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Kit Sebastian Connor (born 8 March 2004) is an English actor. He gained recognition for starring as secondary school student Nick Nelson in the Netflix teen series Heartstopper (2022–2024) and will reprise the role in its continuation film. He won the inaugural Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance for the role.

Key Information

Connor appeared in the films Get Santa (2014), Rocketman (2019), and Little Joe (2019), had a recurring role in the CBBC series Rocket's Island (2014–2015), and voice roles in the series His Dark Materials (2019–2022) and the film The Wild Robot (2024). He subsequently starred in a Broadway adaptation of Romeo & Juliet in 2024 and in the film Warfare (2025).

Early life

[edit]

Kit Sebastian Connor was born in the South London Borough of Croydon on 8 March 2004.[1][2][3] His parents, Richard and Caroline, are in advertising. He has an older sister and an older brother.[4] He is from Purley[5] and attended the Hayes Primary School in Kenley, as well as Whitgift School in South Croydon,[6][7] where he completed his A Levels in drama, English literature, and history.[8][non-primary source needed][9]

Career

[edit]

Connor made his onscreen debut at the age of eight with minor appearances in Chickens on Sky One,[10] the television film An Adventure in Space and Time, and the soap opera Casualty.[11][12] In 2014, he starred as Tom Anderson in the holiday comedy Get Santa, and as a recurring character Archie Beckles in the CBBC series Rocket's Island.[13][14]

Connor had a recurring role playing young Petya Rostov in the miniseries War & Peace and as Bob Sheehan in the miniseries SS-GB.[15][16] He made his stage debut in Welcome Home, Captain Fox! at Donmar Warehouse.[17] He had roles in the 2018 films The Mercy,[18] The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society,[19] Slaughterhouse Rulez,[20] and the BBC One television film Grandpa's Great Escape.[21] He starred as Alexander in the Old Vic Theatre production of Fanny & Alexander.[22]

In 2019 Connor portrayed a teenaged Elton John in the musical film Rocketman, and played Joe Woodard in the drama Little Joe.[23][24] In the same year, he began voicing the part of Pantalaimon in the BBC One and HBO fantasy series His Dark Materials.[25][26] In April 2021, it was announced that Connor would star opposite Joe Locke in the Netflix series Heartstopper, an adaptation of the webcomic and graphic novel of the same name by Alice Oseman.[27] He originally auditioned for the role of Charlie but ended up cast as the other lead, Nick Nelson.[28]

In 2024 Connor was part of the voice cast of DreamWorks Animation's The Wild Robot, an adaptation of Peter Brown's novel of the same name.[29] He made his Broadway debut playing Romeo opposite Rachel Zegler's Juliet in a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet directed by Sam Gold with music by Jack Antonoff.[30]

In 2025, Connor appeared in Warfare, an A24 war film written and directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza.[31] In April 2025 it was announced that Connor will star in a Heartstopper feature-length film that will serve as the series conclusion. He will also serve as an executive producer of the film.[32] In May 2025 it was announced that Connor will star alongside Will Poulter and Manu Rios in the medieval zombie horror film Rapture.[33] In October 2025 it was announced that Connor will star alongside Fred Hechinger and D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai in Andrew Haigh's A Long Winter.[34] Connor will also next star in an upcoming film adaptation of the novel A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey.[35] He will lead the cast of the upcoming mystery-horror film One of Us.[36]

Connor was named a 2023 Screen International Star of Tomorrow.[37] In 2024 Connor was named to Forbes' 30 under 30 Europe list in the Entertainment category.[38] He was also highlighted in Variety's Young Hollywood Impact Report[39] and on The Hollywood Reporter's 2024 Next Gen Talent list.[40]

Personal life

[edit]
Connor at Capital Pride Parade in 2023

In October 2022 Connor came out as bisexual in a Twitter post.[41][42][43] Connor has objected to speculation about his sexuality in the past[44][45] and had quit Twitter the previous month due to harassment and claims of queerbaiting after he was photographed holding hands with actress Maia Reficco.[42][46] In his coming-out tweet, Connor said fans were "forcing an 18 year old to out himself" and "missed the point" of the Heartstopper television series.[41] Many fans expressed support for Connor and criticised how people were treating him, as did Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman, co-stars Joe Locke, Sebastian Croft, Kizzy Edgell, and Olivia Colman, journalist Mark Harris, and Labour Party MP Nadia Whittome.[42][46][43][47][48]

Connor has been named in the top 20 of the UK Pride Power Lists for 2023,[49] 2024[50] and 2025.[51]

