James Harkness

James Harkness

James Harkness’ journey into acting is one that is truly inspirational. Born and raised in a deprived area of Glasgow, the Gorbals, James’ teenage years were, to say the least, combative. However, following a traumatic and almost fatal attack he decided to turn his life around and follow an early passion for acting. 

He took his first steps at the Glasgow Citizens’ Youth Theatre, where he was scouted by the National Theatre. He went on to train at LAMDA, graduating in 2013. Several key onscreen roles followed, with James appearing in Silent Witness (BBC), Justin Kurzel’s big screen adaptation of Macbeth (2015) and science fiction actioner Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). He then landed parts in three award-winning feature films: Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour (2017); Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread (2018), and Tom Harper’s Wild Rose (2018). 

But perhaps James’ breakout performance came in 2019, playing the lead role of Craig Myers to great acclaim, opposite Kelly Macdonald and John Hannah, in BBC One’s primetime miniseries The Victim. On the back of this performance, he landed a lead role in Julian Fellowes’ Netflix drama The English Game, and most recently he starred alongside Martin Compson, Sophia Rundle and Mirren Mack in BBC1 surrogacy thriller The Nest. Very much in demand these days, in December James wrapped on Channel 5 series Anne Boleyn starring Jodie Turner-Smith as Anne, and is currently shooting Pablo Larrain helmed Spencer with Kristen Stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales.

Talent Agent: UK
Curtis Brown Group
curtisbrown.co.uk
+44 20 7393 4400 phone
Sam Turnbull - [email protected]