Luke Newberry

Luke Newberry is an English actor born on 19 February 1990 in Exeter, Devon, best known for his leading role as Kieren Walker in the BBC Three zombie drama series In the Flesh (2013–2014), which earned him a nomination for the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor.^[1][2][3] Newberry began his acting career at the age of 11, appearing in small roles in films and television before gaining prominence with supporting parts in high-profile projects such as Sherlock (2010), Mrs Biggs (2012), Quartet (2012), and Anna Karenina (2012).^[2][4] He trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, honing his skills in classical and contemporary theatre.^[1] In addition to screen work, Newberry has built a strong stage presence, earning the Ian Charleson Award in 2018 for his portrayal of Malcolm in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth.^[5] His theatre credits include A View from the Bridge (as Rodolpho), The Merry Wives of Windsor (RSC), and When Winston Went to War with the Wireless (Donmar Warehouse).^[5] More recent roles include Monty in The Singapore Grip (2020), appearances in Gentleman Jack (2019–2022), and stage performances in A View from the Bridge (2023) and When Winston Went to War with the Wireless (2023), alongside earlier film work in The Legend of Hercules (2014) and Dusty and Me (2018), where he played the lead.^[5][4][6][7]

Personal life and background

Early life

Luke Newberry was born on 19 February 1990 in Exeter, Devon, England.^[1] He was raised by his parents alongside two older sisters, with no familial background in acting.^[8][9] Newberry grew up in a small village near Exeter, where he attended a local primary school described as "tiny," creating a contrast to his later experiences in the industry.^[8] As a creative child, he enjoyed drawing and imaginative play, such as pretending to be a stressed London commuter in his hallway, reflecting an early fascination with different personas and urban life.^[8] His interest in performing arts was sparked by his older sisters, who were involved in singing, dancing, and acting, leading him to follow suit and develop a passion for drama during his formative years.^[8] At age seven, Newberry began acting through initial local performances and secured an agent, marking the start of his engagement with the profession before any formal training.^[9][8] During his secondary education at Clyst Vale Community College in Broadclyst from 2001 to 2006, he participated in school drama activities that further nurtured his enthusiasm for acting amid the rural Devon setting.^[10] Following this, he transitioned to post-secondary studies at Exeter College.^[9]

Education

After completing his secondary education, Newberry attended Exeter College in Exeter, Devon, where he studied filmmaking, fine art, and English literature.^[11] During his time there, he took on the lead role in a college production of Hamlet, gaining early experience in classical theatre.^[11] At age 18, Newberry enrolled in the three-year BA (Hons) Professional Acting program at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a renowned conservatoire known for its intensive training in stage and screen performance.^[12] The curriculum emphasized core disciplines such as acting through text interpretation—including classical works—voice and movement training, improvisation, singing, accent and dialect work, and stage combat, all delivered in an ensemble-based environment.^[13] Students participated in progressive public performances, starting with internal ensemble pieces in the first year and advancing to full-scale productions at Bristol venues in later years, fostering collaborative skills essential for professional theatre.^[13] Newberry graduated from the program in 2011, crediting its rigorous structure with building his physical and vocal fitness, which he described as providing "essential tools" for theatre work and shaping his disciplined approach to character preparation.^[14] The school's focus on ensemble dynamics and classical techniques instilled a strong foundation in versatility, enabling him to transition effectively into professional roles requiring both emotional depth and technical precision.^[13]

Charity work

Newberry has engaged in charitable efforts focused on health-related causes and gender equality advocacy. In 2012, he participated in the British 10K London run to raise funds for the Contented Dementia Trust, a charity promoting the SPECAL method for dementia care.^[15] He completed the race in 54 minutes and 27 seconds, finishing 5,542nd out of 25,000 participants, and raised £302 for the organization.^[15] His involvement was inspired by personal experiences with his grandmother's dementia and research for a film role in a retirement home setting.^[15] Newberry publicly supported the HeForShe campaign, a UN Women initiative launched in 2014 to engage men and boys in advancing gender equality.^[16] Following Emma Watson's launch speech at the United Nations on September 21, 2014, he endorsed the campaign via social media, tweeting praise for her address with the hashtags #HeForShe and #Freedom.^[16] This statement aligned with broader celebrity backing for the effort, which aimed to mobilize global action against gender-based discrimination.^[16] His visibility as an actor has amplified these personal commitments to philanthropy, allowing him to highlight causes beyond his professional roles.^[17] Public records of his charitable activities remain limited as of 2025, with no major additional involvements documented in recent years.