Acting credits

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2014 Get Santa Tom Anderson [13][52]
2015 Mr. Holmes Boy [53]
2017 The Mercy Simon Crowhurst [18][54]
2018 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Eli Ramsey [19]
Ready Player One Reb kid [55]
Slaughterhouse Rulez Wootton [20]
2019 Little Joe Joe Woodard [24]
Rocketman Young Elton John [23]
2024 The Wild Robot Brightbill Voice role [29]
2025 Warfare Tommy [31]
2026 Heartstopper Forever † Nick Nelson Also executive producer [56]
TBA A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow † Orion Maxwell [35][57]
One Of Us † Youngest [36]
Rapture † [33]
A Long Winter † [34]
Key
† Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2013 An Adventure in Space and Time Charlie Television film; uncredited [11]
Casualty Barnaby Lee Episode: "Away in a Manger" [12]
Chickens Clem Episode: "Episode Six" [10]
2014–2015 Rocket's Island Archie Beckles Recurring role (season 2), Main role (season 3); 18 episodes [14]
2015 The Frankenstein Chronicles Joey Episode: "A World Without God" [58]
2016 Grantchester Charlie Jones Episode: "Episode 5" [59]
War & Peace Young Petya Rostov Recurring role; 3 episodes [15]
2017 SS-GB Bob Sheenan Miniseries; 3 episodes [16]
2018 Grandpa's Great Escape Jack Television film [21]
2019–2022 His Dark Materials Pantalaimon Voice role; 22 episodes [25][26]
2022–2024 Heartstopper Nick Nelson Lead role; 24 episodes [60][61]

Theatre

[edit]
Year Title Role Venue Ref.
2016 Welcome Home, Captain Fox! Small Boy Donmar Warehouse, London [17]
2018 Fanny & Alexander Alexander Ekdahl The Old Vic, London [22]
2024–2025 Romeo + Juliet Romeo Montague Circle in the Square Theatre, Broadway [62]

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Developer Ref.
2017 Blackwood Crossing Finn (English voice) PaperSeven [63]
2020 Dreams Foxy (English voice) Media Molecule [64]
2022 A Plague Tale: Requiem Lucas (English voice) Asobo Studio [65]
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Additional voices Monolith Soft [66]

Audio

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 Oliver Twist Noah Claypole Audiobook [67]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Year Category Nominee / work Result Ref.
Annie Awards 2025 Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in a Feature Production The Wild Robot Nominated [68]
British Independent Film Awards 2025 Best Ensemble Performance Warfare Won [69]
Broadway.com Audience Awards 2025 Favorite Leading Actor in a Play Romeo + Juliet Won [70]
Favorite Onstage Pair Nominated [70]
Favorite Breakthrough Performance (Male) Won [70]
Performance of the Year (Play) Won [70]
Children's and Family Emmy Awards 2022 Outstanding Lead Performance Heartstopper Won [71]
Dorian Awards 2022 Best TV Performance Heartstopper Nominated [72]
2025 Outstanding Lead Performance in a Broadway Play Romeo + Juliet Nominated [73]
Drama League Awards 2025 Distinguished Performance Romeo + Juliet Nominated [74]
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 Favorite Broadway Debut Romeo + Juliet Nominated [75]
Las Vegas Film Critics Society 2024 Best Youth Performance – Male (under 21) The Wild Robot Nominated [76]
National Diversity Awards 2025 Celebrity of the Year Award Kit Connor and Joe Locke Nominated [77]
National Television Awards 2022 Rising Star Heartstopper Nominated [78]
Outer Critics Circle Awards 2025 Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play Romeo + Juliet Nominated [79]
Queerty Awards 2023 Closet Door Bustdown Himself Nominated [80]
2024 TV Performance Heartstopper Won [81]
Royal Television Society Programme Awards 2023 Leading Actor: Male Heartstopper Won [82]
Theatre World Award 2025 Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production Romeo + Juliet Won [83]
TV Choice Awards 2024 Best Actor Heartstopper Nominated [84]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kit Connor

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kit Sebastian Connor (born 8 March 2004) is an English actor recognized primarily for his portrayal of Nick Nelson, a secondary school rugby player exploring his bisexual identity, in the series Heartstopper, adapted from Alice Oseman's . His performance in the first season of Heartstopper garnered critical acclaim and secured him the 2022 Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program, marking the inaugural award in that category. Connor debuted professionally at age eight, taking the lead role of Tom in the 2014 film , and has since appeared in supporting roles in productions such as , , and A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow. In October 2022, Connor disclosed his via after facing online accusations of "queerbaiting" from portions of the Heartstopper , prompted by photographs of him with a female co-star; he described the experience as being "forced" to out himself, underscoring the invasive scrutiny actors in narratives endure regarding their private lives. Subsequently, Connor expanded into theater, earning multiple Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards in 2025 for his stage work, further establishing his versatility beyond screen roles.

