Brief Introduction of Finn Cole
Finlay Lewis J. Cole, born on November 9, 1995, is a distinguished English actor who has carved a significant niche for himself in both television and film. He is widely recognized for his compelling portrayal of Michael Gray in the critically acclaimed BBC series Peaky Blinders (2014–2022), a role that catapulted him to international fame. Cole also garnered substantial praise for his lead role as Joshua “J” Cody in the American crime drama Animal Kingdom (2016–2022). His versatility is further showcased through his work in films such as the period thriller Dreamland (2019), the action blockbuster F9 (2021), and the survival thriller Last Breath (2025). Known for his ability to portray complex characters who navigate worlds of crime and moral ambiguity, Cole has established himself as a prominent talent of his generation.
Finn Cole Overview
| Full Name | Finlay Lewis J. Cole |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1995 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Kingston, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Actor |
| Parents | Michael Cole and Elizabeth Jacquest |
| Siblings | Four brothers, including actor Joe Cole |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Marital Status | Reportedly in a relationship |
| Net Worth | Estimated at around $2 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Finn Cole
Finn Cole was born Finlay Lewis J. Cole on November 9, 1995, in Kingston, London, England. He is the fourth of five sons born to Michael Cole, who worked repairing boats, and Elizabeth Jacquest. Growing up in a bustling household in a working-class London neighborhood, Cole initially envisioned a future working on boats like his father. However, his path took a decisive turn, inspired by his eldest brother, Joe Cole, who was establishing himself as a successful actor. Witnessing his brother’s burgeoning career sparked Finn’s interest in the performing arts. At the age of 17, he joined the National Youth Theatre, a pivotal step that solidified his passion for acting. He attended Esher College, where he continued to nurture his craft. While at college, he and fellow students founded a production company called GreenTea Productions, showcasing his early entrepreneurial spirit.
Finn Cole’s Career
The first Steps and Breakthrough
Finn Cole’s entry into professional acting was facilitated by his older brother, Joe Cole. His first on-screen appearance was a small role as a riot boy in the 2012 film Offender, which also starred Joe. However, his big break came in 2014 when Joe, already a cast member of the hit BBC series Peaky Blinders, heard about the introduction of a new, younger character, Michael Gray. Joe encouraged Finn to audition, helping him tape and send his audition to his agent. Despite his initial pessimism about his chances, Finn’s talent shone through, and he landed the career-defining role of Michael Gray, the long-lost son of Polly Gray and cousin to the Shelby brothers. He joined the acclaimed series in its second season and remained a central character until its conclusion in 2022.
Stardom with ‘Animal Kingdom’ and Film Roles
While still captivating audiences in Peaky Blinders, Finn Cole achieved a new level of stardom in the United States. In 2016, he was cast in the lead role of Joshua “J” Cody in the TNT crime drama Animal Kingdom, an adaptation of the 2010 Australian film of the same name. The casting directors for Animal Kingdom were reportedly unaware of his work on Peaky Blinders, and he won the role based on a powerful audition. He played J, a teenager who moves in with his estranged, criminal relatives after his mother’s death, for all six seasons of the show, which concluded in 2022. His portrayal of J, a quiet observer who gradually becomes a formidable player in the family’s illicit activities, drew strong reviews and solidified his American fan base.
Alongside his major television commitments, Cole has built a notable film career. In 2018, he starred in the horror-comedy Slaughterhouse Rulez alongside Simon Pegg and Asa Butterfield. He took on a leading role opposite Margot Robbie in the 2019 dramatic thriller Dreamland, for which he had to lose weight to realistically portray a character living in poverty during the Dust Bowl. In 2020, he starred in the indie film Here Are the Young Men. A year later, he appeared in the blockbuster action film F9: The Fast Saga as the younger version of John Cena‘s character, Jakob Toretto. More recently, he starred in the 2023 Netflix thriller Locked In and made his stage debut in 2024 in a production of Red Speedo at the Orange Tree Theatre. In 2025, he appeared in the survival thriller Last Breath, alongside Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, a role for which he underwent two weeks of open-sea scuba training.