Acting career

Early career

Newberry began his acting career at the age of seven, signing with an agent and making his professional debut as Jason in the short film Alone (1997).^[18][8] This early entry into the industry allowed him to balance sporadic roles with a normal childhood in his hometown of Exeter, Devon, where acting provided a creative outlet amid school life.^[8] His initial television work included the role of Charlie in the BBC thriller Thin Ice (2000), a single drama that marked one of his first on-screen appearances. By age 11, Newberry had transitioned to feature films, portraying Anthony in The Heart of Me (2002), a period drama opposite Helena Bonham Carter and Paul Bettany; the experience on set at Shepperton Studios solidified his commitment to acting as a profession.^[8] He followed this with the recurring role of Lighthouse in the BBC sitcom My Dad's the Prime Minister (2003–2004), a satirical series about family life in Downing Street.^[19] Newberry continued building experience with guest appearances, such as Luke Brown in the Doctors episode "Kiss and Tell" (2007), and a minor film part as Tom in the short It's Better Now (2008).^[20][21] In 2011, he filmed a cameo as Teddy Lupin, the son of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks, for the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, though the scene was ultimately removed from the final cut.^[22] As a teenager, Newberry enrolled at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School at age 18, completing his training in 2011.^[12] This period bridged his child acting phase to young adulthood, during which he encountered the typical hurdles of the profession, including limited opportunities for age-appropriate roles; following graduation, he spent about a year as a jobbing actor, taking on small parts while auditioning extensively.^[23] These early years honed his versatility across television, film, and the demands of transitioning from youthful ensemble casts to more independent pursuits.

Breakthrough role

Luke Newberry was cast in the leading role of Kieren Walker in the BBC Three supernatural drama In the Flesh, created by Dominic Mitchell, which premiered on 17 March 2013.^[24] The series is set in an alternate Britain following "The Rising," where the dead have returned to life as sufferers of Partially Deceased Syndrome (PDS), prompting a government rehabilitation program to reintegrate them into society using medication to suppress their hunger for flesh.^[24] Newberry portrays Kieren, a 17-year-old who, after treatment in a facility, returns to his rural hometown of Roarton, a community rife with anti-PDS prejudice from groups like the Human Volunteer Force.^[25] The show's first series consisted of three episodes, airing in March 2013, where Kieren grapples with family tensions, his past suicide attempt, and societal rejection, including masking his PDS features with flesh-colored makeup to blend in.^[26] In the second series of six episodes, broadcast from May to June 2014, Kieren's arc evolves as he confronts ongoing identity struggles, the loss of loved ones like his friend Rick and neighbor Amy, and escalating community violence against PDS sufferers, ultimately yearning for escape to pursue his artistic dreams abroad.^[27] Newberry described the role's emotional depth, noting in a 2014 interview that playing Kieren involved challenging scenes, such as confronting his reflection without makeup, which required multiple takes to capture the character's vulnerability and required technical precision in performance.^[28] In the Flesh received strong critical acclaim for its innovative take on the zombie genre, earning a 79/100 score on Metacritic based on reviews praising its focus on human drama over horror.^[25] The series was nominated for two BAFTA Television Awards in 2014, including Best Mini-Series and Best Leading Actor for Newberry's performance as Kieren, highlighting his nuanced depiction of isolation and resilience.^[29] Critics and viewers lauded its exploration of themes like LGBTQ+ representation—through Kieren's storyline involving his closeted sexuality and relationships—and mental health, using PDS as an allegory for depression, stigma, and societal prejudice against marginalized groups.^[30] The role marked a significant turning point for Newberry, elevating his profile after earlier supporting parts and earning him widespread recognition. In 2014, he reflected on the show's global resonance, stating that Kieren's journey of self-questioning connected with young audiences dealing with identity issues, and the intense fan response, including international acclaim, was a first in his career.^[27] Newberry also noted the personal fulfillment of the production, describing the four-month shoot as joyful despite its demands, and crediting the script's originality for allowing him to portray a relatable "outsider" character.^[28] This breakthrough led to his BAFTA nomination and solidified his reputation for emotionally complex roles.^[29]