Early Life

Family Background and Upbringing

Kit Connor was born on March 8, 2004, in , , . He is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother and sister, raised by parents Richard and Caroline Connor, both employed in the advertising industry. Connor grew up in Purley, a in , within a middle-class household that maintained a low public profile. His family environment prioritized formal education, as evidenced by his attendance at and later , a private institution known for its academic rigor. Unlike households with entertainment industry ties, his parents' advertising backgrounds provided stability without direct involvement in , and his siblings have consistently avoided media attention.

Entry into Acting

Connor began pursuing acting at the age of eight, motivated by a personal interest rather than familial pressure or industry connections. His initial forays included small television roles in 2013, such as appearances in episodes of the comedy series Chickens, the An Adventure in Space and Time, and the Casualty. These early television spots preceded his feature film debut in 2014's , where he secured the role of Tom through open auditions, marking his transition to cinema at age nine or ten. To develop his skills, Connor participated in classes and school plays while attending in , maintaining a balance between formal education and burgeoning professional commitments. This disciplined approach laid the groundwork for his foundational abilities, prioritizing consistent preparation over accelerated exposure.

Career

Initial Roles and Training (2014–2018)

Connor made his screen debut in 2014 at age ten, portraying the lead role of Tom, a boy searching for Santa's reindeer, in the Christmas comedy film , directed by Trevor Smith. That same year, he secured a recurring supporting as Archie Beckles, a young castaway, in the CBBC adventure series , appearing across its second and third series through 2015. These early appearances provided Connor with on-set experience in ensemble dynamics and period settings, contributing to his foundational skills in character portrayal amid group narratives. In 2015, Connor expanded into minor film and television parts, including a brief appearance as a boy in the cinema scene of , a mystery drama starring as an aging . He also guest-starred as Joey in the episode "A World Without God" of the ITV period series , depicting a street urchin in Victorian . These roles, though small, demonstrated versatility in historical and dramatic contexts, requiring him to adapt to prosthetics, accents, and subdued emotional ranges suitable for child actors. Connor's entry into stemmed from attending drama classes aimed at overcoming childhood , rather than formal agency representation or familial industry ties. This informal training, supplemented by school-based productions at where he later studied for A-levels, emphasized practical immersion over structured conservatory methods during his adolescent years. Such bootstrapped development, involving auditions for supporting child characters, underscored persistence amid limited initial opportunities, honing his ability to deliver authentic performances without extensive prior coaching.

Breakthrough Roles (2019–2021)

In 2019, Connor portrayed the teenage version of , credited as Older Reggie, in the biographical musical film Rocketman, directed by . This role required him to depict the musician's formative years at the Royal Academy of Music, including learning basic skills to perform convincingly in musical sequences. Critics noted his effective embodiment of youthful intensity and authenticity in conveying Dwight's early talent and family tensions, contributing to the film's overall acclaim for its casting of younger iterations of the lead. That same year, Connor appeared in the science fiction drama Little Joe, playing Joe Woodard, the son of a plant breeder whose experimental flower exhibits mind-altering properties. Directed by , the film premiered at the and earned praise for its eerie atmosphere, with Connor's supporting performance adding emotional grounding to the familial dynamics amid the thriller elements. He later reflected on the role as a challenging step toward more nuanced dramatic work, distinct from lighter youth-oriented projects. From 2019 to 2020, Connor provided the voice for Pantalaimon, the daemon companion to protagonist , in the / fantasy series , adapted from Philip Pullman's novels. Appearing across multiple episodes without on-screen presence, his vocal work captured the daemon's shape-shifting loyalty and banter, integral to the narrative's exploration of parallel worlds and moral conflicts. This involvement in a high-profile production, alongside stars like and , broadened his exposure in ensemble television, demonstrating versatility in within a major fantasy franchise. These projects marked Connor's shift toward roles with greater dramatic weight, amid the competitive landscape of British , where opportunities often hinge on auditions for period pieces, biopics, and adaptations. By 2021, his accumulated credits had positioned him for lead contention, reflecting steady professional growth without reliance on in juvenile parts.

Heartstopper and Rising Fame (2022–present)

