Finn Cole, born Finlay Lewis J. Cole on 9 November 1995, is an English actor who has carved a distinctive path in the entertainment industry with his compelling performances on both sides of the Atlantic. He is best known for his portrayal of the ambitious and calculating Michael Gray in the acclaimed BBC period crime drama Peaky Blinders, a role that spanned the series' entire run from 2014 to 2022 and established him as a formidable talent. Cole also garnered significant recognition for his starring role as Joshua "J" Cody in the TNT crime drama Animal Kingdom, which aired from 2016 to 2022, and expanded his reach into blockbuster film territory by playing a young Jakob Toretto in the 2021 action film F9.
Cole was born in London and grew up in a family with a strong connection to the performing arts. His older brother, Joe Cole, is also an accomplished actor, and the two have shared the screen in Peaky Blinders, where Joe played the character John Shelby. Finn Cole's early interest in acting led him to pursue the craft professionally, and he made his television debut in 2014 when he was cast as Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders. The role, which began as a minor part in the second season, quickly expanded as the character evolved into a central figure in the Shelby family's empire. Cole's nuanced performance, capturing Michael's transformation from a naive young man to a ruthless businessman, earned him widespread acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
In 2016, Cole landed the lead role of Joshua "J" Cody in the American crime drama Animal Kingdom, a television adaptation of the 2010 Australian film of the same name. The series, which aired on TNT, followed the Cody family's criminal enterprise in Southern California, with Cole's character serving as the audience's entry point into their chaotic world. His portrayal of J, a teenager who moves in with his grandmother and cousins after his mother's death, showcased his ability to convey both vulnerability and steely determination. The show ran for six seasons, cementing Cole's reputation as a versatile actor capable of carrying a series. He also demonstrated his range by stepping into the high-octane world of the Fast & Furious franchise, playing a younger version of John Cena's character Jakob Toretto in F9, a role that brought him to a global audience.
Beyond his most famous roles, Cole has appeared in other projects that highlight his range, including the 2018 crime film Slaughterhouse Rulez and the 2020 thriller Here Are the Young Men. He has also collaborated with his brother on several occasions, including in the 2019 film The Last Vermeer. Throughout his career, Cole has been praised for his intense, grounded performances and his ability to hold his own alongside seasoned actors like Cillian Murphy and Ellen Barkin. As of the mid-2020s, he continues to be a sought-after talent in both television and film, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move. With a solid foundation in critically acclaimed series and a foray into major blockbusters, Finn Cole remains a rising star whose career is marked by thoughtful choices and compelling character work.