Oliver Jackson-Cohen, the British actor currently in the spotlight for his role in the BBC’s Agatha Christie adaptation Towards Zero, has had a remarkable journey.
From a challenging childhood to his breakout roles in major TV dramas and films, Oliver’s story is one of resilience, talent, and transformation.
Early Life and Childhood Struggles
Born in October 1986, Oliver Jackson-Cohen entered the world of fashion
and show business through his mother, Betty Jackson, a renowned fashion designer.
Growing up, he was often surrounded by famous figures from the fashion world, including the likes of Kate Moss and Jennifer Saunders.
Despite being immersed in an environment brimming with creativity, Oliver’s early years were not without their struggles. His family’s connections gave him a front-row seat to the glamour of the entertainment industry, but his own path would prove to be much more complicated.
Oliver attended a French-language school, yet it was his interest in acting that truly captured his heart. As a child, he was known to indulge in “dressing up and doing shows,” a hobby that would eventually shape his future career. His passion for performance was clear from a young age, but his rebellious nature led to his expulsion from the school drama group. Undeterred, Oliver pursued his love for acting through the Youngblood Theatre Company, eventually working behind the scenes at prestigious events like the Royal Variety Show, even running errands for global pop star Madonna.
However, beneath the surface of his early career, Oliver carried the weight of deep personal trauma. In a heartfelt 2017 social media post, he courageously revealed that he had been a victim of sexual abuse as a child. The revelation, part of the broader #MeToo movement, shed light on the emotional challenges Oliver faced growing up. He spoke about how the abuse left him with lasting PTSD, affecting his life in profound ways. Despite this, Oliver’s openness about his past has been a source of strength, and his message of solidarity has resonated with many who have faced similar struggles.
Career Beginnings: From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
Oliver’s acting career began at just 15 when he joined the cast of the UK soap Hollyoaks as a waiter. This early experience in front of the camera opened doors for more acting opportunities, including a role in The Time of Your Life, a popular ITV series. Despite accumulating several credits, Oliver faced rejection from London’s drama schools. However, this setback did not stop him from following his dreams. Determined to succeed, he crossed the Atlantic to study at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.
His time in the US was brief, as Oliver’s career took a major turn when he moved to Los Angeles. Although the move was overwhelming at first, he began landing significant roles, eventually appearing alongside big names such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Drew Barrymore. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that he truly made a name for himself on TV. Oliver starred in Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House, a role that garnered critical acclaim and marked the beginning of a fruitful television career.
His role in The Haunting was followed by another hit, The Haunting of Bly Manor, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. Meanwhile, his film career also flourished with notable roles in The Invisible Man (2020) alongside Elisabeth Moss, and Emily, a biographical film in which he starred alongside Sex Education’s Emma Mackey.
A Glimpse of His Personal Life and Recent Work
Oliver’s career continued to evolve, with roles in Apple TV+’s Surface and Amazon Prime’s Wilderness. However, his journey has not been without personal tragedy. In 2020, just days before the promotional tour for The Invisible Man began, Oliver’s father passed away. Despite this immense loss, Oliver powered through and continued to honor his commitment to the project, demonstrating his strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
As of March 2025, Oliver’s latest role in Towards Zero has captivated audiences. The three-part drama, based on Agatha Christie’s novel, sees him playing Neville Strange, a divorced British tennis player entangled in a murder mystery at his aristocratic aunt’s estate. The series, which also stars Anjelica Huston and Mimi Keene, marks a significant milestone in Oliver’s career, showcasing his ability to bring depth and nuance to complex characters.
In a recent press event, Oliver reflected on his gratitude for the opportunity to work on such an iconic piece of literary history. “The influence that has come from this one person, the impact that it’s left behind, it feels quite profound,” he said. “It’s such an honour to be a part of something that is history.”
Looking Forward
From a troubled childhood to his rise in Hollywood and now his starring role in Towards Zero, Oliver Jackson-Cohen has proven that resilience and talent can overcome even the darkest of pasts. His openness about his personal struggles has made him not only a talented actor but also a source of inspiration for many. As he continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, his journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the strength it takes to confront and heal from life’s hardest moments.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
