewart as the older version of the wizard; the film reimagined Arthurian legend for a modern audience, and Imrie's energetic portrayal was highlighted for stealing scenes and adding whimsical energy to the ensemble.[27] This debut elevated his visibility in cinema, demonstrating versatility in genre work. The following year, he appeared in Autumn de Wilde's period adaptation Emma. (2020) as Bartholomew, the bumbling footman at Hartfield, contributing to the film's vibrant take on Jane Austen's satire of social class and romance.[28] Imrie's television profile rose further in 2020 with his portrayal of a young Prince Edward, the Queen's youngest son, in season 4 of Netflix's The Crown; the role depicted Edward's early life amid royal family tensions in the 1980s–1990s, aligning with the series' historical examination of the Windsors, which received widespread acclaim for its production values and performances.[4] In animation, he voiced the timid scorpion Nigel in the 2021 Netflix family film Back to the Outback, a role that drew on his vocal skills honed in radio while fitting into the story's theme of misfit animals seeking belonging.[29] By 2025, Imrie had secured roles in high-profile international projects, reflecting his shift toward more prominent ensemble positions. In Bong Joon-ho's science fiction black comedy Mickey 17, released in March 2025, he played Shrimp Eyes, a crew member on a colonization mission, collaborating with the director known for Parasite in a narrative blending dark humor and existential themes.[30] That same year, he portrayed Rodney, a car-sick participant in a chaotic road trip, in the Paramount+ romantic comedy series The Road Trip, adapted from Beth O'Leary's novel and emphasizing themes of second chances in relationships.[31] In 2025, Imrie joined the cast of the upcoming biographical comedy drama Artificial, directed by Luca Guadagnino.[32] These projects underscored Imrie's rising trajectory, from peripheral figures to integral parts in critically anticipated ensembles, solidifying his on-camera presence in both live-action and voice work.[33]Stage performances
Imrie began his formal theatre training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he graduated in 2017. During his time there, he contributed to student-led productions, including co-creating the piece In a Land Farr Away as part of the LAMDA Mishmash festival's Half & Half Three program, which showcased short works by emerging artists.[34] These experiences allowed Imrie to apply foundational techniques in voice, movement, and ensemble work to experimental formats, building on his earlier university involvement at Warwick, where he performed in Jim Cartwright's Road at the National Student Drama Festival, earning recognition as a promising newcomer.[20] Prior to graduation, Imrie made notable debuts in professional productions, demonstrating his affinity for Shakespearean roles. In 2015, as part of Shakespeare's Globe's "Justice and Mercy" season, he portrayed Bagot in Simon Godwin's production of Richard II, directed alongside Charles Edwards in the title role; critics praised his finely rendered depiction of the sycophantic courtier, highlighting Imrie's ability to convey subtle political intrigue through precise physicality and delivery.[35] That same year, he played the novice actor Ned Spiggett in Jessica Swale's Nell Gwynn at the Globe, a role that captured the awkward energy of a young performer navigating the Restoration stage; reviews noted his comedic timing and vulnerability, which added warmth to the ensemble's exploration of theatre history.[36] These early appearances underscored Imrie's versatility in classical texts, where live audience interaction demanded adaptive pacing and projection, skills honed further by his radio background in vocal clarity.[37] Imrie's post-graduation work expanded into regional and experimental theatre, emphasizing ensemble dynamics and modern adaptations. In 2014, he took on the role of Pip in Slung Low's immersive outdoor production The White Whale, an ambitious reimagining of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick performed on Leeds Docks with a large community cast; his portrayal of the vulnerable cabin boy was lauded for its emotional depth, bringing heartbreaking authenticity to the character's youthful isolation amid the spectacle.[38] More recently, in 2024, Imrie starred as Tommy in the world premiere of David Lean's adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go at the Rose Theatre Kingston, a role that traced his character's evolution from a troubled adolescent to a reflective adult in a dystopian narrative; performances were commended for their nuanced sensitivity, capturing Tommy's internal struggles with quiet intensity and contributing to the production's exploration of human fragility.[39] He also appeared in Deluge at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, further showcasing his range in contemporary drama.[40] Throughout his stage career, Imrie has navigated the unique demands of live performance, such as real-time audience responses and the ephemerality of theatre, which contrast with recorded media by requiring heightened immediacy and adaptability. Critics have highlighted his proficiency across genres—from the verse-driven precision of Shakespeare to the raw emotional layers in ensemble-driven works like The White Whale—praising his ability to infuse characters with relatable humanity, whether in historical pageantry or speculative fiction.[41] This versatility has positioned him as a compelling presence in both classical revivals and innovative productions, where his voice and physical expressiveness shine in intimate regional venues and large-scale outdoor spectacles alike.Filmography
Television