Kit Connor was cast as Nick Nelson, a popular rugby player discovering his , in the adaptation of Alice Oseman's Heartstopper graphic novels following an open casting call that attracted over 10,000 auditions. The series premiered its first season on April 22, 2022, depicting the coming-of-age romance between Nick and classmate amid themes of identity and relationships, featuring kissing, implied intimacy, and making out scenes but no nudity. Subsequent seasons aired on August 3, 2023, and October 3, 2024, contributing to the show's status as a global streaming hit that reached Netflix's top ten in multiple countries and generated demand peaking at 260 times the average series worldwide. The role propelled Connor to international prominence, earning him the inaugural Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Preschool, Children's, or Young Teen Program in December 2022, recognizing his portrayal's authenticity and appeal. This visibility expanded his professional opportunities, including theater work and film auditions, while establishing Heartstopper as a cultural phenomenon that resonated with audiences through its optimistic depiction of young LGBTQ+ experiences. Connor has not appeared in nude or naked scenes in Heartstopper or any of his other known movies or TV shows, including roles in Rocketman and His Dark Materials. However, Connor has expressed concerns about being pigeonholed into queer roles, stating he does not wish to be defined solely as a "queer actor" despite the character's bisexual identity aligning with broader representation demands in the industry. As of October 2025, the future of Heartstopper remains uncertain, with no official renewal for a fourth season announced by despite ongoing discussions. Connor has voiced , indicating he would only return if the narrative justifies continuation amid his growing commitments to diverse projects, prioritizing substantive storytelling over perpetuating the series indefinitely. This hesitation reflects a strategic pivot in his career trajectory, balancing the show's foundational success with risks of and the natural evolution of the source material.

Theatre and Stage Work

Connor began his stage career in London theatre productions during his early adolescence. In 2016, at age 11, he appeared as a Small Boy in Welcome Home, Captain Fox!, a play by James Graham at the , which explored themes of identity and through the story of a man claimed by multiple families after ; the production ran from February to April 2016. Two years later, in 2018, Connor took on the lead child role of Alexander Ekdahl in an adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's Fanny & Alexander at , directed by ; the production, which delved into family dynamics and fantasy in early 20th-century , ran from February 21 to April 14. Connor's Broadway debut marked a significant transition from screen acting to live performance, undertaken at age 20 to embrace the immediacy and vulnerability of . He starred as in Sam Gold's reimagined production of at the Circle in the Square , opposite as Juliet, with previews beginning September 26, 2024, and official opening on October 24, 2024; the run extended due to demand before closing on February 16, 2025. The staging innovated Shakespeare's by incorporating immersive elements, such as audience interaction and utilization of the entire space with dynamic lighting, emphasizing a youthful, fluid interpretation of the lovers' impulsivity. Preparing for the role involved adapting to the stamina required for eight weekly performances, drawing on prior experience with extended takes to build endurance, though Connor noted initial apprehension about the live format's unforgiving pace compared to edited screen work. Critics highlighted Connor's command of Romeo's physical demands and emotional depth, praising his portrayal for conveying innocence, romantic fervor, and raw grief with a physicality that showcased toned athleticism and impetuous energy, distinguishing him from his television persona. Reviews described him as a "standout" and "knockout," crediting his earnest vulnerability and stage presence as anchors amid the production's bold, Gen Z-oriented aesthetics, though some noted the overall show's mixed coherence. This venture underscored Connor's deliberate pivot to theatre for its artistic rigor, allowing unfiltered exploration of complex characters in real-time.

Upcoming Projects

Connor is set to appear in A Long Winter, a drama directed by , with production details emerging from a casting announcement on October 22, 2025. The film reunites him with Warfare co-star alongside , centering on a mother's disappearance after a argument, though specific character details for Connor remain undisclosed. This project marks another collaboration under A24's banner, following his prior work with the studio. Additionally, Connor reprises his role as Nick Nelson in Heartstopper Forever, a feature film concluding the Netflix series' storyline, announced on April 22, 2025, as an alternative to a fourth season. Production wrapped in July 2025, with a planned 2026 release, allowing for a more expansive narrative arc drawn from Alice Oseman's source material. Co-starring Joe Locke, the film aims to provide a "memorable, sophisticated, and atmospheric" finale to the central romance.

Controversies

Queerbaiting Accusations and Forced Coming Out

In September 2022, photographs surfaced of Connor holding hands with actress , his co-star in the film A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, during an outing in . This prompted accusations from portions of the Heartstopper fanbase that Connor was "queerbaiting"—a term typically denoting the teasing of themes for audience appeal without substantive follow-through—owing to his role as the bisexual character Nick Nelson, despite no evidence of him publicly claiming personal queerness or misleading fans about his private life. The backlash intensified online, with some fans demanding he clarify his sexuality to align with his character's representation, leading Connor to delete his account earlier that month amid the harassment. On October 31, 2022, Connor briefly reactivated his account to post: "back for a minute. i'm bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. i think some of you missed the point of the show. bye." In the statement, he disclosed his while explicitly attributing the revelation to external pressure, highlighting his age (18 at the time) and critiquing the fans' actions as contrary to the series' themes of and . He subsequently deleted the post and deactivated the account again. Immediate reactions among fans were polarized: some defended the as necessary accountability for actors benefiting from queer narratives, arguing it ensured authenticity in representation, while others denounced it as invasive overreach and biphobic, emphasizing that personal relationships do not invalidate an actor's performance or imply deception. Heartstopper creator publicly supported Connor, stating the show's intent was to promote understanding without mandating personal disclosures from cast members. The incident underscored tensions between fan expectations and individual privacy boundaries in the context of media.