Finn Cole Personal Life & Family
Finn Cole comes from a large family and is the fourth of five brothers. His close relationship with his eldest brother, actor Joe Cole, has been a significant influence on his life and career. Joe was instrumental in helping Finn secure his first acting auditions, including his breakout role in Peaky Blinders, where they acted alongside each other as cousins. Finn has expressed that his family keeps him grounded. He is known for being private about his personal life. As of mid-2025, there are widespread but unconfirmed reports that he is engaged to actress Florence Pugh. The speculation began in late 2023 and intensified after Cole was seen with Pugh’s family at the premiere of her film Thunderbolts in April 2025 and supported her theatre work on social media. Neither Cole nor Pugh has publicly confirmed the engagement rumors. Prior to these reports, there were no public records of past relationships.
Awards and Achievements of Finn Cole
While Finn Cole has not yet received major industry awards, his work has been part of critically acclaimed and popular productions. His performances in Peaky Blinders and Animal Kingdom have garnered him significant recognition and a strong fan following. The success of these shows has established him as a respected actor in both the UK and the US.
- Nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast of a drama series for his work on Peaky Blinders.
Finn Cole Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Finn Cole’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His wealth has been primarily accumulated through his successful acting career. His role as Michael Gray in the later seasons of the highly popular BBC drama Peaky Blinders was a significant source of income, with estimates suggesting he could have earned between £20,000 to £40,000 per episode. His lead role as Joshua “J” Cody in the American series Animal Kingdom for six seasons also contributed substantially to his earnings. Additionally, his roles in feature films such as F9: The Fast Saga, Dreamland, and Slaughterhouse Rulez have added to his income, with estimated earnings for these film roles ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 each, depending on the production.
Legacy and Influence
Finn Cole has built a reputation for portraying complex, often morally ambiguous characters who are outsiders drawn into dangerous family dynamics. His roles as Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders and J Cody in Animal Kingdom share thematic similarities, with both characters starting as innocents who become increasingly ruthless and integral to their respective crime families. This has led to him being seen as an actor capable of delivering nuanced performances that blend vulnerability with a chilling, silent intensity. His acting influences include cinematic greats from films like The Godfather, and he has spoken about his fascination with the dynamics of power. His work has been praised by high-profile fans of Peaky Blinders, including the late David Bowie and Snoop Dogg.
Interesting Facts about Finn Cole
- Growing up, he wanted to repair boats for a living, just like his father.
- He is a skilled musician and plays the guitar, citing blues legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters as influences.
- During his school days, he was a keen rugby player but had to give up the sport due to the risk of injury affecting his acting career.
- He is an animal lover, with a particular fondness for dogs and cats.
- In addition to acting, he has experience as a producer, having staged a play called Immortal in 2015.
- He co-founded a production company, GreenTea Productions, with friends from Esher College.
- To prepare for his role in the 2019 film Dreamland, he lost a significant amount of weight through a 16-8 fasting diet and regular workouts.
- He had to perform intense underwater scenes for the 2025 film Last Breath, which required extensive training with professional divers.
Controversies
Finn Cole has maintained a professional public image and has not been involved in any major controversies. He is known for his dedication to his craft and for keeping his personal life private.
Social Media Presence
Finn Cole is active on social media, where he connects with his large fan base. He often shares behind-the-scenes photos from his projects and glimpses into his life.
- Instagram: He has a significant following on Instagram (@finn_cole), where he posts updates on his work and personal interests.
- Twitter (X): He joined Twitter in August 2011 and uses the platform to engage with fans and share his thoughts.
Final Words about Finn Cole
Finn Cole’s journey from a London teenager inspired by his brother to an internationally recognized actor is a testament to his talent and dedication. With two major television series, Peaky Blinders and Animal Kingdom, defining his early career, he has successfully transitioned into a versatile film actor capable of tackling a range of genres from action blockbusters to intense thrillers and stage productions. His focus on challenging roles and compelling stories suggests a long and varied career ahead. As he continues to take on new projects and explore different facets of his craft, Finn Cole remains a compelling and dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, with his future plans keenly watched by both audiences and critics.