Film and television highlights

Following his breakthrough role in the BBC series In the Flesh, which garnered critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination, Luke Newberry expanded his screen presence with a series of supporting roles in both film and television that highlighted his versatility in genre and historical pieces.^[1] In film, Newberry first gained notice for his portrayal of Vasily Lukich, a minor court official, in Joe Wright's adaptation of Anna Karenina (2012), where he appeared alongside Keira Knightley and Jude Law in the lavish period drama based on Leo Tolstoy's novel.^[31] He followed this with a lead role as Sacha, a young Russian soldier confronting supernatural horrors, in the Dutch-Bulgarian-American horror film Frankenstein's Army (2013), directed by Richard Raaphorst, which premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival.^[32] The next year, Newberry took on the antagonistic character of Agamemnon in the mythological action film The Legend of Hercules (2014), a U.S.-Hungarian co-production starring Kellan Lutz, emphasizing his ability to handle ensemble casts in international action-oriented historical fiction. His later film work included the lead role of Derek "Dusty" Springfield, a struggling musician, in the British comedy-drama Dusty and Me (2018), which he also executive produced and which won the Grand Prize for Best Feature at the Marina del Rey Film Festival. On television, Newberry made a brief but memorable appearance as a young policeman in the BBC series Sherlock (2012), contributing to the episode "A Scandal in Belgravia" amid its star-studded ensemble.^[33] He then starred as Harry Dunn, a soldier haunted by tragedy, in the ITV supernatural drama Lightfields (2013), a spiritual successor to Marchlands that explored intergenerational family secrets in a rural English setting. In 2015, Newberry played Josh, a law student navigating identity and relationships, in an episode of the E4 anthology series Banana, created by Russell T Davies to spotlight LGBTQ+ stories.^[34] His television career continued to evolve with the role of Monty Blackett, a young heir entangled in wartime intrigue, in the ITV period drama The Singapore Grip (2020), an adaptation of J.G. Farrell's novel set during the Japanese invasion of Singapore, produced in collaboration with PBS Masterpiece.^[35] More recently, Newberry appeared in a supporting capacity as John Harper, an architect involved in estate renovations, across two episodes of the HBO/BBC period series Gentleman Jack (2022), which chronicles the life of landowner Anne Lister.^[36] Newberry's post-2014 projects reflect a progression toward period dramas and international co-productions, often featuring themes of historical fiction, personal turmoil, and large ensemble dynamics, as seen in his work across British, American, and European productions.^[4] As of 2025, following the release of Gentleman Jack, Newberry has entered a relatively quiet period with no major screen projects released, though he is attached to the ensemble cast of the British thriller Lead Heads, directed by Giles Borg, which remains in TBA status with filming details undisclosed since its 2020 announcement.^[37]