Broader Implications for Privacy and Representation

Connor's experience exemplifies the erosion of personal for actors, particularly young performers, amid social media demands for biographical alignment between an individual's off-screen life and on-screen roles. In November 2022, at age 18, he faced intense online scrutiny after photographs emerged of him holding hands with a female co-star, prompting accusations of "queerbaiting"—a term originally denoting media creators' false promises of LGBTQ+ representation but increasingly applied to actors perceived as exploiting narratives without personal identification. This pressure, amplified by platforms like and , compelled his public disclosure of , highlighting how fan expectations can infringe on , especially for emerging talents navigating fame without established boundaries. The controversy fueled debates on representation in queer media, pitting calls for "authentic" casting—where actors' sexual orientations must match characters'—against defenses of artistic freedom. Critics argued that straight or straight-passing performers in LGBTQ+ roles risk misleading audiences or diluting genuine visibility, with queerbaiting claims extending beyond production choices to personal conduct. Conversely, co-star Joe Locke, in October 2024, contended it is "not fair" to bar straight actors from queer parts, emphasizing performance over identity to avoid limiting opportunities and enforcing rigid performative expectations that prioritize ideological purity over narrative integrity. This tension underscores industry norms where queer stories, intended to explore fluidity, encounter demands for actors' lives to serve as real-time endorsements, potentially stifling diverse casting and echoing broader cultural pressures for visible conformity in representation. In subsequent reflections, Connor articulated lasting discomfort with such speculation, influencing wider discourse on within . In a July 2023 interview, he expressed disappointment over fan pressures that hastened his , noting unfamiliarity with public intrusion into private matters. These statements have contributed to critiques of how speculation normalizes invasive norms, prompting calls for recalibrating fan accountability and protecting emerging actors from identity-based litmus tests that conflate with .

Personal Life

Sexuality and Public Statements

In October 2022, Connor publicly identified as bisexual via a post stating, "back for a minute. i'm bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. i think some of you missed the point of the show. bye," in response to online accusations of queerbaiting following his appearance holding hands with a female friend. He has not retracted this self-identification in subsequent statements. In a July 2023 British Vogue interview, Connor reflected on the experience, noting he "might never have come out" without external pressure and expressing comfort with his sexuality while emphasizing a reluctance to define it further for public consumption. He described the scrutiny as overwhelming, having been unaccustomed to millions scrutinizing his private life, and highlighted the personal timing of disclosure as a matter of . By 2024, Connor adopted a more guarded approach to discussions of his orientation, aligning with co-star Joe Locke's similar shift toward online to shield personal matters from fan speculation. In interviews, he has reiterated bisexuality's underrepresentation, particularly among men, without elaborating on personal fluidity or engaging erasure debates, focusing instead on professional boundaries amid ongoing public interest. This stance underscores a of over repeated affirmations, with no public pivot away from his 2022 disclosure.

Relationships and Media Scrutiny

In September 2022, Connor was spotted holding hands with actress in , shortly after they co-starred in the film A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, sparking widespread media speculation about a romantic involvement. The sighting, captured by and amplified across social media and outlets, led to rumors of a hookup or short-term relationship, though neither party confirmed any details, and reports suggested it may have ended by late 2022. This incident exemplified early patterns of intensified media and fan scrutiny following Connor's rise via Heartstopper, with outlets dissecting public appearances for signs of personal connections despite his prior statements on privacy boundaries. Subsequent years saw intermittent unverified sightings and gossip linking Connor to other women, such as unconfirmed reports of him with model Shayna Locatelli in in 2023, but these remained speculative without substantiation from primary sources or Connor himself. No long-term romantic partners have been publicly confirmed, reflecting Connor's consistent resistance to disclosing private matters amid what he described in interviews as an overwhelming adjustment to in his off-screen life. He has highlighted the intrusions inherent to fame, noting in 2022 that such attention disrupted his sense of normalcy and prompted him to limit engagement to protect . From 2024 onward, amid a focus on projects like Broadway's and upcoming films, Connor has shared even fewer personal details, strategically emphasizing career milestones over relational speculation in public statements. This shift underscores a deliberate boundary-setting response to prior media overreach, with entertainment coverage noting his single status without delving into unsubstantiated rumors, prioritizing professional output amid ongoing interest.

