Jonas Armstrong facts for kids

Jonas Armstrong was born on January 1, 1981. He is an Irish-English actor. He became well-known for playing the main character, Robin Hood, in the BBC TV show Robin Hood from 2006 to 2009.

Since then, Jonas has appeared in many TV shows. These include Dark Angel (2016), Troy: Fall of a City (2018), The Drowning, and Hollington Drive (both 2021). More recently, he starred in After the Flood and Coma (both 2024). He also played Sean Meredith in the first season of ITV's The Bay (2019).

Jonas Armstrong received great praise for his role in the 2022 TV film Floodlights. His movies include Book of Blood (2009), Twenty8k (2012), and Edge of Tomorrow (2014).

Early Life and Education

Jonas Armstrong was born in Dublin, Ireland, on New Year's Day in 1981. He lived in Ireland for his first six years. Then, his family moved to Lytham St Annes in England.

He went to Arnold School. Later, he earned a spot at RADA, which is the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He graduated from RADA in 2003 with a degree in acting.

Jonas Armstrong's Acting Career

Starting Out: 2003–2008

Jonas Armstrong began his acting career in 2003. His first professional role was as a new schoolteacher named Derek Meadle. This was in a play called Quartermaine's Terms at the Royal Theatre in Northampton. Critics liked his performance, saying he brought funny moments to the serious story.

After that, he appeared in the TV show Teachers on Channel 4 in 2004. He played Anthony Millington in several episodes. The next year, he was in the crime drama The Ghost Squad, also on Channel 4. In this show, he played a detective who was trying to uncover police corruption.

Becoming Robin Hood

Jonas got his first big TV role in October 2006. He started playing Robin of Locksley in the BBC One adventure series Robin Hood. At first, some people thought he looked too slight for the role. However, his acting later earned praise. IGN magazine even called his performance "brilliant."

During the filming of the second season, Jonas broke a bone in his foot. This happened during a staged fight scene. In August 2008, he announced he would leave Robin Hood after its third season. He said he was "looking for new challenges." The BBC said they would "desperately miss" him. The show did not continue for a fourth season after he left.

Movies and TV Shows: 2009–Present

In 2009, Jonas Armstrong starred in the horror film Book of Blood. He played the main character, Simon McNeal. This movie was based on a short story by Clive Barker. He also appeared in an episode of the BBC drama The Street. He played Private Nick Calshaw, a soldier who returns from Afghanistan with serious injuries. His acting in this role was highly praised. That same year, he read four stories for CBeebies Bedtime Stories.

Between 2011 and 2012, Jonas had roles in several TV crime dramas. These included The Field of Blood, Prisoners' Wives, and Hit & Miss.

Notable Roles in the Mid-2010s

In 2014, Jonas played Elek Cohen in the movie Walking with the Enemy. Critics praised his performance as a university student who pretends to be a Nazi officer. Paste Magazine said he was the "moral force" of the film. They noted his ability to show both the difficulty and the strange feeling of playing such a role.

That same year, he had a supporting role as Skinner in the big action film Edge of Tomorrow. This movie also starred Tom Cruise. Variety called it a "cleverly crafted sci-fi thriller." Jonas said it was a "privilege" to work with Tom Cruise, calling him "supportive and generous." In November 2013, Jonas received a "Stars on Horizon" award at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

Jonas also played Nathaniel Croker, a recurring character, in the fourth and fifth seasons of Ripper Street (both 2016). This BBC Two show was about the time after the Whitechapel murders. Den of Geek said he played the part "beautifully."

Recent Work: 2018–Present

In 2018, Jonas Armstrong received good reviews for two projects. He played a Spartan king in the Netflix historical series Troy: Fall of a City. He also played Bob Geldof in an episode of the Sky Arts series Urban Myths.

The next year, he co-starred in the first season of the ITV crime series The Bay. He played Sean Meredith, a fisherman whose teenage twins disappear. In February 2021, he starred in The Drowning, a four-part thriller on Channel 5. He also appeared in the ITV series Hollington Drive (also 2021), playing a grieving father.

Jonas Armstrong's role in the 2022 TV film Floodlights was very well received. He played a character based on a real-life figure. Critics praised his acting, with The Daily Telegraph saying he was "oleaginous and creepy, all simmering, smiling menace." The Financial Times noted his ability to switch between being a friendly mentor and a disturbing character. Jonas told Metro that he was hesitant to take the role at first. However, he decided to do it to help raise awareness for people who might still be suffering. He felt the story "needs to be told."

In 2024, Jonas starred in the six-part mystery thriller After the Flood. He played Lee Ellison, a man whose mysterious past is revealed after he saves a baby from the River Tees. His next role was a vengeful gangster in the four-part series Coma, which started on Channel 5 in March 2024. The Yorkshire Evening Post said he played this role with "nerve-bulging intensity."

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Theatre Roles

See also

In Spanish: Jonas Armstrong para niños