Stage and radio work

Newberry began his stage career as a child actor, making his professional debut as Colin Craven in the Royal Shakespeare Company's revival of the musical The Secret Garden at the Aldwych Theatre in 2001.^[38] His performance as the invalid boy discovering renewal in the hidden garden was noted for its poignant vulnerability, contributing to the production's warm reception during its limited run.^[39] In 2012, Newberry portrayed Haemon, the conflicted son of Creon, in Polly Findlay's modern-dress production of Sophocles' Antigone at the National Theatre's Olivier stage.^[40] The role highlighted his ability to convey filial loyalty turning to defiance, in a staging praised for its taut exploration of civil disobedience amid a militaristic backdrop.^[41] Newberry's breakthrough in contemporary theatre came in 2015 with the lead role of Gabe, an ambitious but isolated college freshman, in Christopher Shinn's Teddy Ferrara at the Donmar Warehouse.^[42] Critics commended his portrayal of Gabe's emotional fragility and moral ambiguity in this campus drama addressing bullying and sexuality, describing his vulnerability as palpable and central to the play's charged intensity. The following year, he played Eli, a young sex worker entangled in a family's ideological turmoil, in Tony Kushner's The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures at Hampstead Theatre.^[43] Newberry's nuanced depiction of Eli brought a layer of contemporary grace to the sprawling domestic epic, with reviewers highlighting his fine-tuned emotional range in scenes probing themes of desire and economic disparity.^[44] In 2018, Newberry appeared in two Royal Shakespeare Company productions. He first took on the role of Fenton, the resourceful suitor, in The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Fiona Laird, infusing the character with youthful charm in a vibrant, comedic ensemble.^[45] Later that year, he portrayed Malcolm in Findlay's stark production of Macbeth at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, earning third place in the Ian Charleson Awards for his eloquent and composed interpretation of the prince shadowed by peril.^[46][47] His training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School notably shaped his command of live performance dynamics in these roles.^[12] Newberry has also contributed to radio drama, starting with his early role as Darbishire in BBC Radio 4's adaptation of Anthony Buckeridge's Jennings and Darbyshire in 2005.^[48] In 2017, he played Richard in Kamal Kaan's Breaking Up with Bradford, a poignant Afternoon Play exploring identity and homecoming in the titular city.^[49] The following year, he voiced Balder in BBC Radio 4's dramatization of Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, bringing mythic gravitas to the god of light amid tales of divine trickery and apocalypse.^[50] In 2024, he voiced Clifton in the eight-part audio drama Lonely No More, a sci-fi series written by Sebastian Baczkiewicz.^[51] Reflecting on the shift from stage to screen, Newberry has emphasized the enduring thrill of ensemble theatre work, noting in a 2018 interview his appreciation for long company runs like Macbeth, where the live audience fosters an immediacy distinct from filmed intimacy.^[52]

Filmography

Film

Newberry's film debut was in the short Alone (1997) as Jason. He later appeared as Anthony in the drama The Heart of Me (2002), directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan.^[18] In 2011, he portrayed Teddy Lupin in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, directed by David Yates, though his scenes were ultimately cut from the final release. His subsequent credits include the comedy Quartet (2012) as Brian, directed by Dustin Hoffman; the independent comedy 8 Minutes Idle (2012) as Jonno, directed by Chris Clark; and the period drama Anna Karenina (2012) as Vasily Lukich, directed by Joe Wright.^[32] In 2013, Newberry appeared in the horror film Frankenstein's Army as Sacha, directed by Richard Raaphorst. He played Agamemnon in the action fantasy The Legend of Hercules (2014), directed by Renny Harlin.^[53] Newberry starred as Derek "Dusty" Springfield in the comedy-drama Dusty and Me (2018), directed by Betsan Morris Evans.^[54] Upcoming projects include the drama Lead Heads (TBA), directed by Giles Borg.^[37]

Television

Newberry began his television career with a role in the single drama Thin Ice (2000), where he portrayed Charlie. He gained early recurring exposure as Lighthouse in the BBC children's sitcom My Dad's the Prime Minister (2003–2004; 11 episodes).^[19] In 2007, he appeared as Luke Brown in an episode of the medical soap opera Doctors. Newberry had guest roles in 2012, including Gordon in the ITV biographical miniseries Mrs Biggs (4 episodes) and a young policeman in the BBC episode "A Scandal in Belgravia" from Sherlock. The following year, he starred as Harry Dunn in the BBC supernatural miniseries Lightfields (5 episodes). From 2013 to 2014, Newberry led the BBC Three zombie drama In the Flesh as Kieren Walker (9 episodes).^[55] In 2014, he played Nate Turner across two episodes of the Channel 5 crime procedural Suspects. Newberry featured as Josh in the 2015 E4 LGBTQ+ anthology miniseries Banana (1 episode). That same year, he portrayed Anthony Boyce in the BBC One crime miniseries From Darkness (4 episodes). In 2016, Newberry appeared as George Smith in the BBC drama miniseries To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters (1 episode). He guest-starred as Steve Thomas in two episodes ("Man Overboard: Parts 1 & 2") of the BBC series Death in Paradise in 2017.^[56] In 2019, Newberry played John Harper in the HBO/BBC One historical drama Gentleman Jack (8 episodes). He reprised the role in season 2 (2022; 2 episodes). In 2020, he played Monty Blackett in the ITV historical miniseries The Singapore Grip (6 episodes).