Recognition and Impact

Awards and Nominations

Connor earned recognition for his portrayal of Nick Nelson in the series Heartstopper, winning the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program at the 1st Children's & Family on December 10, 2022. This marked his first Emmy win, highlighting peer acknowledgment within youth-oriented programming categories. He followed this with a win for (Male) at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards in 2023, again for Heartstopper season 1. Despite the acclaim, Connor has not secured nominations in primetime Emmy categories, reflecting the niche focus of his breakthrough television role on adolescent themes. Additional nominations include Best TV Performance at the 2022 for Heartstopper. and a National Television Award nod in the same year. In 2024, he received the TV Performance award at the Awards for Heartstopper. Transitioning to , Connor garnered multiple honors for his role as Romeo in the 2024 Broadway production of , including three wins at the 2025 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards: Favorite in a Play, Favorite Breakthrough Performance (Male), and Favorite Replacement (Male). He also received the for Outstanding Broadway Debut. Other recent nominations encompass a Sierra Award from the Las Vegas Film Critics Society in 2024, likely tied to voice work, and an Annie Award in 2025. These achievements underscore consistent shortlisting by industry bodies, though major or adult television awards remain elusive as of 2025.
YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
2022Children's & Family Emmy AwardsOutstanding Lead in a , Children's or Young Teen ProgramHeartstopperWon
2022Best TV HeartstopperNominated
2022, Best TV HeartstopperNominated
2023 (Male)Heartstopper (season 1)Won
2024 AwardsTV HeartstopperWon
2024Las Vegas Film Critics SocietySierra AwardUnspecified (likely The Wild Robot)Nominated
2025Broadway.com Audience Choice AwardsFavorite in a PlayWon
2025Broadway.com Audience Choice AwardsFavorite Breakthrough (Male)Won
2025Broadway.com Audience Choice AwardsFavorite Replacement (Male)Won
2025Theatre World AwardsOutstanding Broadway DebutWon
2025UnspecifiedUnspecifiedNominated

Industry Accolades and Cultural Influence

In 2023, Kit Connor was named Screen International's Star of Tomorrow, recognizing his decade-long career trajectory from child roles to leading parts in television and theatre. The following year, included him in its 30 Under 30 list for Entertainment, highlighting his Emmy-winning performance as Nick Nelson in Heartstopper and his work. These selections underscore industry acknowledgment of Connor's rapid ascent and potential beyond adolescent roles. Connor's portrayal in Heartstopper contributed to discussions on youth-oriented LGBTQ+ representation, with the series credited for depicting positive coming-of-age narratives that emphasize joy and acceptance among teenagers. However, critiques have emerged regarding its idealized depictions, which some argue overlook the messier realities of and experiences, potentially fostering a sanitized view that prioritizes broad appeal over nuanced complexities. This tension reflects broader debates in media about balancing inspirational storytelling with authentic portrayals of identity struggles. By 2025, Connor's involvement in Warfare, a gritty war film depicting a 2006 Navy SEAL mission in , signals his pivot toward diverse, mature projects that demonstrate range beyond Heartstopper's teen romance framework. Such transitions position him as an emerging versatile actor, influencing perceptions of post-youth stardom in an industry often young talents.

Filmography

Film Roles

  • Get Santa (2014): Connor portrayed Tom, the young son of a police officer who discovers injured after a crash, in this family adventure film directed by .
  • Mr. Holmes (2015): He appeared as a boy in this mystery drama directed by , featuring as an aging reflecting on an unsolved case.
  • The Mercy (2018): Connor played James Crowhurst, son of amateur sailor , in this biographical drama about a fatal yacht race, directed by James Marsh and starring .
  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018): He had a supporting role as Christian Helman in this romantic drama adaptation of the , set post-World War II, directed by Mike Newell.
  • Ready Player One (2018): Connor featured as Reb Kid, a minor character in the rebellion sequence, in Steven Spielberg's adventure based on Cline's .
  • Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018): He portrayed Wootton, a at a boarding school facing monstrous threats, in this horror comedy directed by .
  • Rocketman (2019): Connor depicted a young (credited as Older Reggie) in flashback sequences, in this musical fantasy biopic directed by , starring .
  • Little Joe (2019): He played Joe, the son of a , in this sci-fi thriller directed by , centered on a with mind-altering effects.
  • Warfare (2025): Connor stars as Tommy, a British soldier, in this directed by and , depicting a true 2006 military operation in .
  • A Long Winter (upcoming): Connor is cast in an undisclosed role in this drama directed by , currently in production as of October 2025, co-starring and .

Television Roles

Connor began his television career with guest appearances in British series. In 2013, he portrayed Barnaby Lee, a young patient, in the BBC medical drama Casualty episode "," aired on 14 December. That same year, he appeared as Clem in the Sky1 comedy Chickens episode "Episode Six." From 2014 to 2015, Connor had a recurring role as Archie Beckles, a mischievous island resident, in the adventure series , which spanned three series and 29 episodes centered on mysteries at a remote holiday camp. In 2016, he played the younger version of in select episodes of the historical miniseries War & Peace, adapted from Leo Tolstoy's novel, depicting the character's early wartime experiences. In 2018, Connor starred as Jack in the Christmas Grandpa's Great Escape, portraying a grandson uncovering his grandfather's pilot past amid a care home intrigue. His most prominent television role to date is Nick Nelson in the coming-of-age series Heartstopper (2022–2024), where he depicts a bisexual rugby player navigating romance and identity alongside classmate across three seasons, earning widespread acclaim for authentic portrayals of adolescent relationships.

