Joseph Pharoah’s rise in the acting world has been nothing short of remarkable. With a prestigious Master’s degree from the renowned East 15 Acting School in the UK, a powerful presence on stage and screen, and an enviable list of career highlights, Pharoah is proving that he is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with in the acting industry.

Pharoah’s journey into the acting world began at the age of 22 in 2008. After a friend’s recommendation, he enrolled in a short-acting camera course in London. Within a month, he landed his first commercial for the BBC and, after a year, secured his first agent. Then, Pharoah decided to pursue a formal acting education, propelling his career to new heights.

In 2012, Pharoah showcased his versatility as a performer at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Combining his classical acting training with self-taught street dancing skills, he captivated audiences as the “Undead,” performing alongside Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox. The electric atmosphere in the Olympic stadium and the knowledge that over a billion people were watching live made this experience unforgettable for Pharoah.

In addition to the London Olympics closing ceremony, Pharoah also played the lead role of “Switch” in the 2021 film The Little Weasel by award-winning director Marco Augelli. Beating out 20 other actors for the role of “Switch,” one of two brothers testing their sanity whilst trapped in an underground bunker during the apocalypse, Pharoah says of the film, “I love post-apocalyptic movies, so it was a role I was excited to play. The brothers were from the southern states, which is one of my favorite accents to portray, and the gritty vibe of the film is something that really intrigued me, so I was delighted when I was offered the part.”

Pharoah’s most recent accomplishment was securing a role in the upcoming Netflix series One Day, a 15-part adaptation of the 2011 film starring Anne Hathaway, which is set to release in 2024. Portraying the character of Andy, he shared scenes with lead actor Leo Woodall, creating an electric atmosphere on set in London. Pharoah recalls the experience as fun, with Woodall’s talent and work ethic inspiring him.  Filming on location in London provided a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that Pharoah especially cherishes as a standout moment in his career.

Another of Pharoah’s most recent acting jobs was portraying the role of the main antagonist Mr. Big in the stage performance Funny Money at the Mill at Sonning Theatre. This play was directed by British sitcom star Ron Aldridge of Only Fools and Horses fame. Pharoah’s physical stature was a major factor in his casting as Mr. Big. Aldridge was looking for an actor who could embody the character’s name, and Pharoah was the perfect choice.

Standing at 6’4″ and weight training six days a week, Pharoah’s impressive physicality sets him apart in the industry. His diverse acting capabilities, honed at drama school, make him an even more enticing prospect for casting directors. By blending his unique physical presence with his versatile acting skills, Pharoah has crafted a niche that continues generating interest and opportunities.

Yet, not everything was smooth sailing, as Pharoah has faced various challenges throughout his career, including adapting to different roles and environments. Developing a thick skin and learning from each audition, whether successful or not, has been essential to his growth as an actor. Pharoah’s determination and resilience in the face of challenges have made him a stronger performer.

One key lesson Pharoah has learned is the importance of practical acting skills. By mastering different accents and developing skills such as boxing, horse riding, or archery, he has made himself even more marketable in the industry. Pharoah emphasizes that acting is a business, and investing in diverse skills and training can give actors an edge over the competition.

Looking to the future, Pharoah’s passion for acting continues to drive him to push the boundaries of his career. While he dreams of consistently working on big projects, movies, and TV shows as a lead actor, he remains grateful for the opportunity to be paid for doing what he loves. With his unwavering dedication to hard work and perseverance, there is no doubt that Joseph Pharoah’s star will continue to rise, and his presence in the acting world will only become more significant and unstoppable.

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