Stage

Newberry began his stage career as a child performer in the West End revival of The Secret Garden at the Aldwych Theatre, where he portrayed Colin Craven.^[38] His subsequent theatre appearances include:

Radio

Newberry began his radio work in the early 2010s, contributing to adaptations and original dramas on BBC networks. His credits include a range of supporting and leading roles in literary adaptations and contemporary stories.^[66]

• 2011: Do You Like Banana, Comrades? – Ensemble cast member in this adaptation of Csaba Szekely's play about life under a totalitarian regime, BBC Radio 4.^[66][67]
• 2015: John Gabriel Borkman – Erhart Borkman, son of the disgraced banker, in Henrik Ibsen's drama, BBC Radio 4.^[68][69]
• 2015: Blood, Sex and Money (Money episode) – Maurice, in the BBC adaptation of Émile Zola's Rougon-Macquart cycle, BBC Radio 4.^[69]
• 2016: Sonnets in the City: Baba Ganoush – Lee, in Tom Wells' re-versioning of Shakespeare's sonnets set in modern Manchester, BBC Radio 3.
• 2016: Midnight at Christmas – Matt, lead in Elliott Kerrigan's magical holiday drama, BBC Radio 4.^[70]
• 2017: Breaking Up with Bradford – Richard, in Kamal Kaan's drama about family and identity in Bradford, BBC Radio 4.^[49]
• 2017: Home Front – Private Todd Merman, Canadian soldier in the World War I centenary soap opera, BBC Radio 4.^[71][72]
• 2017: Roderick Hudson – Roderick Hudson (title role), the talented but troubled sculptor, in Henry James' novel adaptation, BBC Radio 4.^[73]
• 2018: Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology – Cast member in the full-cast dramatisation of Norse gods and myths, BBC Radio 4.^[50]
• 2024: Middle Men – Ensemble cast in Sid Sagar's comedy drama about football referees, BBC Radio 4.^[74]

Music videos

Luke Newberry appeared as an actor in the music video for "Wherever I Go" by Mark Knopfler featuring Ruth Moody, released in 2015.^[75] In the video, directed by Matthias Lebeer, Newberry portrays a young man wandering through the desolate landscapes of Dungeness on the Kent coast, contemplating his existence in a narrative that unfolds against the stark North Sea backdrop.^[76] This role highlights his ability to convey introspective emotion in a short-form visual medium.^[77]

Recognition

Awards

In 2019, Luke Newberry was awarded third prize in the Ian Charleson Awards for his performance as Malcolm in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth, directed by Polly Findlay.^[47][78] The prize, worth £500 and presented by The Sunday Times in association with the National Theatre, honors emerging actors under 30 for classical roles staged in the UK during the previous year.^[78] Newberry's nuanced depiction of the conflicted prince was praised by the judges for revealing a "scarred but resilient" character amid the play's psychological turmoil.^[78]

Nominations

Newberry received several nominations and commendations early in his career, highlighting his emerging talent in television and theatre. In 2013, he was selected as one of the UK Stars of Tomorrow by Screen International, recognizing promising young actors in the British film industry.^[79] For his leading role in the BBC Three series In the Flesh, Newberry earned a nomination for the BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor in 2014.^[80] He was also nominated in the Best Performance in a Single Drama or Drama Series (Male) category at the 2014 RTS North West Centre Awards for the same role.^[81] In 2019, Newberry was shortlisted for the Ian Charleson Awards, an annual honor for outstanding performances by actors under 30 in classical plays, and placed third for his portrayal of Malcolm in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth.^[47] No major nominations followed in film festivals or other categories through 2025.