Theatre Roles

Connor's professional theatre debut occurred in 2016, when he played the Small Boy in Anthony Weigh's Welcome Home, Captain Fox!, a family drama directed by Bijan Sheibani at London's ; the production ran from February 18 to April 16. In 2018, he took the lead role of Alexander Ekdahl in the Old Vic's adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's Fanny & Alexander, directed by ; the limited run extended from February 21 to April 14 at the venue. Connor made his Broadway debut in 2024 as Romeo Montague in Sam Gold's punk-inflected production of , co-starring as Juliet; the show premiered at the Circle in the Square Theatre on October 24, 2024, following previews from September 26, and concluded its limited engagement on February 16, 2025.

Voice and Other Work

Connor voiced Pantalaimon, the dæmon companion of protagonist , in the /HBO series , which ran for three seasons from November 2019 to December 2022. The role involved providing audio for the shape-shifting creature across 23 episodes, without any visual on-screen presence, emphasizing vocal performance to convey emotional depth and multiple forms. In video games, Connor supplied the English-language voice for Finn, a key character in the narrative-driven adventure Blackwood Crossing, developed by Orphic Games and released on March 3, 2017, for platforms including and PC. The game explores themes of and through , where Connor's contribution focused on dialogue delivery in an allegorical context. Connor provided the voice for Brightbill, an orphaned gosling adopted by the central robot character Roz, in the feature film The Wild Robot, directed by and released on September 27, 2024. He recorded his lines in a studio setting to capture the gosling's youthful vulnerability and growth, sharing the ensemble voice cast with performers including and . The animated story, adapted from Peter Brown's , centers on survival and familial bonds in a environment.