Imrie made his television debut as a child actor in the ITV legal drama series Kingdom, portraying Scott Millington across six episodes from 2007 to 2009. His subsequent guest appearance came in the BBC One miniseries Restless (2012), where he played a student in an uncredited role.[42] In 2013, he appeared as Jago Pryde in the episode "The Pride of the Prydes" of the BBC One mystery series Father Brown. Imrie portrayed Edmund Plantagenet in the BBC Two historical miniseries The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), specifically in the episode "Henry VI: Part 2". His role as the awkward and obsessive Jake in the second season of the BBC Three comedy-drama Fleabag (2019) marked a breakthrough, appearing in two episodes and earning praise for his unsettling performance. In 2019, Imrie played Prince Arthur, the elder son of King Henry VII, in eight episodes of the Starz historical drama The Spanish Princess. He depicted a young Prince Edward (later Duke of Edinburgh) in three episodes of season four of Netflix's The Crown (2020). That same year, Imrie guest-starred as the eccentric Digdog in two episodes of the HBO/BBC drama Industry.[43] In the BBC One crime thriller We Hunt Together (2020), he portrayed Henry Lane across six episodes of season one.[44] Imrie took on the recurring role of Max Foreman in the episode "Believe It or Not" of the final season of ITV's Doc Martin (2022). In 2024, he starred as the future King Henry IV in all eight episodes of season two of Starz's The Serpent Queen. Also in 2024, Imrie played Rodney in six episodes of the BBC Three comedy series The Road Trip.[45]Film
Imrie's film career began in childhood with a small role in the BBC drama Station Jim (2001), directed by John Roberts, where he portrayed an orphan boy.[46] This early appearance marked a family collaboration, as his mother, Celia Imrie, also starred in the film. His next feature was the independent drama Pond Life (2018), directed by Bill Buckhurst, in which he played the supporting role of Malcolm, a quirky friend in a coming-of-age story set in a mining village. In 2019, Imrie took on the lead role of Young Merlin in Joe Cornish's fantasy adventure The Kid Who Would Be King, portraying the youthful incarnation of the legendary wizard who mentors a group of schoolchildren. He followed this with a supporting part as Bartholomew, the footman at Hartfield, in Autumn de Wilde's period comedy Emma. (2020), an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel starring Anya Taylor-Joy.[28] Imrie starred as Owen in the 2023 short film Does Your Condom Make You Fat?, directed by Sophie King, a gender-flipped satire exploring emergency contraception in a world where men can become pregnant.[47] His most recent major role is as Agent Charlie, a crew member on a colonization mission, in Bong Joon-ho's science fiction film Mickey 17 (2025), alongside Robert Pattinson.[48] Imrie appears in an undisclosed role in the upcoming biographical comedy-drama film Artificial (TBA), directed by Luca Guadagnino.[32]Animation and video games
Angus Imrie has utilized his vocal talents, honed through extensive radio work, to provide voice acting in animated projects and video games. In animation, Imrie first gained notable recognition for his role in the Netflix feature Back to the Outback (2021), where he voiced Nigel, a mild-mannered marbled scorpion who aids a group of Australian animals in escaping captivity.[49] The film, directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps, features an ensemble cast including Isla Fisher and Guy Pearce, and Imrie's performance brought a quirky, supportive energy to the character's reluctant heroism.[50] Imrie's most prominent animated role came in the Paramount+ and Nickelodeon series Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–2024), voicing Zero, a curious, non-corporeal Medusan alien and one of the show's protagonists.[51] As a member of the USS Protostar's ragtag crew, Zero's portrayal by Imrie emphasized the character's innocent exploration of humanoid emotions and ethics, appearing across all 40 episodes.[52] This voice-only contribution extended to the tie-in video game Star Trek: Prodigy – Supernova (2022), developed by Tessera Studios and published by Outright Games, where Imrie reprised Zero in interactive adventures based on the series.[53] Imrie reprised his role as Zero (voice) in the Paramount+ animated short series Star Trek: very Short Treks (2023), specifically in the episode "Holograms All the Way Down".[54] In video games, Imrie provided English voice work for Valkyrie Elysium (2022), an action RPG developed by Square Enix, voicing the character Cypher in multiple forms, including Adolescent Cypher and Naglfar Cypher. Cypher, a former slave trader turned Einherjar ally to the protagonist Valkyrie, utilizes bow and dual-blade combat, with Imrie's delivery capturing the character's complex redemption arc.[55] These roles highlight Imrie's versatility in voice performance, focusing exclusively on audio contributions without motion capture involvement up to 2025.[1]Web series
Imrie has made select appearances in short-form online films, primarily released on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, showcasing his versatility in digital content. These projects, often independent and festival-bound, highlight his early career explorations beyond traditional media.[1]- The Good Book (2020, YouTube): Imrie portrayed Geraint, a sympathetic figure in a dystopian Leeds-set narrative involving societal division and rebellion.[56][57]
- First One Away (2021, YouTube): He played Young Paul in this comedy short, depicting a character's chaotic attempts to escape a night out through humorous flashbacks.[58]
- Does Your Condom Make You Fat? (2023, Vimeo/YouTube): Imrie starred as Owen, the lead in a gender-flipped comedy-drama exploring emergency contraception stigma and personal mishaps.[59][47][60]