References

  1. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1538851-kit-connor?language=en-US
  2. https://www.independenttalent.com/actors/kit-connor/
  3. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/kit-connor/profile/
  4. https://www.forbes.com/profile/kit-connor/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5598573/bio/
  6. https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/heartstopper-kit-connor-lgbtq-bisexual-forced-1235419131/
  7. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/netflix-hearstopper-kit-connor-shows-pitfalls-queerbaiting-accusations-rcna55682
  8. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12373483/Who-Heartstopper-star-Kit-Connor.html
  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5598573/
  10. https://kids.kiddle.co/Kit_Connor
  11. https://hungermag.com/editorial/kit-connor-on-rejection-heartstopper-and-why-hes-not-a-believer-in-labels
  12. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/kit-connor.html
  13. https://parkmagazineny.com/kit-connor/
  14. https://movieweb.com/get-santa-christmas-kit-connor-debut-performance/
  15. http://galinaperova.com/blog/kit-connor-heartthrobs-journey-and
  16. https://www.capitalfm.com/news/tv-film/kit-connor/school-whitgift/
  17. https://bi.org/en/famous/kit-connor
  18. https://english.elpais.com/people/2024-11-05/kit-connor-the-shy-boy-who-rose-to-fame-without-being-pigeonholed.html
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHvCap1Yj8Q
  20. https://www.capitalfm.com/news/tv-film/kit-connor/rocketman-elton-john/
  21. https://www.lilithia.net/rocketman/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9204204/
  23. https://www.flaunt.com/post/kit-connor-rhythm-is-a-dancer-issue
  24. https://www.capitalfm.com/news/tv-film/kit-connor/his-dark-materials-pan-voice/
  25. https://decider.com/2022/12/06/his-dark-materials-kit-connor-pantalaimon/
  26. https://www.rcwlitagency.com/news/alice-osemans-heartstopper-casting-news/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10638036/
  28. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/heartstopper-season-3
  29. https://parkmagazineny.com/
  30. https://www.parrotanalytics.com/insights/kit-connor-winner-most-in-demand-rising-star-in-the-world-2022-the-global-demand-awards/
  31. https://www.them.us/story/kit-connor-heartstopper-emmy
  32. https://www.awardswatch.com/heartstopper-top-winner-of-1st-annual-children-kit-connor-olivia-colman-win-acting-prizes/
  33. https://deadline.com/2023/07/heartstopper-kit-connor-accusations-of-his-queerbaiting-missed-point-of-hit-show-1235445859/
  34. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/alice-oseman-heartstopper-future
  35. https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/04/09/kit-connor-heartstopper/
  36. https://deadline.com/2025/04/kit-connor-teases-potential-heartstopper-season-4-1236372385/
  37. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/87148-welcome-home-captain-fox-at-donmar-warehouse-2016
  38. https://officiallondontheatre.com/show/welcome-home-captain-fox-351111/
  39. https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/fanny-alexander/
  40. https://seatplan.com/london/fanny-and-alexander-tickets/
  41. https://broadwaydirect.com/first-look-kit-connor-rachel-zegler-star-in-romeo-juliet-on-broadway/
  42. https://www.broadway.com/shows/romeo-juliet-2024/
  43. https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/comments/1g34xl7/romeo_juliet_broadway_review_oct11_rachel_zegler/
  44. https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/kit-connor-warfare-long-takes-romeo-juliet-broadway-1235112004/
  45. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Video-Kit-Connor-Talks-Returning-to-Stage-Roots-in-ROMEO-JULIET-20250103
  46. https://nypost.com/2024/10/24/entertainment/romeo-juliet-review-kit-connor-shines-in-hollow-broadway-show/
  47. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/romeo-and-juliet-theater-review-kit-connor-rachel-zegler-shakespeare-jack-antonoff-1236043115/
  48. https://www.theatermania.com/news/review-kit-connor-flexes-and-rachel-zegler-belts-in-a-lit-romeo-and-juliet_1753873/
  49. https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/10/28/kit-connor-broadway-romeo-and-juliet-review/
  50. https://variety.com/2024/legit/reviews/romeo-and-juliet-review-kit-connor-rachel-zegler-broadway-1236189568/
  51. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/kit-connor-romeojuliet-and-making-ballsy-career-decisions-1236072037/
  52. https://deadline.com/2025/10/a-long-winter-adds-kit-connor-exclusive-1236594302/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38220998/
  54. https://www.justjared.com/2025/10/22/kit-connor-to-reunite-with-a24-warfare-co-star-dpharaoh-woon-a-tai-for-new-movie-along-with-fred-hechinger/
  55. https://variety.com/2025/film/global/heartstopper-end-with-netflix-movie-1236374703/
  56. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/heartstopper-everything-you-need-to-know
  57. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/heartstopper-movie-alice-oseman-plot-news
  58. https://www.autostraddle.com/kit-connor-queerbaiting-accusations/
  59. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/11/why-heartstopper-star-kit-connor-was-forced-to-come-out-as-bisexual
  60. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/davidmack/kit-connor-bisexual-queerbaiting-heartstopper
  61. https://www.them.us/story/heartstopper-kit-connor-deletes-twitter-queerbaiting-accusations-maia-reficco
  62. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63469444
  63. https://time.com/6227242/kit-connor-heartstopper-bisexual/
  64. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/heartstopper-star-kit-connor-says-forced-come-out-bisexual-rcna54975
  65. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/netflix-star-kit-connor-forced-amid-questions-sexuality/story?id=92498341
  66. https://thephasemag.com/2022/12/20/kit-connor-queerbaiting-accusations-biphobia/
  67. https://www.thepinknews.com/2022/11/01/kit-connor-heartstopper-bisexual-queerbaiting/
  68. https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-queerbaiting-became-weaponised-against-real-people/
  69. https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/01/entertainment/kit-connor-heartstopper-coming-out-wellness
  70. https://thredmedia.medium.com/opinion-queerbaiting-creates-unfair-pressure-on-young-celebrities-92dce515ff63
  71. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2022/11/11/kit-connor-taylor-swift-queerbaiting-accusations/8291960001/
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  76. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/jul/22/heartstoppers-kit-connor-i-wasnt-used-to-the-idea-of-millions-of-people-being-interested-in-my-private-life
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  83. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPAAo61DNsM/
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  89. https://instinctmagazine.com/kit-connor-opens-up-about-the-intrusions-that-come-with-his-fame/
  90. https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/kit-connor-says-leaving-twitter-was-the-best-decision-of-my-life-417928/
  91. https://people.com/maia-reficco-reacts-to-kit-connor-broadway-debut-exclusive-8698943
  92. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5598573/awards/
  93. https://www.instagram.com/kit.connorfanpage/p/DJr6RZrsMqm/
  94. https://www.reddit.com/r/Heartstoppercast/comments/1kfg0ww/kit_won_an_award_for_outstanding_broadway_debut/
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  100. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31434639/
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  102. https://www.screenrant.com/kit-connor-best-movies-and-tv-shows-ranked/
  103. https://www.fandango.com/people/kit-connor-132732/film-credits
  104. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2066051/
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  106. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2555406/
  107. https://www.whatsonstage.com/stage-names/kit-connor
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  109. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i-IHUMJ5cQ
  110. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29623480/
  111. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tl_5TtQQJT0
  112. https://deadline.com/gallery/the-wild-robot-voice-cast-characters/
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